From innovative passenger processing systems to reading libraries and moonlight check-in, there's a lot going on at Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH) this summer to keep travelers comfortable and make their journeys more enjoyable. The ‘Smart Travel' system, installed earlier this year, has changed the speed and ease of passenger processing at AUH. The initiative, which was implemented in partnership with the Ministry of Interior and Abu Dhabi Police, allows passengers to check-in and move through immigration and security interacting exclusively with cutting-edge technology, in five easy steps. With 25 E-registration stands, 58 E-gates, and 76 Self boarding gates located in Terminals 1 and 3, the ‘Smart Travel' system has decreased airport processing time by up to 70%, making journeys more efficient and hassle free. To date, 2,163,608 passengers have been registered in the ‘Smart Travel' system since its launch in March this year. Passengers can also utilize baggage drop facilities at Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC), City Check-in in Abu Dhabi, and at Al Ain International Airport, 24 hours before departure. Reading initiatives As part of the nation-wide ‘Year of Reading' initiative under the directive of H.H. Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE and Ruler of Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi Airports has launched its ‘Read & Rise' campaign at AUH. The airport now has 20 mobile libraries at the departure gates in Terminals 1 and 3 as well as one of the region's first airport libraries, in the link between the two terminals. Books are available in several languages to cater to the diverse passenger demographic flying through AUH every day. In a move that will delight fans of Harry Potter, the next installment in the series, the long-awaited Harry Potter and the Cursed Child from J.K. Rowling, will be launched at WHSmith and Relay in Terminal 3 on 31st July, alongside special offers on books throughout the summer, in support of the ‘Year of Reading'. Etihad Airways' moonlight check-in The UAE's national airline is offering special moonlight check-in incentives to travelers flying from AUH on Etihad Airways operated services. Moonlight check in is available up to 24H prior to departure for passengers who check-in between 1am-6am and 1pm-6pm in advance of their flight. Passengers are eligible to receive a collection of incentives, including 5kgs of additional checked baggage per guest, a 2,500-mile Etihad Guest voucher per guest, and 1 hour of free parking in the SkyPark Plaza Car Park that can be claimed via the presentation of a boarding pass-style voucher. Moonlight check-in takes place in the SkyPark Plaza Car Park on the entrance level, opposite Terminal 3 at AUH, and runs from 20th June to 22nd July. The campaign saw more than 4,500 guests check-in during moonlight hours in 2015. Enhancing the traveler experience at AUH As part of Abu Dhabi Airports' drive to enhance the traveler experience at AUH, UAE nationals can utilize the airport's Immigration Office to renew their passports in just 30 minutes! Nationals and expat residents can also settle any traffic fines at the airport's Justice Department office prior to departing from Abu Dhabi. Across AUH the number of sleeping pods has tripled, the newly-refurbished Airport Hotel "Aerotel" has been re-opened, and luxury ground transportation vehicles are now available for arriving passengers in an exclusive partnership with Mitcheri. The all-new extension lounge in the VIP Terminal also offers partitioned spaces for passenger privacy at attractive prices. Furthermore, travelers can benefit from the airport's recently installed way-finding kiosks that can be activated with the scan of a boarding pass, indicating important passenger departure information including routes to boarding gates and time of boarding. Tosa Spa in Terminal 1, the children's play area in Terminals 1 and 3, baggage wrap services, and Travelex services will also remain available throughout the summer season. Coupled with several traditional exhibits during the Holy Month of Ramadan, including Henna artists, Sougha weavers, and Maatouk coffee, guests at AUH are set for both an enjoyable and comfortable guest experience. Connectivity on touchdown Mobile connectivity for arriving passengers at AUH has been made easier with the addition of 24-hour Etisalat & DU kiosks in the airport's Arrival Hall. Passengers can purchase a UAE Etisalat SIM card, e-Life products and also settle their bills, or re-register their accounts. Mohammed Al Katheeri, Acting COO of Abu Dhabi Airports, said: "Abu Dhabi International Airport remains dedicated to giving its millions of passengers a world-class travel experience year-round. With the summer upon us, we've made sure that we are prepared for a larger volume of travelers and that those using Abu Dhabi International Airport will get the most out of our top quality facilities, retail offers and F&B delights. We will continue to infuse innovation into our brands, promotions and marketing activities to cater to the increasingly diverse expectations of our passengers." — SG
