Etihad Opens Flagship Premium Lounges at New Abu Dhabi Terminal A

Fresh off the official launch of the huge Terminal A at Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH), Etihad Airways opened the doors to its new flagship lounges in the terminal on Monday, November 6, 2023.

“The lounge is a hugely important aspect of our guests’ journey and we wanted to curate an impressive experience that will leave them wanting to fly again soon,” Etihad CEO Antonoaldo Neves said in a press release.

The carrier’s new lounges take up parts of 3 floors on the north side between Pier C and Pier D and include several restaurants.

Etihad’s New First and Business Lounges in Abu Dhabi

Etihad passengers flying in The Residence or first or business class can enter the lounge, as can those with eligible status in the Etihad Guest frequent flyer program. Economy flyers can buy access to the business class lounge for $120 or 16,000 Etihad Guest miles, subject to availability.

The business class lounge features:

• All-day, informal international dining
• A rooftop lounge with a cocktail bar and an international hot and cold buffet
• Several self-serve snack and drinks stations
• Relaxation rooms with day beds
• 18 shower suites
• A games room with foosball, air hockey, and video games
• A family room with activities for younger children
• A smoking lounge with sofas
• Prayer rooms with washing areas
• Direct access to 3 Etihad gates in Terminal A
• Views of the runway from the East and West Studies

In addition, the first class lounge has:

• A dedicated lobby
• A private elevator to the rooftop lounge
• Its own Emirati and international dining room with à la carte meals and a special wine list
• A parlor with pastries, desserts, and tea and coffee, including a selection of tea ceremonies
• Private suites, complimentary for those flying in The Residence (other first class lounge guests must make reservations)

Premium Etihad passengers flying from AUH can pre-book chauffeur services with the airline. That includes access on arrival to the Etihad Chauffeur Lounge, which includes showers, snacks, and drinks.

Etihad’s Move to Terminal A

By opening the new flagship lounges, Etihad is pushing along its plans to transfer over almost all its operations at AUH from Terminal 3 to the new terminal, with the bulk of the move to take place between November 9 and November 14, 2023.

Etihad flew a first ceremonial flight out of Terminal A on October 31, 2023, but Etihad flights out of AUH were still departing from Terminal 3 as of November 6. (If you’re flying through AUH on Etihad during the transition period, check with the airline’s dedicated webpage on the move to make sure you know where you’re supposed to go.)

Encompassing nearly 8 million square feet, Terminal A, which was previously called Midfield Terminal, took $3 billion, 11 years, and a number of delays to complete. It’s intended to house departure and arrival gates for 28 airlines by the time it’s fully operational.

Final Thoughts

Flying in a premium cabin with Etihad is a bucket-list item for many travelers, and now the ground experience has gotten even better thanks to the opening of the carrier’s new flagship lounges at its home airport. When its move to the brand-new Terminal A is complete, Etihad will have a state-of-the-art home at one of the world’s newest terminal complexes.