AUH · Abu Dhabi · Terminal Terminal A
Etihad Airways Check-in at Zayed International Airport
Etihad Airways departs from Terminal Terminal A at Zayed International Airport. Online check-in opens 30h before departure.
Etihad Airways check-in rules at AUH
Step-by-step at Zayed International Airport
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Check in online
Open the Etihad Airways app or website 30 hours before departure. Save the boarding pass to your phone wallet.
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Arrive at Terminal Terminal A
Etihad Airways flights at AUH depart only from Terminal Terminal A. Allow 150 minutes from arrival to gate.
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Drop off bags at Terminal A main hall
Bag-drop 4 hours before departure, closes 60 minutes before departure. Self-service kiosks available.
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Clear security
Submit your wait time on the airport page above to help others. Standard liquids rule: 100 ml in a single transparent bag.
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Walk to gate Terminal A — A380 and 787 typically gates A-zone, others B/C/D
Allow 10–25 minutes (Terminal A is huge) from security to your gate. Boarding starts 60 minutes before departure; gate closes 20 minutes before.
Boarding Etihad Airways at AUH
Terminal Terminal A notes
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Typical gates
Etihad Airways flights typically depart from gates Terminal A — A380 and 787 typically gates A-zone, others B/C/D.
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Walk time
Expect 10–25 minutes (Terminal A is huge) from security to the furthest gate.
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Eat & shop
Terminal A has extensive food court (Arabic, Italian, Asian), multiple high-end boutiques (Hermès, Louis Vuitton), Wadi Adventure-themed kids' area.
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Lounges
Etihad First Class Lounge & Spa (First Apartment / Residence — flagship), Etihad Business Lounge (Business + Etihad Guest Platinum/Gold). Both at Terminal A.
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Family / accessibility
Family priority lane. Stroller drop at gate. Etihad offers free children's amenity bags; nursery rooms throughout Terminal A.
Known issues at AUH with Etihad Airways
US pre-clearance adds 60–90 minutes
Problem: AUH offers full US Customs pre-clearance — but it adds significant pre-departure time.
Solution: Allow 4 hours total at AUH for US flights. Once cleared, arrive in the US as a domestic passenger (much faster).
Terminal A is one of the world's largest
Problem: 742,000 m² single terminal — walks from check-in to far gates can take 25+ minutes.
Solution: Use moving walkways. Gate is announced post-security; check status on Etihad app.
Estimate your EU 261 compensation
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