THE midfield terminal building at Abu Dhabi International Airport is set to commence operations in early November, further enhancing the emirate's status as a prominent hub for global trade and commerce, reports The National News.

Rebranded as Terminal A, this new facility is designed to cater to a capacity of up to 45 million passengers annually, with the ability to handle 11,000 travellers per hour and accommodate 79 aircraft simultaneously, as announced by the state-owned operator, Abu Dhabi Airports.

"As Abu Dhabi's new gateway to the world, Terminal A is an embodiment of Abu Dhabi Airports' commitment to support the emirate's sustainable economic development," said Abu Dhabi Airports chairman Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad.

"The opening of the facility, which is on par with the largest and grandest on our planet, turns over a new page in Abu Dhabi's 55-year aviation history. A beacon of modernity and sophistication, it will be a pivotal driver for our emirate's growth by spurring tourism and trade."

Terminal A is one of the largest airport terminals in the world and will increase Abu Dhabi International Airport's passenger and cargo capacity.