Abu dhabi airport

[Wryka]

Didn't know where to post this so put in here hopefully ok with the mods.

I'm looking to come over maybe as soon as this week - getting fed up with the snow over here. The only sensibly priced flights have a stop over in Abu Dhabi airport for about 2 hours each way. This would be fine on my own but as I've got an ankle biter of 4 years old I need to know what the airport has in terms of things to do ie. shopping and general wondering about for about a couple of hours. If anybody can help cheers in advance.

Wryka

[Randy Cornhole]

Hi Wryka, The airport has a small shopping area set over two floors. But im afraid not much else. Two hours with a wee one would I suspect be a bit of a chore but there is/was a childs bookshop so who knows...

[STEVE G]

I've flown through there a few times and it's not a very large terminal.
There is a bit of duty-free shopping and a coffee shop sort of affair but not a lot else.
I always use the small piano bar that is hidden away off the staircase between the two levels, but if you've a child to entertain you wont even be able to do that!

[Big Boy]

I've transited through there twice - absolutely nothing to do for an ankle snapper. But 2 hours each way shouldn't give much chance for boredom. By the time you freshen up in the toilets and get your bearings, it'll be time to start boarding again.

[Francois]

This would be fine on my own but as I've got an ankle biter of 4 years old I need to know what the airport has in terms of things to do ie. shopping and general wondering about for about a couple of hours. If anybody can help cheers in advance.

Wryka

Hi Wryka,

Things have changed. The old small muhroom shaped terminal (T1) has been replaced by a new, pleasant one (T3), with lots of shops and food places (January 2009). Waiting rooms are nice.

More infos here :

http://cjoint.com/?bkrRhHtja2

[Big Boy]

That's certainly a lot different to the Abu Dhabi I know.

[STEVE G]

I must admit I haven't been through the new terminal, only the old flying saucer thing.

[chopsticks]

Yes, it's fit for purpose .... lots of chrome and marble like many others in the Middle East. Changi remains my #1 choice though for staying anything more than a few hours.

[Wryka]

Cheers for the help guys - like it was said - not too long to wait and probably the change of scenery from the inside of a plane will help take her mind off the wait at least she can watch all the guys walking around in table clothes. No offence intended - just in case.

Wryka

[Big Boy]

2 hours each way will soon pass. I've had many longer stopovers with my son as he was growing up. Believe me, it was never a problem. It's nice to stretch your legs a bit as well.

[Francois]

2 hours each way will soon pass. I've had many longer stopovers with my son as he was growing up. Believe me, it was never a problem. It's nice to stretch your legs a bit as well.

I like this stopover. Middle East is roughly halfway between Bangkok and Paris. We stopped there with our grandchildren (3, 5 & 8 ). This cuts the trip in two parts and as BB said it helps to stretch your legs...

[London Boy]

I live here in Abu Dhabi (when not in Hua Hin) and to let you know Terminal 3 is only for Etihad Airways, so if your flying them then great othrwise it will be Teminal 2 (very crowded). Also be aware that not all airlines will let you leave the plane in Abu Dhabi during your stop so check with them.

[drdod]

good post by londonboy.

ive flown on more than a few flights there.as staited etihad excellent.

half hour shopping good.

but i sure wouldnt want to spend any time with kids.

never yet found a seat, always the floor.

drdod

[PET]

This is all a far cry from when I first flew into Abu Dhabi ( 1964)

The runway had no tarmac, the planes were props and the airport building was the size of a large bungalow.

Progress I suppose.

[drdod]

hi nice to read that you have been flying for 45years and sure is progress

its amazing what billions of ponds from oil can do !.

although i do like Etihad

drdod