Abu Dhabi Airport

Transited through Abu Dhabi to and from Europe on a recent trip. Terminal Three is very modern and clean but badly laid out and crowded. Security was quick but the duty free area was very small. It states on the airport website that there are showers. When I arrived I found that the showers were the equivalent to the ones in changing rooms. How are passengers supposed to know to bring their own towel/soap etc. The customer service is very inefficient. I was redirected several times when asking for the gate for my flight to Larnaca.

MAN-AUH-MEL return. Passed through T3 on the outward leg but had to switch from T3 to T1 on the return. Both Terminals were clean and bright with good facilities. Seating is at a premium but was to be found. The only frustration was that we arrived and left from adjacent gates in T3 on our outward leg but had to walk miles at the upper level to go through security to descend to the lower departure level. The only reason for this that I could see was to ensure that you went through the duty-free shopping area. The return arrangements meant we had to switch from T3 to T1 but staff were on hand to direct you and it was all quite painless. My first experience of UAE and I would not hesitate to use the airport again.

I found the signage between Terminal 1 and 3 to be very poor with no indication of which terminal certain flights depart from. Not enough toilets in T3 is another issue however free internet was a bonus though.

Appalling experience in Terminal 1. There was no restaurants operating. The only food/drink outlet Starbucks was overwhelmed and ran out of most food items. Seating inadequate.

Hot muggy 34 degrees at 2am in the morning and no Air conditioning. We felt like we were in a sauna. Plus I don't understand why we need to go through about 3 separate security points when on a connecting flight. 1 is fine but 3? We haven't left the airport we just got off the plane and we are going on a connecting flight and we were already screened at Heathrow which has very strict security protocols. The wifi is slower than dial up Internet. Terminal 1 is weird the whole place from floor to ceiling is tiled like a bathhouse no windows. Terminal 3 is better because it is modern with floor to ceiling glass so it feels open. I don't know what Abu Dhabi will do to improve their staff because they aren't friendly helpful.

Was impressed with the staff at T3 I have always found that a smile helps. I was treated with courtesy at all times - even passport control officer wished me a pleasant stay. Upon departure there was a long queue for economy check in and I was asked if I would like to check in on the First Class desk to save me waiting.

The airport is small overcrowded and needs improvement. The seating is limited. At some gates if you clear the security then you cannot use the restrooms! The air conditioning was barely adequate for the heat and the crowds. The signage is poor. The signs are parallel to the gates but one walks perpendicular to those signs. The staff were a bit gruff and impatient.

Passed through a couple of times - T1 to T3 connection and another connection within T3. 2 hour connections both ways so no problems. T1 is a crowded dump. Signage is poor in both terminals and T3 is a 10-minute walk. Transit Security seemed pretty disorganised but only took a few minutes. T3 had plenty Duty Free Shops with prices similar to DXB. Eating options were adequate and no problems finding toilets. Air conditioning was a bit brutal and there appeared to be plenty of cold people in the middle of the night. Biggest criticism for me were the dreadful flight information screens which are tiny and only covered departures up to 45 minutes ahead - you didn't know which gate to go to and the single information desk wasn't even manned. On balance I think I prefer AUH to DXB for a 2 hour transit - at least AUH is built on a human scale.

I have used this airport on a number of occssions but until recently did not see how bad it is. I usually go from the plane to the transit hotel to the lounge and then to the plane. But this time I was unfortunately travelling economy and experience the nightmare of Abu Dhabi - it is just a bad airport with staff not really knowing what they are doing saying "yes you can find a trolley around the corner" I nearly walked to London and did not find one. The transfer between terminals is a nightmare with no rationale between what you should do - and with the upgrading in Terminal One the problem is worse. And don't get me started on the rude staff who are the transit hotel. Avoid this airport for your sanity alone.

On arrival at Abu Dhabi airport from Heathrow we were shocked to see a small area of poor quality overcrowded seating and just a shabby very expensive cafe. Other than this there were some duty free shops. There was a general shortage of toilet facilities. All very depressing when you know you will be spending 6 hours there on your return journey. Etihad might have nice lounges for business and first class passengers but these facilities are not available to economy class passengers. The security check point for transfer passengers was heaving with queues of people and we found it very confusing. When I reached the front of the queue they sent me away because I was missing a tag? On our return journey we paid to use the "Hotel Lounge" which was worth every penny.