OREANDA-NEWS. As the holiday season is fast approaching, Abu Dhabi International Airport is getting ready for its busiest ever summer. 1,504 flights will depart from Abu Dhabi each week, 22% more than in the previous year (2014: 1,233).

New destinations available to passengers this summer include Johannesburg in South Africa, Madrid in Spain, Venice in Italy, Pune in India, Entebbe in Uganda and Edinburgh in Scotland (due to commence on 8th June) as well as direct flights to Brisbane in Australia. Etihad Airways alone has increased its weekly schedule by 68 flights, with 963 flights taking off to destinations all around the world, compared with 895 flights per week in the summer of 2014.

More aircraft will fly this summer to India, Pakistan and Bangladesh, with 49 additional flights per week to Indian destinations Pune, Mangalore, Ahmedabad, Kozhikode, Kochi, Delhi and Hyderabad, 5 additional flights per week to Pakistan, and two extra flights per week to Bangladesh. Certain other routes around the world, such as Hong Kong, Milan, Seychelles, Melbourne, Jeddah & Riyadh and Tehran, will also see increased frequencies.

Passengers travelling to, from, or via Abu Dhabi International Airport during the summer will be able to enjoy the various new facilities which have been added this year as part of its commitment to offer world class experience to its passengers.  The Duty Free space in Terminal 3 has been refurbished ahead of the busy season. A new Souk area has also been opened in Terminal 3, housing local perfumes and jewelry brands. In addition, a range of new retail brands will also make their debuts at the airport, including Sephora cosmetics, Police sunglasses and Lambretta watches.

A new Art Gallery has been installed in Terminal 3 near the bus gates, under the name of "The Art Hub", displaying bespoke pieces of local art ready to buy - a unique collection that's received social media coverage and a lot of positive feedback from Abu Dhabi Airport passengers.

In parallel, passengers will enjoy an array of promotions and competitions tailored to their likings, and will have a chance to win a Maseratti Ghibli while shopping at Abu Dhabi Duty Free. Finally, for the first time in the Middle East, there will be a Pavan Henna bar, allowing passengers to have henna professionally applied in a comfortable and convenient environment.

The Terminal 3 food court refurbishment has also been completed whereby a world class offer of International and Regional brands provides travellers with the widest choice ranging from the Montreux Jazz Cafe, the CNN cafe, Camden food Co, Burger King, O'Leary's bar, Negroni, Shawarmanji and Yum Cha.

Eng. Mohamed Mubarak Al Mazrouei, Chief Executive Officer of Abu Dhabi Airports, said: "Abu Dhabi International Airport continues to push the boundaries as it gears up for another record summer.  The investment we have made in increasing capacity will allow passengers to enjoy the best possible experiences, as they will be able to move more easily through the airport and spend more time enjoying the world class facilities we have on offer.

"The rise in our passenger numbers and increase of routes to, from or via Abu Dhabi is a reflection of the ongoing growth and success of our National Carrier, Etihad Airways. Abu Dhabi International Airport is truly becoming a world class transportation hub. We will continue to strive in introducing new brands, innovative promotional and marketing activities to further meet our customer's expectations".