Seems like Abu Dhabi’s Zayed International Airport is trending for all the right reasons!

A travel creator recently put the airport to the test, timing an arrival from plane to curb. The results are in, and they just might surprise you.

The arrival time was documented

Travel guru @loungeguru, who is known for reviewing airport lounges and premium cabins, posted a the viral video on IG and TikTok showing his arrival at the capital’s new terminal, where he stepped off an Etihad 787 and timed himself all the way to the exit.

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The total time to get through the entire airport was 11 minutes and six seconds!

It’s all about the design and efficiency

The travel guru had nothing but praise for the airport. he mentioned there were no shortcuts or vip treatment involved, just a well-designed terminal, great e-gates, and smooth passenger flow.

He also complimented the terminal’s layout, fast immigration process, and easy-to-understand signs. According to him, it was one of the easiest airport arrival experiences ever! He even noted that the baggage claim area looked organized, though he didn’t need to use it.

@loungeguru No shortcuts. No VIP service. No checked bags. Just a ridiculously well-designed terminal, seamless eGates, and the kind of flow every airport should aim for. I decided to time my arrival at Abu Dhabi’s new Zayed International Airport—from the moment I stepped off the Etihad 787 plane to the moment I exited the terminal. Result: Exactly 11 mins! Crazy. Thats almost as good as Singapore’s Changi Abu Dhabi’s new Zayed International Airport is hands down one of the fastest and smoothest airport experiences I’ve ever had. The immigration process was near-instant thanks to eGates, the terminal signage is super clear, and the walk from the gate to passport control felt surprisingly short for a brand-new terminal of this scale. Even the baggage area (though I didn’t check a bag this time) looked well-organized and calm. If this is what the future of airport travel looks like, I’m here for it. #ZayedInternationalAirport #AbuDhabiAirport #AUH #ZayedTerminal #AirportDesign #TravelEfficiency #MiddleEastAirports #TravelBlogger #AviationLife #AirportExperience #PlaneToExit #AbuDhabi #uae #zayedairport #airport #avgeek #aviation #ابوظبي ♬ original sound – Lounge Guru

The tech has enhanced the speed

This speed wasn’t just by chance. In 2024, Abu Dhabi airports and the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Ports Security (ICP) launched a high-tech biometric smart travel system at Zayed International Airport.

In the same year, the ICP also launched the ‘UAE Fast Track’ app, which allows first-time visitors to pre-register their information for easier egate use upon arrival!

If you’re flying into the UAE for the first time through Zayed International Airport, using the app might just get you through the airport as quick!