​Abu Dhabi’s Midway Terminal to set ‘benchmark’ for airport dining

Abu Dhabi’s new Midway Terminal will set the benchmark for airport dining going forward, Abu Dhabi Airports said Wednesday following the awarding of concessionaire contracts to four food and beverage retailers.

Emirates Leisure Retail, HMSHost International, Lagardere Capital and SPP will bring world exclusive dining options to the terminal, including celebrity chef inspired outlets.

“The F&B offering at the MTB will challenge the very perception of F&B retailing in an airport environment thus far,” said Abu Dhabi Airports chief executive Mohamed Mubarak Al Mazrouei.

The four were selected based on the themes of customisaiton, casualisation, personalisaiton and Arabian hospitality.

Over 80 concessionaires submitted more than 250 brands to the airport when the process began in April 2015.

“Bidders were required to produce spectacular and innovative ideas that would put an emphasis on enhancing passenger experience above all else,” the company said.

Retailers will have 11,300 square metres of dining space to work with in the terminal, which will host national carrier Etihad Airways and its partners.

The Midfield Terminal will increase Abu Dhabi International Airport’s capacity to 45 million passengers a year.

In 2015, 23.3 million passengers used Abu Dhabi as their origin, destination, or transit point.

Airport operators in the region are increasing their emphasis on food and beverage options to provide unique dining experiences for passengers.

In March, a casual dining concept by celebrity chef Wolfgang Puck and the first airport location of The Noodle House were among the openings at Dubai International’s new Concourse D.

Read: Wolfgang Puck restaurant among new openings at Dubai International Concourse D