Abu Dhabi, Nov 21 (IANS/WAM): Airport authorities on Saturday announced several key capacity expansion initiatives at the Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH) that will significantly improve overall operational efficiency.

These projects, in cooperation with Siemens, are part of the upgrade of the baggage handling system at the capital of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) capital’s airport, aimed at increasing its capacity and ensuring it is equipped with the right infrastructure needed to cope with the expected passenger growth.

In Terminal 1, Siemens is adding new baggage conveyor lines and a fully automated hold baggage screening system, along with explosives trace detection equipment (ETD). In Terminal 3, upgrades include doubling of check-in capacity and expansion of the baggage sorting areas.

Siemens has successfully completed several projects at Abu Dhabi International Airport including the delivery of a new transfer baggage facility in Terminal 3 and installation of baggage handling system for the first US pre-clearance terminal in the Middle East.

Abu Dhabi International Airport is one of the fastest growing airport hubs in the world, currently serving over 103 destinations in 56 countries, and in 2014 over 20 million passengers used AUH as their origin, destination or transit point for international or domestic flights. 

An anticipated 30 million passengers are expected to use the airport in 2017.