Zayed International Airport is the primary international gateway for Abu Dhabi, capital of the United Arab Emirates. Opened under its current name in November 2023 after a decade-long expansion, it replaced the former Abu Dhabi International Airport terminal and is operated by Abu Dhabi Airports as the main hub for Etihad Airways.

During the Iran-Israel-US conflict, the airport became a direct casualty of Iran's retaliatory strikes against UAE territory. One person was killed and seven injured when Iranian missiles hit the facility on 1 March 2026, one of the most significant civilian infrastructure strikes of the conflict.

Four months on, Zayed remains open and largely functional. Following a 14 July European Union Aviation Safety Agency bulletin, thirteen foreign airlines extended their suspension of flights to the UAE, Bahrain, Kuwait and Qatar through October, yet Etihad Airways continued flying most of its network from the airport as of 20 July, cancelling only its Kuwait and Bahrain services. Foreign carriers pulling back while the home carrier holds its schedule shows how national airlines absorb war risk that international operators will not.

Common Questions

Reference

Where is Zayed International Airport located?

It is the main international gateway for Abu Dhabi, capital of the United Arab Emirates.Source: Lowdown reporting

Is Zayed International Airport the same as Abu Dhabi International Airport?

Yes. Abu Dhabi International Airport was renamed Zayed International Airport in November 2023 following a major expansion and terminal upgrade. The IATA code AUH remains unchanged.Source: Abu Dhabi Airports

What is Zayed International Airport?

Zayed International Airport is the main international airport serving Abu Dhabi, capital of the United Arab Emirates. Opened under its current name in November 2023 after a major expansion, it is the primary hub for Etihad Airways.Source: Abu Dhabi Airports

Why did foreign airlines suspend flights to the UAE in July 2026?

A 14 July European Union Aviation Safety Agency bulletin led thirteen foreign airlines to extend suspensions of flights to the UAE, Bahrain, Kuwait and Qatar through October, citing Gulf War risk.Source: Lowdown reporting

Is Etihad Airways still flying from Zayed International Airport?

Yes. As of 20 July 2026 Etihad continued flying most of its network from Zayed, cancelling only its Kuwait and Bahrain services.Source: Lowdown reporting

How many people were killed in the strike on Zayed International Airport?

One person was killed and seven injured when Iranian missiles hit the airport on 1 March 2026.Source: Lowdown reporting

How does Zayed Airport compare to Dubai International Airport?

Dubai International Airport is significantly larger by passenger volume, but Zayed serves as Abu Dhabi's main gateway and Etihad's home hub. Both airports operated during the 2026 Iran conflict, though only Zayed was struck.Source: Lowdown

Was Zayed International Airport attacked by Iran?

Yes. During the 2026 Iran-Israel-US conflict, Iranian retaliatory strikes hit Zayed International Airport in Abu Dhabi. One person was killed and seven were injured.Source: Lowdown

How many people died in the Zayed Airport strike?

One person was killed and seven others were injured when Iranian missiles struck Zayed International Airport during the 2026 conflict.Source: Lowdown

Source Material

Abu Dhabi opens new airport terminal in tourism, trade push Zayed International Airport — Abu Dhabi Airports Zayed International Airport — Wikipedia