“We are looking and screening a number of opportunities,” said Mohammed Khalifa Al Mazrouei, chairman Abu Dhabi Airport Company (ADAC), while briefing the media on the soft launch of Abu Dhabi International Airport’s second runway and terminal three dedicated to Etihad Airways.

He said that ADAC operates two airports while the Al Bateen airport has been converted into a dedicated facility for executive jet aviation sector. Sir Bani Yas Island airport would be the fourth facility in the emirate, which would soon be opened up for tourism business.

Abu Dhabi International Airport’s Dh1billion worth 4100 metre long second runway was yesterday opened to air traffic. The work on the project began in May 2006 and included the development of the airstrip, two major taxi-ways, two cross-field taxi-ways and two fire stations.

According to Al Mazrouei the new runway forms a key part of ADAC’s plan to increase total capacity at the airport that will culminate with the construction and completion of the midfield terminal facility.He also announced that operations at new Terminal-3 facility have commenced.

Al Mazrouie said that the next phase will see passengers checking in through Terminal-3, with a final phase expected to encompass the opening of a full duty free retail and food and beverage village early in the New Year.

The second runway and the new Terminal-3 developments are part of a $8.5 billion large-scale development programme to transform Abu Dhabi International Airport into a world-class gateway airport.

ADIA’s masterplan include the construction of a new air traffic control complex and the 500,000 sq metre MTC complex, in addition to extensive cargo and maintenance facilities.

An extensive business park and logistics warehousing are under construction with Phase I set to be ready by early next year.