UAE-Germany travel: Etihad flight marks historic first take-off from Frankfurt Airport’s new Terminal 3
Early morning flight departs for Abu Dhabi with special ceremony
ABU DHABI – Etihad Airways became the first airline to depart from Frankfurt Airport’s newly opened Terminal 3 this week, marking a significant milestone for both the carrier and the airport.
Flight EY122 took off for Abu Dhabi at 10:30 hours local time, inaugurating operations from the state-of-the-art terminal.
At the controls was Captain Majed Al Marzouqi, the airline’s Chief Operations and Guest Officer, who served as the operating captain for the flight.
Before departure, a ribbon-cutting ceremony was held at the gate, attended by Captain Majed and Dr Pierre Dominique Prümm, Chief Technical Officer of Fraport AG. The event highlighted the long-standing relationship between the airline and Frankfurt Airport, which has been a key hub in Etihad’s European network for nearly two decades.
Inaugural flight
The morning also brought a memorable surprise for a couple from Limburg travelling to Singapore for their holiday. Captain Majed personally greeted them at the gate and upgraded them to Business class for their journey to Abu Dhabi, adding a celebratory touch to the inaugural departure.
For passengers travelling through Frankfurt, Terminal 3 introduces a significantly enhanced airport experience. Designed with spacious, open layouts, the terminal features check-in and security areas filled with natural daylight through floor-to-ceiling windows, creating a bright and welcoming environment.
Passenger experience
A central marketplace covering 6,000 square metres brings together restaurants, retail outlets and lounge seating, offering direct views of the apron. Families travelling with children benefit from dedicated play areas, while business travellers can access quiet workstations before boarding. Connectivity across the airport has also been improved with a new Skyline rail link connecting all three terminals.
Captain Majed noted that Etihad has operated flights between Abu Dhabi and Frankfurt since 2005, adding that the new terminal transforms the experience for travellers passing through the airport.
Ongoing operations
Dr Prümm highlighted the importance of the partnership between Fraport AG and Etihad Airways, describing the airline’s inaugural departure from Terminal 3 as a meaningful moment for both organisations.
Etihad currently operates two daily flights between Abu Dhabi and Frankfurt using the Boeing 787 Dreamliner.