How LFS works with Abu Dhabi Airports
Abu Dhabi Airports (formerly Abu Dhabi Airports Company, ADAC) operates the emirate's public airports. Ground handling itself is delivered by the handling and FBO providers appointed at each airport. LFS is an independent trip-support and dispatch company: we do not operate the airports or the handlers. We prepare the request, book the services and keep them aligned with your permit, slot, fuel and crew plans.
Our coordination covers ramp, fuel, permits, crew transport and CIP lounge access through the handler network approved at each airport, with a single point of contact and a 24/7 dispatch desk working in the UAE time zone.
Airports covered in Abu Dhabi
- Abu Dhabi — Zayed International (OMAA / AUH)
- Al Ain — Al Ain International (OMAL / AAN)
- Abu Dhabi — Al Bateen Executive (OMAD / AZI)
Zayed International (OMAA)
The emirate's main international gateway, used by scheduled airlines, charter, cargo and business aviation. Terminal A is now the passenger terminal for scheduled traffic. Business aviation and cargo movements are handled through the facilities designated for them, which we confirm for each flight. Station detail is on Abu Dhabi OMAA ground handling.
Al Bateen Executive (OMAD)
Al Bateen sits close to the city centre and is dedicated to business and general aviation. It suits VIP and corporate trips where passengers want a short drive to central Abu Dhabi. Aircraft size, operating hours and parking availability are confirmed against current airport information before we commit to it in a plan.
Al Ain International (OMAL)
Al Ain serves the eastern region of the emirate. It is used for some charter, training, cargo and government movements, and can be an alternative when city-centre parking is limited. Services available on the day are checked with the airport and handler.
Choosing between Zayed International and Al Bateen
Many operators ask which Abu Dhabi airport to use. The answer depends on the aircraft, the passengers and the reason for the trip. Al Bateen is often preferred for business jets carrying passengers who want privacy and a quick transfer to the city. Zayed International is the usual choice for larger aircraft, for flights connecting with scheduled services, for cargo, and for operations that need the full range of airport facilities.
We look at aircraft size and weight, expected parking time, passenger arrangements, customs and immigration needs and the time of day. If the preferred airport cannot take the flight as planned, we tell you early and suggest the alternative, including Dubai airports where that makes more sense.
Services we coordinate
The handling request is built from your flight details so the handler receives one complete brief. Typical service lines include:
- Arrival and departure ramp handling, marshalling and parking
- Ground power, air start, pushback and towing where needed
- Passenger and crew processing, baggage, customs and immigration coordination
- CIP and VIP lounge access, where offered at the airport
- Lavatory and potable water service
- Cargo acceptance and loading coordination for freighter flights
- Catering delivery coordination with your chosen caterer
- Crew transport and hotel bookings
What LFS adds around the handling
A smooth turnaround in Abu Dhabi depends on more than the handler. The permit, slot, fuel, crew and passenger plans all have to agree. LFS keeps them in one trip file and updates every part together when the schedule changes.
Permits and slots
UAE landing and overflight permissions from the General Civil Aviation Authority, plus any airport slot requirements. See UAE overflight and landing permits.
Fuel
Jet A-1 uplift booked ahead of arrival with the fuel release on the trip sheet, through aviation fuel services.
Crew logistics
Hotels, transport and entry questions for crew, through crew logistics. Visa rules depend on each crew member's nationality and are confirmed before departure.
Supervision
If you want someone checking the turnaround on your behalf, see ground supervision.
How a request works
1. Send the flight details
Aircraft type and registration, schedule, routing, passenger or cargo details, preferred airport and the services you need.
2. We check and request
We confirm the airport, handler and parking, check or file the permit, and book fuel, transport and hotels where required.
3. You receive one confirmation
A trip sheet showing the handler, parking, permit status, fuel release and crew arrangements, updated in writing if anything changes.
Information that speeds up an Abu Dhabi request
Complete requests are confirmed faster. Before you send one, check that you have the aircraft's maximum take-off weight and dimensions, exact passenger and crew numbers, any passengers who need assistance, VIP or protocol arrangements, the catering order, fuel quantity and how long the aircraft will stay on the ground.
For long stays, tell us early. Parking for several days is agreed differently from a quick turnaround, and at busy times it may need approval from the airport as well as the handler. If parking is not available for the full stay, we explain the options, such as repositioning to another UAE airport.
VIP, government and corporate movements
Abu Dhabi sees regular government, diplomatic and corporate traffic. These flights often need protocol arrangements, private passenger processing and coordinated vehicle access. We pass these requirements to the handler and airport with the request so that the arrangements are confirmed before the flight, rather than raised on arrival. Whether a specific arrangement is possible depends on the airport, the authorities and the handler.
For diplomatic clearances, see diplomatic flight permits.
Cargo and wide-body operations
Freighter and wide-body flights need weights, dimensions, loading equipment and any dangerous goods declared in advance. We confirm with the handler and airport that the load and the aircraft can be accepted before the flight is planned around it. For special cargo, the acceptance decision belongs to the airport, handler and authority.
Planning around the UAE climate and calendar
Summer temperatures in Abu Dhabi are very high, which affects aircraft performance, cabin cooling on the ground and the comfort of passengers walking to the aircraft. We ask the handler for ground power and, where available, air conditioning units, and plan boarding times to keep passengers out of the heat. During Ramadan and the Eid holidays, office hours and some services can change, so we confirm arrangements well ahead of travel.
Costs and invoicing
Handling charges are set by the handler and the airport and depend on aircraft size, services used and time on the ground. We do not publish fixed prices. You receive an estimate when we review the request, and the final invoice reflects the services provided. Credit account holders can receive UAE handling, fuel and permits on one LFS invoice.
Who uses this service
Corporate flight departments, charter operators, aircraft management companies, cargo airlines, brokers and government operators who want one contact for an Abu Dhabi trip. It also suits operators making their first visit to the emirate who want the airport choice, handling, permit and logistics questions answered before they file.
For the wider country, see flight support in the United Arab Emirates. For Dubai handling, see dnata handling in the UAE.
Frequently asked questions
Is LFS part of Abu Dhabi Airports?+
No. LFS is an independent trip-support company. We coordinate handling and related services at Abu Dhabi airports on behalf of operators.
Which Abu Dhabi airports do you cover?+
Zayed International (OMAA/AUH), Al Bateen Executive (OMAD/AZI) and Al Ain International (OMAL/AAN). Services and parking are confirmed for each flight.
Should I use Al Bateen or Zayed International?+
Al Bateen often suits business jets heading to central Abu Dhabi. Zayed International suits larger aircraft, cargo and connections. We confirm the right choice against your aircraft and schedule.
Can you arrange the UAE landing permit too?+
Yes. We request UAE permissions and keep them aligned with the handling, slot and parking.
Do you handle cargo flights in Abu Dhabi?+
Yes. We coordinate cargo handling requests with the handler and airport, subject to acceptance of the aircraft and load.
How much notice do you need?+
As much as possible. The duty desk confirms what is realistic for your flight when it reviews the request.
Ready to plan your Abu Dhabi handling?
Send your aircraft, schedule and services needed through our request form. Our dispatch team will confirm the airport, handler and supporting services for your flight. All arrangements remain subject to airport, handler and authority approval.