Aberdeen to Abu Dhabi Flights

  About Aberdeen

Aberdeen is a port city located on the coast of the exquisite North Sea. The city is famed for its offshore petroleum industry. Interestingly, the city houses many international populations, including the Italians and Japanese. The city also connects the beautiful rivers, Dee and Don.

Best time to visit Aberdeen

Aberdeen's weather is extremely erratic and inconsistent. The weather continues to show varied sides without any warning. It might be rainy in the morning but turn sunny within the next minute. You simply can't determine what is going to happen next in terms of weather in Aberdeen. Hence, figuring out an ideal season or month to visit the city is quite pointless. However, you can follow the season that would best work for you. The spring season is from March through May with the temperatures ranging from 5 degree Celsius to 10 degree Celsius. You can imagine how cold the winters are if the spring temperatures do not go beyond 10 degree Celsius. While it doesn't seem like the best time to visit as the temperatures are still very less, it might be good if you wish to soak in all the brisk cold breeze. It is advised that you do carry proper parkas and other clothing as it would come in handy. Also, no matter what season, you should ensure to keep an umbrella with you as it can rain at any random time. It can get cloudy and terrible to deal with as the rains tend to affect the touristy plans.

Summer, on the other hand, is the best time to visit out of all the seasons. Aberdeen's summers are cold, irrespective. However, it is pleasant and would certainly be the fun winter vacation that you have been opting for. The temperatures during summers in Aberdeen range between 15 degree Celsius and 20 degree Celsius. June through August sees some warmth in the air. As it is on the coast, the breezy North Sea brings cold air in the city. The summer is actually quite pleasant with clear skies and lovely vibe. Even though it is cold, you would still feel happy as the air of Aberdeen is fresh and invigorating. The hotel prices during this season does see a slight spike. You might want to make your hotel bookings in Aberdeen in advance to ensure that you do get good deals. Winter is definitely not the best time to visit as the temperature does drop below negative. December through February is not the best time for you to venture to Aberdeen. Not to mention how it also rains out of the blue during the winters. It can get supremely cold and not favourable for tourist activities. You wouldn't be able to check out any of the famous attractions, and you cannot even take a stroll down the beaches. Hence, it would be best to avoid winters in Aberdeen. Do make a note of the fact that the hotel prices are lower than usual, making the accommodation extremely cheap. But, thanks to the bad weather, it doesn't work in your favour.

Places to visit in Aberdeen

The best way to get around Aberdeen would be to first visit the Aberdeen Maritime Museum. The museum is located close to the harbour and has quite the exemplary architecture. The Maritime Museum is a perfect way to start learning about the city's history and its relationship with the popular North Sea. As an art patron, you would be happy to witness some of the fabulous art exhibitions that the Aberdeen Art Gallery. The huge gallery has a melange of traditional and modern Scottish art. You will also find some artwork by international artists. These include works of Ivor Abrahams, Bruce McLean, Ken Currie, to name a few. Another major tourist attraction in Aberdeen is Craigievar Castle. The structure with its pink walls and authentic Scottish architecture is too beautiful. Another pristine castle that would definitely work perfectly in your postcards (if you plan to make any) would be the Balmoral Castle.

Things to do in Aberdeen

To enjoy the lovely Aberdeen sun amid a gorgeous environment, you should visit Duthie Park. The place was built back in 1881 by Lady Elizabeth Duthie. She dedicated the park to her uncle and brother. The spectacular 44 acres of the park is nestled close to the banks of the Dee River. The place also has a greenhouse which was once demolished but was built back. If you do get tired of all the tourist activities, you can visit Codona's Amusement Park. The place has many fun rides and activities that you would enjoy. You should also visit the Gordon Highlanders Museum. The place does have an interesting collection of artefacts and exhibitions that would give you a peek at their history. The museum also houses a lovely tea room that you would enjoy.

Food and restaurants in Aberdeen

Aberdeen's food is eccentric but heavily influenced by Italian cuisines and seafood. You will be able to find the best of Italian trattoria in Aberdeen, at Rustico. The neat little cafe is run by an Italian-family where they offer exquisite seafood such as king prawns tossed on linguine, pork ragu with rigatoni and some Sicilian-style lamb meatloaf. The whole spread is beautiful and flavourful. Another Italian restaurant in the city is Carmine's. The food establishment is very low key and quaint, which works well on the pockets. They also have an authentic Japanese restaurant in the city where you can find some of the famous dishes from the cuisine. Yatai Izakaya is your place, which is affordable as it falls within a perfect budget. They also have sake, so you don't have to travel all the way to Japan for the same. The Conservatory Restaurant located in the Marcliffe Hotel and Spa is a place you simply cannot miss. Although it is pricey as it is situated in the premise of a five-star hotel. But this would be quite the indulgence that you should opt for in Aberdeen.

At the food establishment, you will find some lovely seafood menu. While you're there, do not miss their Shetland scallops, Perehead monkfish, North Sea shellfish bisque and cod. The place also brings about an interesting spin to beef and other meat-based dishes. You might want to keep enough money in your pockets to visit this place. Although relatively new, the Bonobo cafe has already managed to find fame in the neighbourhood for its exquisite vegan food. The place serves only vegan food, so if you do not wish to have any of the seafood or meat cuisine, you can visit this place. Their vegan take on Scottish breakfast, which includes scrambled tofu, seitan sausages, veggie haggis and tattie scones is delicious. Not to mention how they have a coconut milk latte as opposed to the usual regular-milk latte. Coffee connoisseurs on the trip should visit Foodstory as the place makes lovely brewed coffee merged with healthy desserts and baked goods. Plus, the place also offers yoga and drawing classes. It would be quite an experience, if anything. Their take on the local cuisine is also quite good and would go down well with your sensibilities.

How to reach Aberdeen

Flights to Aberdeen are aplenty, but they do not particularly fly from India. There are no direct flights to Aberdeen, and you will have to opt for a flight with layovers or even change flights at London's Heathrow Airport. Airlines such as Virgin Atlantic, KLM Royal Dutch, British Airways, Air France, have immaculate flight connectivity to Aberdeen. This makes the travelling far easier. Most of the flights flying to Aberdeen have layovers that cannot be ignored. However, from Indian cities such as Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Chennai and Kolkata, you will be able to get flights flying to Aberdeen without much concern. The most popular route to Aberdeen often chosen is from London and Amsterdam. Since British Airways and KLM Royal Dutch have direct flights to Aberdeen, these international routes are favoured over the others. Many even choose to visit Edinburgh and take a flight to Aberdeen from here. However, to opt for the said international route, you will have to book a ticket to Edinburgh directly and drive up to Aberdeen.

The flight duration to reach Aberdeen from India ranges from 11 hours to 13 hours. It doesn't take much time to reach the Scottish coastal city as the flight connectivity is good and layovers are minimum. You will have to ensure to travel with a transit visa. As the airlines flying to Aberdeen traverse through European cities too, it is necessary to carry a transit visa. You can get hold of the visa at the embassy. The easier and viable option to get the transit visa is by applying for it online. The embassy sites are very quick to respond to the applications online so you wouldn't have to worry about anything. The flight tickets to Aberdeen are decently priced. It could range from INR 30,000 to INR 40,000. The season doesn't really play a massive role in the change of the flight ticket cost to Aberdeen. However, it would be recommended to make prior bookings to Aberdeen as that way, you will be able to avail some online flight deals.

  About Abu Dhabi

While Abu Dhabi is not exactly a tourist destination when compared to Dubai, it is definitely a place where you can go just to relax and feel rejuvenated. Abu Dhabi is also the capital of the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Even though Dubai is considered as a more happening place, Abu Dhabi also has a certain charm to it. The Ferrari World is one of the major highlights and tourist attractions in Abu Dhabi. Not only will you get to see a lot of Ferraris, but you can even drive them to get a glimpse in the life of a race car driver. The city also has waterparks for everyone who is planning a vacation to the capital of the UAE with their family or group of friends. The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is not only beautiful, but it is also a marvellous piece of art architecturally. It is also a safe place for solo female travellers. You will find a lot of malls, too, to satisfy the shopaholic in you.

Best Time to Visit Abu Dhabi

November to March is an ideal time to visit Abu Dhabi since it is winter and the weather remains quite pleasant. It is the best time for you to go sightseeing. Since it is also a peak season in Abu Dhabi, you might even get a good deal on flights to Abu Dhabi during this time if you book well in advance. Make sure you also book your hotel in Abu Dhabi in advance since the prices tend to increase in winter. Since this is high season, you will find a lot of tourists in the city. You will also get to go sightseeing without feeling all dehydrated. This is also the best time for you to hit the beach and spend some time there. If you are travelling in March, you can attend the Abu Dhabi Festival or the Abu Dhabi International Triathlon.

The temperature ranges from 19 to 42 degree Celsius from April to October. While April and May are pleasant because of Spring, the months following May get hot, hotter and hottest. Hotel prices do stop dropping April onwards. For all the book lovers, you can attend the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair in April and May. The temperature increases considerably in June till August, but if you just want to be by the pool or indulge in expensive spa treatments and pamper yourself, you can plan a trip during these months. The hotel prices also drop a lot during these months since the city does not have a lot of tourists. It also rains inconsistently during these months, which might put a damper on your sightseeing plans. The temperature starts dropping during September and October since it is the end of summer. This is also one of the best times to head to Abu Dhabi if you want to attend the Abu Dhabi Film Festival, the Emirates International Date Palm Festival or the Formula 1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

Places to Visit in Abu Dhabi

Yas Mall at Yas Island and Marina Mall is the most popular malls in Abu Dhabi for tourists. The Ferrari World is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the city and quite the luxurious ones, too. You also get to drive one of the cars to experience what it is like to be an F1 driver. Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is one of the two mosques in UAE that is open to non-Muslims, too. It is also one of the most beautiful tourist attractions in the country. Abu Dhabi does not deprive you of the beach fun that you might want. You can head to the Saadiyat Public Beach or the Corniche. You can also visit Al Lulu Island to indulge in beach and water activities. It is another tourist destination in Abu Dhabi that is quite popular. You can attend free concerts at Corniche or just enjoy the sunset by the beach with a cup of ice cream. You can also book a hotel in Abu Dhabi in Corniche and stay here for a couple of days.

While you are in Abu Dhabi, you might also want to stay at the Empire Palace for a night or two. Even if you are not, the resort is open for non-guests to book spa treatments here and indulge in a traditional hammam experience. Not to mention, you might also want to put on your fanciest outfit here. You can also head for a desert safari on a jeep or try any of the other desert tours arranged by tour companies here. It is one of the major highlights of Abu Dhabi. Head over to the Emirates Park Zoo with your family, and you'll get to see over 1700 animals here. The zoo is home to lions, cheetahs, Siberian bears, white tigers and so on. You can also have breakfast with giraffes and parrots here. Another lovely tourist attraction is the Warner Bros World. It is a fun theme park that has rides like The Joker Funhouse, Tom and Jerry: Swiss Cheese Spin, The Scooby-Doo: Museum of Mysteries and so on. You can also visit the Al Jahili Fort and Heritage Village in Abu Dhabi.

Things to do in Abu Dhabi

Sightseeing is one of the major tourist activities in the city. You can go to the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque to know more about the culture and to admire the sheer architecture of the mosque. You can also spend a day shopping at some of the best malls in Abu Dhabi. If you are travelling during the sale, you might even get to buy a lot of high-end fashion products at an affordable price. Visit the Emirates Palace. If you are not staying at the majestic resort, you can still indulge in self-pampering spa treatments and a relaxing hammam (a Turkish bath). You can also indulge in water and beach activities at Corniche. Going on a desert safari is another popular activity that tourists in Abu Dhabi take up. Spend a day at Ferrari World and take lots of pictures, too.

Food and Restaurants in Abu Dhabi

Like Dubai, you will find a variety of cuisine in Abu Dhabi, too. Be it Indian cuisine or Mexican, Korean, Chinese, or even Russian food, and you will find whatever you feel like eating here. However, trying out the local food is a must to complete your holiday experience at Abu Dhabi. Some of the important ingredients include the famous Middle Eastern spices like cinnamon, saffron, turmeric and cardamom. Cuisines made of chickpeas are also quite popular in Abu Dhabi. If you want to grab a bite as soon as you land, before you head to your hotel, you can go to Madang Korean Restaurant which is near Terminal 2. Cabana Beach Bar and Grill at Corniche is a popular place to have healthy food or European cuisine. You can also head to The Terrace On The Corniche or Kuzbara for authentic Middle Eastern food. Khayal Restaurant is popular for its variety of cuisines. It offers Japanese, Arabic, Middle Eastern, Mediterranean and Asian food in its menu. Treat yourself to delicious burgers and shakes at Black Tap Craft Burgers & Shakes at Yas Mall. Hoi An is an interesting place to head to if you want to try out Vietnamese or other Asian food. The service is great, so is the ambience. Dino's Bistro Italiano and Villa Toscana are known for their expertise in Italian cuisine. In fact, at Villa Tuscana, you can also choose between the Mediterranean, Tuscan and European food. Desert Lotus Thai Bisto & Sushi has the best Thai food in the city, and you will simply love the sushi here. If you want to try authentic Indian food, you can head to Punjab Grill at The Ritz-Carlton Grand Canal.

How to reach Abu Dhabi (Transportation)

The Abu Dhabi International Airport is the second busiest airport in the United Arab Emirates. The flight connectivity from Abu Dhabi to other cities and countries is excellent. There are a few direct flights to Abu Dhabi from India on a daily basis, and it takes about 3 to 4 hours only to reach. While you might choose Etihad Airways or Emirates to fly to the Middle East, other airlines like GoAir, British Airways, Gulf Air, Qatar Airways, Srilankan Airlines frequently fly to and from Abu Dhabi. The airport is only 30 km from the main city, and it is quite easy to get a taxi service from the airport to your hotel. Abu Dhabi International Airport is quite a luxe with a lot of facilities. It has airport lounges, premium spa facilities, sleeping pods, children's play area, shopping areas and a lot of international dining options. You will certainly not get bored if at all if you have to wait for a few more hours to board your flight. If you are travelling by Etihad, they also have premium lounges and spa facilities for their passengers at the airport.

  About Abu Dhabi Airport

Abu Dhabi International Airport is the only airport in Emirates of Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates, to cater to international flights and airlines. After Dubai International Airport, Abu Dhabi International Airport is the second largest in UAE, which can accommodate 20 million passengers. The airport has three operational terminals for passengers. It is sprawled across 8,500 acres of land and provides services to over 30 airlines which fly to over 120 destinations. The airport is primarily the hub for Etihad Airways, which is also UAE's second flag carrier airline, after Emirates. The airport sees tremendous air traffic and passenger traffic for being a hub city and the capital of the United Arab Emirates.

About Airport Terminals

The airport has three terminals in total. Terminal 1 is the oldest building at the Abu Dhabi International Airport. The terminal features arrivals and departure areas with nine gates and jetbridges. The airport also has check-in and arrivals equipped in a separate location that is connected to the building. Terminal 2 is comparatively new and located on the east side of Terminal 1. There are 19 check-in counters along with two baggage claim conveyor belts. It mainly caters to low-cost carriers only. Terminal 3 is fairly new from the other two terminals and has the capacity to hold bigger flights, including Airbus A380s that are flown by Etihad Airways.

About Airport Authority

Abu Dhabi International Airport is currently operated by Abu Dhabi Airports Company, which came into existence in 2006. ADAC has since offered a plethora of services to the aviation industry and Abu Dhabi airports. Along with Abu Dhabi International Airport, the organization also caters to managing Al Bateen Executive Airport, Al Ain International Airport, Sir Bani Airport and Dalma Airport.

Top airlines flying from Abu Dhabi International Airport

Abu Dhabi sees tremendous passenger traffic from Indian cities and hence, accommodates flights from an Indian airline. Some of the airlines that operate from Abu Dhabi International Airport are Air India, Air India Express, GoAir and IndiGo.

In terms of international airlines, the ones that operate from Abu Dhabi International Airport include, AnadoluJet, Biman Bangladesh Airlines, British Airways, EgyptAir, Etihad Airways, Gulf Air, KLM, Kuwait Airways, Oman Air, Pakistan International Airlines, Royal Jordanian, Saudia, SriLankan, Turkish Airlines and Turkmenistan Airlines.

Facilities at Abu Dhabi International Airport

WiFi - You can connect to the airport's free wireless network. All you would need to do is to follow some steps to get access to Abu Dhabi International Airport's WiFi connection. Plus, there are internet kiosks available for free. At the departure terminals, you can find about 50 internet kiosks. It is free of cost so you can simply just go over to the kiosk and use the facility. Airport lounges also have wireless connections that you can avail.

ATM and foreign exchange - The airport has many ATMs and foreign-exchange booths available at regular intervals. There are about 16 currency exchange facilities that are present at Abu Dhabi International Airport. There are local banks also present at the airport where you can make transfers and deposits along with cash withdrawals. The prices are also quite reasonable for foreign exchange. A dedicated agency, Travelex, is available at the airport.

Medical services - Abu Dhabi International Airport is also equipped to take care of medical emergencies that take place at the premise. There is a 24-hour clinic to ensure that medical services are available at all times. There is also a paramedic with an ambulance which will take the emergency case to the nearest local hospital. The information desk and 'May I Help You' counters will assist you with this service. Plus, the airport also has pharmacies installed at regular intervals.

Smoking zones - All terminals at Abu Dhabi International Airport are non-smoking buildings. Hence, there are specific smoking zones that have been installed. Smoothing lounges and booths are located in each terminal and are enclosed. The booths also have good air quality that you can enjoy while you smoke a cigarette.

Multi-faith room - Separate prayer rooms have been installed for men and women at Abu Dhabi International Airport. They are present at all terminals of the airport. Intending to value diverse faith, the airport has ensured to have multi-faith rooms at all levels of the terminals. Wheelchairs are also accessible at the prayer rooms.

Airport lounges - Overall, Abu Dhabi International Airport has six airport lounges. In fact, four of the airport lounges are actually owned by Etihad Airways. While terminal 1 has Al Reem Lounge, Al Dhabi Lounge, Etihad Premium Lounge, Terminal 3 houses Etihad First Class Lounge and Spa, Etihad Premium Lounge and Etihad US Premium Lounge. These lounge experiences are one of a kind. Not to mention how the airport also has a dedicated Etihad Arrivals Lounge as well for international travellers. The facilities at the lounge are top-notch with exceptional services and hospitality.

Airport hotels - An in-house hotel is also available at Abu Dhabi International Airport. You can visit Aerotel to benefit from their world-class facilities and to unwind. The hotel is located in Terminal 1 and has been aesthetically designed to please the senses of international travellers. Premier Inn Hotel is also present within the airport premise that you can check out. Premier Inn is also very convenient and recognized for its high standards with respect to providing quality services with modern amenities.

Baggage services - The airport offers a plethora of baggage services ranging from wrapping to storage. In case you need to save your luggage from possibilities of theft and mishandling, you can get them wrapped in plastic. Further, on the same, you can also seal your baggage to prevent them from external damages. You can ship your luggage to a delivery address too instead of going yourself. There are storage facilities also available at the airport where you can keep your luggage, especially if it's a layover or if you need to spend time at the airport before the next flight.

Spa - There are two spas available at the airport's premise. Six Senses Spa is located within the Etihad Diamond First and Pearl Business Class lounges. Meanwhile, TOSA Spa, an award-winning spa chain of the Middle East, Maldives and India, is also available at the airport's Terminal 1. You can avail a string of services from the spas for relaxation. Body massage and other treatments are also there with separate rooms for women and men. Along with this, they also have separate changing rooms for men and women.

Special assistance - The airport caters to special assistance services that travellers require. This includes helping out passengers with reduced mobility and to take care of their trolleys, among a few. You can speak with your airlines in advance to book special assistance. The trained staff will help you through the process and even enable a comfortable experience at Abu Dhabi International Airport.

Nursing stations - For all the parents who are travelling with infants and young babies, there are dedicated nursing stations available at all terminals. There are entertainment decks for kids as well as nursing rooms for new mothers with infants. Plus, the rooms are sanitized and kept in a hygienic condition.

How to reach Abu Dhabi International Airport

Public transport

One of the best things about the airport is its facilities that enable direct connections to the city centre. If you need to reach Abu Dhabi International Airport, you can always take a bus as it is economical and convenient. The air-conditioned buses are available from the bus stop to within the city. You can find the stops outside Terminals 1, 2 and 3. There are blue and white signs that indicate to the bus stops. You can follow them, or you can ask for more details at the airport's information desk. You can reach Abu Dhabi International Airport from any part of the city thanks to their bus services. Depending on where you wish to go, the buses have services to those routes. The ticket cost is also very affordable and menial. It would take close to 45 minutes to reach the Abu Dhabi International Airport from the city, depending on the traffic.

Taxicabs and rentals

There are luxury airport taxis that you can find at the airport. They are available at all the terminals, close to the arrivals. A clear signpost is also present to indicate the taxi services. There are male and female drivers who are well-equipped with the city's geography as well as international languages. You can also reach the Abu Dhabi International Airport by availing tax services. In fact, you can actually book for a ride online or check with your airlines for provisions of the same. Hotels in Abu Dhabi also have facilities for an airport shuttle. You can benefit from the same to reach Abu Dhabi International Airport without any hassle. As long as you make prior bookings, you wouldn't have to worry about anything with respect to reaching the Abu Dhabi International Airport.