What Is FastTrack Security?
FastTrack Security is a dedicated, pre-bookable security lane available at participating airports worldwide. It allows all passengers — regardless of airline or ticket class — to bypass the standard security queue and pass through a separate, less crowded checkpoint.
By booking FastTrack in advance, you secure a spot in a priority lane that typically has significantly shorter wait times than the regular queue. This means less time standing in line and more time enjoying the terminal, shopping, or simply relaxing before your flight.
FastTrack Security is available to everyone — families, solo travellers, business passengers, and leisure flyers alike. There are no membership requirements or loyalty programme tiers needed to access the service.
What FastTrack Is Not
- Not airport lounge access — FastTrack only covers the security screening process
- Not priority boarding — your boarding process remains as per your airline's policy
- Not immigration fast-track — passport control and border checks are separate from security screening
Airport Overview
About Abu Dhabi International Airport
Handling about 25 million passengers a year and anchoring Etihad Airways' network, Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH) operates primarily from Terminals 1 and 3 with international and regional services across more than 60 airlines. Terminal 3 (often referred to as the Etihad Terminal) handles the majority of Etihad Airways flights and premium operations, while Terminal 1 manages a mix of full-service and low-cost carriers. The airport is approximately 15 km east of Abu Dhabi city centre and connects to the emirate via taxis, prepaid airport buses and private transfers; there are also inter-terminal shuttle services for passengers transferring between terminals.
Security Information
Standard security screening at AUH uses walk-through metal detectors and X-ray screening for carry-on items; liquids and electronic device rules align with international norms (liquids in containers ≤100 ml in a single clear bag). Emirates-style or dedicated fast lanes operate at the main departure security checkpoints in both Terminal 1 and Terminal 3 during peak hours. UAE eGates at immigration process Emirati nationals and certain residents; FastTrack products sold through third parties at AUH generally apply to security (departures) rather than immigration, unless explicitly stated in the product details.
Terminal Guide
Terminal 1
Main TerminalTerminal 3
Etihad TerminalArrivals (Immigration Halls)
Accessibility
Level access to check-in and security; lifts and accessible toilets available. Assistance for reduced mobility passengers can be arranged with the airline.
Good to know
Terminal 1 handles a mix of full-service and regional carriers. Expect higher volumes during morning and late-evening peaks. FastTrack lane availability can be limited during large-group movements.
How It Works
Book your FastTrack
Select date, terminal and number of passengers and complete payment. A mobile voucher will be issued immediately.
Arrive at AUH and check in
Complete airline check-in and baggage drop at your airline's desk in Terminal 1 or Terminal 3 as required.
Show voucher at FastTrack entrance
Present your mobile voucher and boarding pass to staff at the dedicated FastTrack lane entry for security screening.
Proceed through security
Use the priority lane for security screening; collect your belongings and continue to departures or lounge as usual.
What's Included
Included
- Access to a dedicated departure security lane at the booked terminal
- Priority handling through standard security screening
- Mobile voucher confirmation and on-site staff assistance
Not Included
- Lounge access or complimentary refreshments
- Priority boarding or gate-side priority
- Immigration fast-track (unless explicitly stated)
- Assistance services; those must be arranged via airline or airport
Required Documents
- Valid passport or travel document
- Boarding pass for the departing flight
- Mobile or printed FastTrack voucher
Restrictions
- Single-use access only for the specified booking window
- Not valid for airline crew, airport staff, or third parties without boarding passes
- Subject to closure during operational incidents or security alerts
Hours & Booking Rules
| Terminal | Opens | Closes | Exceptions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Terminal 1 | 00:00 | 23:59 | Hours vary with airline schedules; security lanes may close briefly between late-night arrivals and early-morning departures. |
| Terminal 3 | 00:00 | 23:59 | Operates according to Etihad and partner schedules; lane opening times align with flight departures. |
| Arrivals (Immigration Halls) | 00:00 | 23:59 | Immigration staffing varies with flight arrivals; eGate availability limited to eligible biometric passport holders. |
Booking Rules
FastTrack covers a single use of a dedicated departure security lane at the specified terminal on the date and time slot booked. Eligibility and access subject to airport and airline operational control.
Lead Times
- Minimum booking: 1 hours before travel
- Recommended: 3 hours before travel
Refund Policy
Refundable
Full refund if cancelled at least 24 hours prior to the booked time; outside this window refunds at provider discretion or vouchers offered.
Is FastTrack Worth It at Abu Dhabi International Airport?
For business travellers, families and tight connections at AUH, purchasing FastTrack reduces pre-flight stress by routing you through a dedicated security lane and often shortening waiting times to under five minutes. Local tip: If you are departing from Terminal 3 for an Etihad flight, buy FastTrack for the Terminal 3 security checkpoint to avoid the main queue after premium check-in. Another local tip: allow extra time if you arrive at the airport during Ramadan peak times or Abu Dhabi public holidays, when departures traffic increases noticeably.
Average Wait Times
Who benefits from FastTrack at AUH
Business travellers from AUH
Shorten pre-flight time and ensure rapid processing at Terminal 3 during Etihad departure banks.
Families flying from Abu Dhabi
Gain quicker passage through security with children and carry-on baggage during busy school holiday periods.
Tight connecting passengers
Useful when transferring between carriers or terminals — buy FastTrack for the departure terminal to reduce missed-connection risk.
Travel Tips
Plan travel time from Abu Dhabi city (15 km)
Allow at least 30–45 minutes for taxi or car transfer from central Abu Dhabi to AUH outside peak hours; add extra time for morning or evening peaks and holiday periods.
Choose the correct terminal for Etihad departures
Most Etihad flights operate from Terminal 3. Buying FastTrack for Terminal 3 ensures access to the priority lane immediately after Etihad check-in.
Have your AUH FastTrack voucher ready at the lane
Display the mobile QR code or printed voucher and boarding pass to speed entry; staff may refuse entry without proof of booking.
Account for peak periods during Abu Dhabi public holidays and Ramadan
Security queues can lengthen significantly during religious and national holidays; FastTrack offers the most consistent time savings in these windows.
Pricing
From £5.99 per person
FastTrack vs Standard Security
| Feature | FastTrack | Standard |
|---|---|---|
| Dedicated security lane | Yes | No |
| Average wait time | Yes | No |
| Immigration priority | No | No |
| Includes lounge access | No | No |
Common Mistakes at Abu Dhabi International Airport
- Assuming FastTrack covers immigration formalities — most AUH FastTrack options are for security lanes only.
- Arriving exactly 60 minutes before departure on international flights — AUH recommends at least two hours for economy international check-in.
- Buying FastTrack without checking the terminal — Terminal 1 and Terminal 3 have separate security checkpoints.
- Expecting lounge access with a FastTrack purchase — FastTrack usually doesn't include lounge entry unless bundled.
- Not carrying a printed or accessible mobile voucher and boarding pass at the FastTrack entrance
What If...?
- If your inbound and outbound flights use different terminals, FastTrack for departures only applies to the outbound terminal unless you buy a separate product.
- During airline schedule disruption (late arrivals), FastTrack lanes may be temporarily closed or reallocated; staff discretion governs access.
- Passengers using eGates for immigration (UAE nationals/residents) may still prefer FastTrack for security if departing from crowded peak-time flights.
- Large groups (e.g., tour groups) may be required to use standard screening lanes even with FastTrack purchases if operational capacity is limited
Frequently Asked Questions
Explore More Airports
More airports in Asia
Page Information
Last updated:
Written by FastTrack Editorial Team · Source: Abu Dhabi International Airport official website
Skip the Queue at Abu Dhabi International Airport
Book FastTrack security from £5.99 per person and breeze through AUH in minutes.
Book FastTrack Now