Tom Cruise Flies Into Abu Dhabi Midfield To Reveal Etihad Mission Impossible Livery

The new livery also features Mission: Impossible branding on its engines.


Photo: Abu Dhabi International Airport

Abu Dhabi’s Etihad Airways has welcomed Hollywood megastar Tom Cruise to unveil specialized Mission: Impossible livery on one of the airline’s Boeing 787 Dreamliners. The star arrived at Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH) ahead of the celebration event. Etihad Airways is the official airline of the most awaited installment of the Mission: Impossible franchise. The movie is set for its Middle East premiere at the Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental on June 26.

This is the second Mission: Impossible movie to be filmed in Abu Dhabi. In 2018, a HALO sky-diving scene was shot in Abu Dhabi for Mission: Impossible – Fallout, with support from the UAE military, Abu Dhabi Film Commission, and twofour54.

New Midfield Terminal at AUH

Abu Dhabi International Airport is located in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates. It is the second largest airport in the UAE after Dubai International Airport (DXB). The airport serves over 20 million passengers annually through its three terminals. A brand new Midfield Terminal, located between the airport's two runways, is yet to be opened for business this year.

Midfield Terminal has its own starring role in the upcoming Mission: Impossible edition, Dead Reckoning Part One. The iconic structure of the terminal, designed by international architecture firm Kohn Pedersen Fox Associates, is featured in one of the movie’s most thrilling action scenes. The scenes filmed at the Midfield Terminal required 21 days of preparation and seven days of filming and involved 762 cast, crew, and suppliers.

The occasion

Tom Cruise arrived at AUH Midfield Terminal to unveil a custom livery on an Etihad Airways Boeing 787-9 featuring the movie’s theme. The new livery features Mission: Impossible branding on its engines. The plane will carry the livery as it travels to destinations around the globe. The movie will be released in the UAE on July 13.

The terminal structure with its 315-meter roof was decorated to recognize its part in the movie. The interior of the terminal building will be revealed to the public for the first time in the movie. Apart from the terminal, the movie also features purpose-built sets at the airport, including an Etihad First Class Lounge, as well as scenes set in the stunning Liwa Desert. Elena Sorloni, Acting Chief Executive Officer of Abu Dhabi Airports, said

"We are delighted to welcome Tom Cruise, the cast, and crew of Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One back to Abu Dhabi. We’re proud of our role in the film and our contribution to Abu Dhabi as a destination that attracts global talent. The scenes showcased in the movie are a testament to the architecture, scale, and design of the iconic Midfield Terminal, which is inspired by the cultural elements of Abu Dhabi."

The Abu Dhabi Emirate and Etihad Airways are known for finding unique ways to showcase the attractions of the emirate. Whether it is the Formula One GrandPrix, Air Expo, or a movie release, the emirate is keen to partner. According to Antonoaldo Neves, Group Chief Executive Officer of Etihad Aviation Group,

"Partnering with Mission: Impossible is a great testament to destination Abu Dhabi and what it has to offer. I couldn’t be prouder of Abu Dhabi and our team in showcasing the unique attractions of the emirate, our new airport, and Etihad in the movie."