Author: Lisbeth Juliao

Sharjah International Airport (is a prominent international airport situated approximately 7 nautical miles east-southeast of Sharjah, United Arab Emirates. Spanning across a vast area of 15,200,000 square meters (3,800 acres), this airport features a single runway and holds the distinction of being Sharjah’s sole airport catering to international flights as of 2022.

Notably, Sharjah International Airport has carved its niche as the Middle East’s third-largest airfreight hub by cargo tonnage, based on official 2015 statistics provided by the Airports Council International. With the support of Sharjah Aviation Services, which handled a remarkable 586,195 tonnes of cargo in 2015, signifying a year-on-year increase of 16.1%, this airport plays a pivotal role in facilitating the movement of goods in the region. The passenger experience at Sharjah International Airport is enriched by its spacious terminal, spanning 125,000 square meters (1,350,000 square feet).

Sharjah International Airport serves as the home base for the well-known low-cost carrier Air Arabia. The airline’s headquarters are housed within the Sharjah Freight Center on the airport’s premises. The history of this airport holds significance, having replaced RAF Sharjah, which had been in operation since 1932. It was the first airport in the UAE and the Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf. Originally used by Imperial Airways, it also served as an RAF base. The airport saw military use during Operation Desert Shield/Storm, hosting the United States Air Force 926th Tactical Fighter Group, which operated A-10 Thunderbolt II ground attack aircraft during the conflict in the early 1990s.

The airport is positioned at an elevation of 116 feet above mean sea level and features one runway with an asphalt surface. Passengers at Sharjah International Airport benefit from a range of financial services, including banking, ATMs, and exchange centers. Additionally, the airport offers prayer rooms within the Arrivals and Departures Terminals, along with mosques located in the East and West Cargo Terminals 3 and 4, ensuring convenience and comfort for travelers.

Al Maktoum International Airport, also referred to as Dubai World Central, is an international airport located in Jebel Ali, approximately 37 kilometers southwest of Dubai, United Arab Emirates. It commenced operations on June 27, 2010, and is a key component of the Dubai South development plan, which envisions a comprehensive residential, commercial, and logistics complex.

Upon its full completion, which was originally anticipated by 2027 but now pushed to 2030, the airport will encompass diverse transportation modes, logistics facilities, and value-added services, including manufacturing and assembly operations, all within a single free economic zone. Encompassing a vast area of 14,000 hectares (35,000 acres), Al Maktoum International Airport is poised to have an impressive annual capacity of handling 12 million tonnes of freight and accommodating between 160 million and 260 million passengers, making it a significant player in the region. However, as of 2021, the airport primarily focuses on freight operations, with only a handful of airlines offering passenger services.

The airport’s history reveals a remarkable construction journey, including the completion of a 4,500-meter runway within 600 days, followed by extensive testing to meet CAT III-C requirements. The cargo terminal, known as the Al Maktoum Airport Cargo Gateway, was a pivotal part of the development, with a cost of approximately US$75 million. The initial phase of the project was designed to handle around 200,000 tonnes of cargo per year. Additionally, the passenger terminal was planned with a capacity for 5 million passengers annually. While the project initially aimed to become the world’s largest cargo airport, the global financial crisis of 2007-2012 led to delays, pushing the full completion to 2027, with various names such as “Jebel Ali International Airport” and “Dubai World Central International Airport” considered before ultimately being named after Sheikh Maktoum bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the former ruler of Dubai.

Al Maktoum International Airport embarked on its journey with the landing of cargo flights in 2010, gradually expanding its operations to accommodate passenger aircraft. The first passenger flight touched down in 2011, marking the airport’s certification to handle such flights. It officially opened for passenger services in 2013, with Nas Air and Wizz Air as the pioneering carriers. While passenger numbers grew, the airport initially prioritized cargo services, including airlines like RUS Aviation, Skyline Air, and Aerospace Consortium. A significant number of airlines subsequently signed contracts to offer flights from the airport, signifying its potential as a growing aviation hub in the UAE.

Al Ain International Airport is a pivotal airport situated just 8 nautical miles (15 kilometers) west-northwest of Al Ain in the Eastern Region of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. Its significance in the region cannot be overstated, as it has served the community since its inauguration on March 31, 1994.

Despite being a lesser-known airport in the UAE, Al Ain International Airport is the fifth busiest within the country. Its strategic location in the Eastern Region of Abu Dhabi makes it an essential transportation hub for both residents and travelers to this vibrant part of the UAE. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, this airport provides a convenient gateway to explore the unique culture, attractions, and landscapes of Al Ain and its surroundings.

Fujairah International Airport, located just 1 nautical mile south of central Fujairah City, is a significant transportation hub in the United Arab Emirates. While it may not be as widely recognized as some of the UAE’s larger airports, it plays a vital role in the region’s connectivity. This airport, with a single terminal catering to both passengers and cargo, has been a focal point for travelers and the Fujairah Aviation Academy.

Fujairah Airport has a history dating back to its commencement of operations in October 1987. Over the years, it has seen substantial redevelopment and enhancements. Notably, in 2014, a memorandum of cooperation with Abu Dhabi Airports was signed, laying the foundation for a comprehensive masterplan that encompasses both airfield infrastructure and the passenger terminal. Recent upgrades have increased the terminal’s capacity to handle up to 2 million passengers annually.

A significant milestone occurred on December 3, 2022, with the opening of a new runway measuring over 3 kilometers in length and 45 meters in width. These improvements included the expansion of taxiways and the runway to 60 meters, alongside the construction of rapid-exit taxiways, ultimately facilitating more efficient airport operations. This ongoing development positions Fujairah International Airport for continued growth and an increasingly vital role in the UAE’s aviation landscape.

Ras Al Khaimah International Airport serves as a prominent aviation gateway in the Emirate of Ras al-Khaimah, situated along the picturesque coast of the Persian Gulf. This airport, located 11 nautical miles south of Ras Al Khaimah city, boasts two passenger terminal buildings, as well as robust facilities for cargo services, aircraft maintenance, and aviation training.

The airport’s history is intertwined with the Emirate’s growth. In 1976, the airport was inaugurated under the patronage of Sheikh Saqr bin Mohammad Al Qasimi, the region’s revered ruler. While it didn’t evolve into a bustling international or regional aviation hub like Dubai International Airport, Ras Al Khaimah International Airport has played a crucial role in the Emirate’s connectivity.

One notable chapter in the airport’s history was the establishment of RAK Airways in 2007 as the national airline, positioning the airport as its hub. However, the global economic crisis in 2008 led to the suspension of regular operations. The airline did make a comeback in 2010 with fresh branding and management but, unfortunately, ceased operations permanently in 2013. Despite these challenges, the airport adapted and embraced new opportunities. In 2014, Air Arabia commenced commercial flights to various destinations, filling the void left by RAK Airways’ suspension. Ras-al-Khaimah became an essential hub for Air Arabia for an initial ten-year period, with room for further extensions.

Notably, Ras Al Khaimah International Airport earned ISO 9001:2000 accreditation for quality management, making it the second airport among the Arab states of the Persian Gulf to achieve this distinction. Presently, the airport is renewing its focus on cargo business, with a particular emphasis on attracting companies within the Ras Al Khaimah Free Trade Zone, signifying a strategic shift to further its contributions to the Emirate’s development.

Delma Airport stands as a vital gateway to the serene Delma Island in the United Arab Emirates. This small yet significant airport plays a crucial role in connecting the island with the mainland and nearby cities. Despite its modest size, Delma Airport is well-equipped to accommodate small and medium-sized aircraft. This makes it an essential transportation hub for the island, serving as a lifeline for the local community and visitors alike.

The airport primarily caters to the transportation needs of the island’s residents, workers, and tourists. It functions as a crucial link connecting Delma Island to various cities in the UAE, ensuring the seamless movement of people and goods. The island’s reliance on this airport highlights its importance as a pivotal transportation node in the region.

While it might not be a bustling international airport, Delma Airport‘s role in enhancing accessibility and connectivity to this tranquil island is significant. It underlines the UAE’s commitment to providing efficient transportation solutions even in its more remote and serene locations. Whether it’s for business or leisure, this airport makes traveling to Delma Island more accessible and convenient.

Al Bateen Executive Airport, is a remarkable aviation facility in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. Located approximately 6.5 nautical miles southeast of the city center, it’s a dedicated international airport catering to business jet traffic. The airport is situated on Abu Dhabi Island and has a rich history that dates back to its inception in the 1970s when it first opened its doors to replace the city’s previous airport.

Initially inaugurated in 1970 as Abu Dhabi International Airport, it served as an important aviation hub for the region. However, in 1982, a new airport was established on the mainland to handle the growing air traffic, and Al Bateen transitioned into a military airbase known as Bateen Air Base in 1983. During the Gulf War in 1990, the United States Air Force deployed units to Al Bateen in preparation for the conflict. The airport remained under military control until 2008 when it was repurposed as a civilian airport, focusing primarily on executive jet operations, and thus named Al Bateen Executive Airport.

Al Bateen Executive Airport is home to various tenants, including a UAE Naval Aviation helicopter squadron and the Abu Dhabi Police Department air wing. While it doesn’t serve commercial passenger airlines, it does host services like private jet operations. For instance, Rotana Jet moved its scheduled commercial operations to Abu Dhabi International Airport Terminal 2 in 2014. Moreover, the airport made headlines for being a vital location for the final preparations and take-off of the Solar Impulse 2, a groundbreaking Swiss experimental solar-powered aircraft that embarked on an Around the World circumnavigation attempt, showcasing the airport’s unique and diverse role in the world of aviation. In recent years, it has continued to evolve as a center for executive jet services, with Dubai-based aviation company Jetex announcing the opening of a private terminal at the airport in April 2023.