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28 March 2024

RAK Airport eyes record growth in 40th anniversary year

Mohammed Qazi, CEO, RAK International Airport (Supplied)

Published
By Staff

As it approaches its 40th anniversary year, Ras Al Khaimah International Airport has reported a highly successful 2015, during which aircraft movements of scheduled flights increased by 26 per cent over the previous year.

New charter operations from Germany, Poland, Latvia and Russia also kicked off, it announced in a media statement.

In addition, Air Arabia, for whom RAK International is a growing hub, increased flight frequencies to the 10 destinations that it services from the emirate.

The cumulative effect of these positive results was a 17 per cent rise in passenger traffic over 2014, RAK International Airport announced.

On the cargo front, the airport’s business grew by 51 per cent year-on-year following reconfigurations made early in 2015.  

Moving to non-aeronautical activities, RAK International made significant progress too during 2015 with new deals being signed for maintenance, repair and overhaul as well as aircraft decommissioning.


The statement noted that several new projects and initiatives have been planned for 2016, including a new cargo facility to be ready by April and the expansion of the arrivals terminal which will be completed by May.

The year 2016 also sees the 40th anniversary of Ras Al Khaimah Airport.

“This is a moment when we should acknowledge past achievements, celebrate the present, and look forward to a future of growth,” said Mohammed Qazi, CEO, RAK International Airport.


Qazi emphasised that the focus ahead is on becoming the leading low-cost and charter airport of the Northern Emirates. “We have a long-term vision that is closely linked with the economies and growth trends of the Northern Emirates,” he said.


With Qatar Airways set to start operations from February, another major milestone, RAK International will be able to continue its pursuit of the tourism sector as well as connecting the emirate to long haul destinations around the globe with ‘the world’s 5-star airline’.


On the short to medium haul routes, Air Arabia plays a crucial role in connecting Ras Al Khaimah as the national carrier. New routes from RAK are anticipated during 2016 for Air Arabia across the Middle East, Asia and Africa.

However, in order to satisfy the continuously growing population and economies of the Northern Emirates, RAK Airport hinted the commencement of another low-cost carrier in the coming weeks.

“2016 is going to be a challenging yet exciting year for us,” said Mohammed Qazi. “We are very focused and aware of what lies ahead.  Our target is to increase productivity, be efficient, develop customer intimacy and promote Ras Al Khaimah.  It is about building a long-term and sustainable future that contributes to regional aviation growth.”