About
Inaugurated in 1976 by His Highness Sheikh Saqr bin Mohammed AI Qasimi, the Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah (RAK), the RAK International Airport is celebrating thirty years of its existence. Over the years it has seen several changes happening within it and around the emirate and has achieved the distinction of being a secure, safe and efficient airport. It has also registered steady growth in passenger, cargo and aircraft movements.
Located about eighteen kilometers from the city, the airport is not only modern with state-of-the-art equipment and facilities but also boasts a 3,760 meters long runway capable of handling the biggest aircraft currently in service. The present airport is set for more expansion in the coming years but currently consists of two passenger terminal buildings, cargo terminal facility, taxiways, apron, fuel farm, airport fire·fighting service, aircraft maintenance facilities, support facilities, access roads, car parking, control tower/ technical building, administrative building/security and staff accommodation.
Being uniquely located strategically between the East and the West, travelers from Europe, the Middle East, Africa, the Indian Subcontinent and the Far East have found RAK Airport a connecting point as well as a calm yet interesting stopover destination, Currently, six regular carriers and more than twenty-five charter airlines fly through RAK airport. Two of the main operators of charter flights are Fly Jet and Air Berlin. Fly Jet goes to various destinations via RAK with tourists disembarking here too and Air Berlin brings tourists from Eastern Europe to RAK, All passengers passing through the airport receive personalized service, as it is relatively small and extremely customer friendly.
The airport was the second airport in the GCC to secure the lSO 9001 : 2000 accreditations for quality management. The airport can accommodate all types of aircraft and there is continuous training for airport personnel to be able to handle these aircraft. Training is also given to all other personnel working in fire and rescue services, electronics, ground services and air traffic control.
The cargo area of the airport consists of two dedicated buildings that house storage facilities, X-ray equipment and special secure areas for storage of hazardous cargo and valuables. The area can handle bulk cargo, live animals, fresh meat and dangerous goods. Customs officials are available round the clock. while health department staff attend to supervise handling of livestock and inspection of fresh meat imports.
This year RAK International Airport will become the home of a new airline RAK Airways and is undergoing refurbishment to accommodate the home airline and its passengers. The existing building will be dedicated to departures and the older Saqr terminal will be dedicated to arrivals. The departure terminal will have two sections - one catering exclusively for RAK Airways and the second to cater to other carriers.
RAK Airways will initially fly to destinations in the Middle East, the Indian Subcontinent and Iran. lt is expected that with operations of RAK Airways starting in March this year, the number of passengers using RAK Airport will rise steadily. It currently has about 250, 000 passengers passing through it everv year.
"The RAK Airport is definitely one of the pillars of the success of RAK as a business and leisure centre and a gateway for travelers, visitors and tourists who come into the UAE. The airport and the new airline will definitely do all they can to continue to bring in more tourists and residents and let them know the great value of coming to RAK and being part of its success," says His Excellency Engineer Sheikh Salem bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairman of the Department of Civil Aviation and Vice Chairman of RAK Airways.
