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RAK Airport unveils new terminal to boost tourism as it eyes 3 million travellers
Ras Al Khaimah International Airport has launched a significant expansion with a new 30,000 sqm terminal, adding to the existing Departure 4,933 sqm and Arrival 3,134 sqm terminals. Led by Sheikh Salem bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairman of the Department of Civil Aviation and the Airport's Board, the project is a strategic step toward establishing Ras Al Khaimah as a key aviation and tourism hub in the UAE.
In an exclusive interview with Khaleej Times, Sheikh Salem outlined the vision behind the development. The new terminal will feature advanced baggage handling systems, electronic gates, upgraded customs and police services, and enhanced passport control, all designed to improve the passenger experience significantly.
A key objective of the expansion is to increase the airport's capacity to meet rising demand, particularly as new resorts and hotels emerge in destinations like Al Marjan Island.
"We've opened tenders for a private aviation terminal, which will include dedicated hangars and aircraft parking areas to meet increasing demand from high-end travelers and private jet operators," Sheikh Salem revealed. This facility will operate separately from the main terminal and cater to the growing luxury travel segment.
The terminal will also integrate the latest technologies and innovative services to offer a world-class travel experience. "The airport is the gateway to Ras Al Khaimah, and this expansion is central to the emirate's broader vision to grow its tourism and aviation sectors," he said.
Construction of the terminal is expected to be completed by 2028. It is part of a broader strategic development plan involving local consultants and companies and is aligned with a privatisation initiative to enhance operational efficiency.
The expansion isn't limited to passenger services. A new air cargo operator has already chosen RAK Airport as its regional base, completing over 100 freight flights transporting pharmaceuticals, livestock, and other goods. Plans are also in motion to establish an aircraft maintenance center, adding another layer to the airport's economic impact.
"There's significant growth in both passenger traffic and cargo movement, and we're seeing an upward trend across all areas," Sheikh Salem added, emphasising the airport's growing role in supporting the emirate's economy.
Eco-friendly technologies
The new terminal will incorporate eco-friendly technologies such as energy-efficient LED lighting, geothermal heat pumps, and water recycling systems to support Ras Al Khaimah's sustainability goals. Sheikh Salem also announced that the terminal will become the first in the Middle East and wider Asia to implement DYNAES's thermodynamic energy efficiency solutions, marking a regional milestone in green airport infrastructure.
The airport is home to several carriers, including Air Arabia, IndiGo, and Air India Express, with charter connections to Cairo, Jeddah, Pakistan, India, Moscow, and Prague.
"We are in ongoing negotiations with more international carriers to increase connectivity to Ras Al Khaimah," Sheikh Salem said, noting a spike in demand from European markets ahead of new luxury developments.
RAK Airport records 332,280 passengers
According to recent open data, Ras Al Khaimah International Airport recorded 332,280 passengers in the first four months of 2025. It includes 164,691 arrivals, 144,045 departures, and 23,544 transit passengers. April posted the highest number of arrivals (46,841), and January saw the most transit activity (1446).
In 2024, the airport saw a 28 per cent increase in arrivals compared to the previous year, bringing in more than 661,000 passengers, nearly double the 2022 figures. The surge is mainly attributed to improved flight connectivity and increased interest in the Emirates as a tourism destination.
The airport aims to serve up to 3 million travellers in the coming years. "This is not just an expansion; it's a game-changer for Ras Al Khaimah. The airport will soon be a central gateway, connecting the world to the emirate's mountains, beaches, and luxury resorts," Sheikh Salem concluded.
