New Terminal Launch: A Gateway to Growth
Ras Al Khaimah International Airport is currently experiencing a massive transformation, as a new 30,000 sqm terminal was opened there and this is an important landmark in the development of the aviation sector in the emirate. The growth will help RAK Airport become one of the best international airports benefiting the growth of the economy of the emirate and in line with the larger schemes of tourism in the emirate. Sheikh Salem bin Sultan Al Qasimi who is the Chairman of the Department of Civil Aviation and Airport Board takes the lead on the initiative.
The new terminal RAK will comprise state of art baggage processing, improved passport control, electronic gates and increased customs services at the new terminal. This functionality is meant not only to ease the operation process but also to provide a faster, easier, and luxurious visitor journey.
Boosting Tourism: RAK Airport’s Ambitious Vision
The RAK Airport is strategically positioning itself as being a prime generator of tourism development in Ras Al Khaimah. The projected increase in the number of arrivals by 28% and over 661,000 passengers arriving at the airport by the year 2024 is major in terms of linking the emirate to new global markets. International connections in the cities of Prague, Moscow, Almaty, and Jeddah have launched new tourism corridors giving RAK a much larger global connection.
The terminal expansion balances with the increasing demand caused by the growth of new resorts and other hospitality constructions in destinations such as Al Marjan Island. This shows that Ras Al Khaimah is becoming an attractive destination among international travelers, as Raki Phillips confirmed during the presentation of RAK Tourism CEO.
Targeting 3 Million Travellers: A Strategic Milestone
The target of the airport is also evident, namely, to serve approximately three million passengers in the next few years. The growth is not purely about infrastructure, but is a strategic milestone in line with the overall vision of Ras Al Khaimah in being a world tourism destination. As the number of passengers increase, a new aviation terminal is under development that includes hangars and aircraft parking that will serve high-net-worth individuals and private jet operators.
The bigger strategy will boost the position of RAK Airport as the hub of luxury and natural attractions of the emirate, including beaches and mountains, five-star resorts and adventure activity centers.
Enhancing Connectivity: Features of the New Terminal
In addition to increasing the capacity, the new terminal RAK will also bring elements that will place RAK Airport as a second-generation travel hub. Such eco-friendly infrastructure as geothermal heat pumps, LED lights, or water recycling will make the terminal comply with the latest requirements of sustainability. Interestingly this will be the first in the Middle East and Asia to implement DYNAES thermodynamic energy efficiency technologies.
RAK Airport will also become more and more active in trade and logistics in the region. One of the cargo operators has already performed more than 100 freight flights, delivering pharmaceuticals, animal live products, etc. The list is not limited to the intake of an aircraft maintenance center, which is also on the way and one more support to the functioning of the airport.
As international carriers such as the Air Arabia, IndiGo and Air India Express have already been on board with more international carriers still being negotiated by the authorities—the improved connectivity offered by the airport is set to further expand with the ambitions of Ras Al Khaimah tourism industry.
