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RAK airport posts 17% passenger growth

Ras Al Khaimah - A new cargo facility will be ready by April and the arrivals terminal expansion will be completed by May this year.

Ras Al Khaimah International Airport registered a 17 per cent annual increase in passenger traffic in 2015. Aircraft movements of scheduled flights increased by 26 per cent over 2014. The airport's cargo business grew 51 per cent year on year.
Air Arabia, which is using Rak International as a hub, increased flight frequencies to the 10 destinations it serves from the emirate. New charter operations also kicked off from Germany, Poland, Latvia and Russia in 2015. Rak International also signed new deals for maintenance, repair and overhaul as well as aircraft decommissioning during 2015.
A new cargo facility will be ready by April and the arrivals terminal expansion will be completed by May this year. Ras Al Khaimah Airport will also celebrate its 40th anniversary this year.
Mohammed Qazi, CEO of Rak International Airport, said: "This is a moment when we should acknowledge past achievements, celebrate the present and look forward to a future of growth."
Qazi said Rak International Airport aspires to become the leading low cost and charter airport in the Northern Emirates. "We have a long-term vision that is closely linked with the economies and growth trends of the Northern Emirates." With Qatar Airways set to start operations from February, Ras Al Khaimah International will be able to attract more tourists and connect the emirate to long-haul destinations. Air Arabia connects Ras Al Khaimah to the rest of the world on short to medium haul routes. Air Arabia is also planning new routes from Rak International in 2016 across the Middle East, Asia and Africa. Rak Airport is also in talks with other airlines and anticipates an announcement in the coming weeks regarding the launch of another low-cost carrier. "2016 is going to be a challenging yet exciting year for us" concluded 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."
- business@khaleejtimes.com