Ras Al Khaimah International Airport (RKT) is charting ambitious expansion plans after achieving a 51 percent surge in passenger traffic over the past two years. Chief Executive Officer Manish Seth told AGBI that the airport now aims to emulate that growth once more, targeting 1.5 million travelers by the end of 2027.

Operating alongside the UAE’s major aviation players in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah, RKT reached the one‑million‑passenger milestone for the first time in 2025, a landmark achievement for the northern emirate’s growing aviation sector.

“Our aspiration is to maintain this momentum and reach the same scale of growth within the next two years,” Seth said.

The airport’s growth reflects Ras Al Khaimah’s steady rise as a leisure destination. The emirate recorded more than 1.4 million overnight visitors in 2025, marking a 6 percent year‑on‑year increase, as it pushes toward its goal of welcoming 3.5 million tourists annually by 2030.

To handle rising passenger demand, RKT is overhauling its current terminal to lift annual capacity to 1.2 million people. In addition, construction of a new 30,000‑square‑metre terminal—capable of serving up to 4.5 million passengers—is scheduled to begin later this year.

“We’re well equipped for the next few years, but the new infrastructure will ensure we remain ahead of growth,” Seth said.

Passenger traffic is expected to climb further following the opening of Wynn Al Marjan Island in 2027, the UAE’s first integrated casino resort. The US‑based developer forecasts around one million annual guests, many of whom are expected to make repeat visits to the property.

Authorities estimate that by 2027, Ras Al Khaimah could attract 1.5 million domestic tourists from other emirates, lifting total visitor numbers to roughly 4.6 million.

“That influx will naturally translate into higher air traffic for us,” Seth noted.

In line with these projections, the airport plans to launch a dedicated “VVIP” terminal in partnership with Falcon Executive Aviation, catering to high‑net‑worth and celebrity visitors bound for the Wynn resort. The facility—scheduled to open in 2027—will feature a royal lounge, four ultra‑luxury suites, hospitality zones, and amenities tailored for discreet, high‑profile guests.

The new complex will span 1,500 square metres, complete with an 8,000‑square‑metre multi‑purpose hangar and 9,000 square metres of apron space for private aircraft.

Despite the expansions, RKT has no immediate plans for a second runway. Seth emphasized that the airport still has ample capacity to accommodate growth, citing major single‑runway hubs like London Gatwick and Mumbai as proof of efficiency.

“We’re still far below those traffic volumes, so one runway remains more than sufficient,” he said.

Established in 1976, Ras Al Khaimah International Airport now connects passengers to 16 destinations across Asia, the Middle East, and Europe. Key routes include India, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Russia, and Egypt, alongside newer links to Poland, Romania, Uzbekistan, and other Central and Eastern European markets.

In 2025, RKT added flights to Jeddah, Moscow, Warsaw, Prague, and Tashkent, operated by carriers such as Air Arabia, IndiGo, and Air India Express. According to Seth, the airport is now in talks with several airlines in Western Europe, China, and across the GCC to expand connectivity even further.

“Our focus is long term,” Seth said. “Direct links with Western Europe and China are priorities, alongside strengthening our footprint within the GCC and Indian subcontinent.”

Red Sea Global (RSG), the developer behind Saudi Arabia’s regenerative tourism destinations The Red Sea and AMAALA, has completed the modernisation of AlWajh International Airport in the country’s northwest.

The airport has now resumed operations, with Saudia operating three weekly flights from Riyadh and two from Jeddah. International services are expected to begin in the near future.

The project represents the first infrastructure delivery completed by RSG under its broadened mandate beyond destination development, reflecting its expanding role in enhancing connectivity, public services, and wider economic growth.

RSG Group CEO John Pagano said the redevelopment goes beyond aviation infrastructure, describing it as a strategic gateway designed to improve mobility, stimulate economic activity, and create new opportunities for communities in the region. He added that residents of Tabuk now have access to an upgraded international-standard airport with improved links across Saudi Arabia and beyond.

The upgraded facility is now capable of accommodating a wide range of commercial aircraft, including Airbus A320 and Boeing 737 families, as well as seaplanes. Its annual passenger capacity has increased to 500,000, up from 100,000 previously, with the ability to handle up to 330 passengers per hour across four gates during peak periods.

According to the company, the expansion is expected to support rising demand, strengthen tourism development, and contribute to job creation and broader economic activity across the Tabuk region.

Abdulaziz Al-Abdan, Executive Director of Aviation and Airport Operations at Red Sea Global, said the improvements significantly expand capacity for larger aircraft and higher passenger volumes. He added that discussions are already underway with airline partners and regulators to further develop future route networks in line with expected demand growth.

The airport is also set to function as a key entry point for AMAALA, the luxury wellness destination located about 45 minutes away by electric vehicle and roughly 20 minutes by seaplane.

Architectural design elements of the renovated terminal draw on the heritage of AlWajh’s historic town and the broader Tabuk coastline, aiming to reflect the region’s cultural identity.

Additional upgrades include enhanced passenger facilities such as premium lounges, cafés, a mini-market, automated banking services, car rental desks, and expanded parking. The terminal has also been equipped to support seaplane and helicopter operations as part of future transport links to AMAALA.

Source: ZAWYA

China added 80 new international air cargo routes during the first five months of 2026, according to data released by the Air Logistics Committee of the China Federation of Logistics & Purchasing (CFLP) as of May 31.

The expansion was largely focused on Europe and Asia. Of the newly established routes, 35 connect China with destinations across Europe, while 33 serve Asian markets. Ten routes were launched to North America, with one route each linking China to South America and Africa.

In May alone, 11 new international air cargo routes entered service, including seven connecting China with other Asian countries, three serving European destinations, and one linking to North America.

The new routes are primarily used to transport cross-border e-commerce shipments, advanced manufactured products, high-value goods, and fresh agricultural produce.

Industry experts say the continued growth of China's international air freight network is helping diversify transportation options and support export-driven industries. Peng Chun, Deputy Director of the Department of Logistics Management at Beijing Jiaotong University, noted that the expanded network helps reduce pressure on maritime and rail freight services while providing faster logistics solutions for high-value exports.

Peng added that the increase in international cargo routes also strengthens China's transportation resilience and contributes to greater supply chain security by enhancing independent logistics capabilities.

Source: CGTN

Bahrain International Airport has confirmed that the kingdom’s airspace remains open and that flight operations continue as normal, reaffirming Bahrain’s connectivity with destinations worldwide.

In a statement shared on X, the airport said its team remains focused on providing a smooth travel experience for passengers while maintaining regular flight services.

The update came after an Air India Express flight scheduled to operate from Kochi to Bahrain was cancelled on Thursday morning. The cancellation left 122 passengers stranded in Kochi.

Because the aircraft did not arrive in Bahrain, the return service from Bahrain to Kochi, scheduled to depart at 3pm, was also cancelled. The disruption affected an additional 178 passengers.

According to an airline official quoted by the Gulf Daily News (GDN), affected travelers were offered the choice of receiving a full refund or being rebooked on the next available flight.

Airport authorities have not reported any restrictions to Bahrain’s airspace, and flight operations continue across the kingdom’s aviation network.

Source: ZAWYA

Kuwait International Airport has activated its emergency response plan after Terminal One was struck by missiles and drones reportedly launched from Iran, causing injuries and damage to airport facilities, officials confirmed.

Abdullah Al-Rajhi, spokesperson for the Public Authority for Civil Aviation (PACA), said authorities immediately implemented established emergency protocols to protect passengers, staff, and airport infrastructure.

Air traffic has been suspended, and inbound and outbound flights have been diverted to nearby airports until further notice, Al-Rajhi added.

Technical teams are currently assessing the extent of the damage to facilities before repair operations begin. Security and contingency measures remain in place to ensure the safe resumption of airport operations.

The incident underscores ongoing regional tensions and highlights the importance of airport emergency preparedness in safeguarding travelers and aviation infrastructure.

Kuwait’s General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) said on Thursday that Arab and international airlines will gradually resume operations at Terminal 1 of Kuwait International Airport beginning June 1, as the country moves toward restoring full air traffic activity after recent disruptions.

Chairman of the Authority, Sheikh Engineer Hamoud Mubarak Al-Humoud Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, credited Kuwait’s leadership for its continued support of the aviation sector. He expressed appreciation to His Highness the Amir, Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah; His Highness the Crown Prince, Sheikh Sabah Al-Khalid Al-Hamad Al-Sabah; and His Highness the Prime Minister, Sheikh Ahmad Abdullah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, for backing efforts to strengthen and modernize the country’s aviation infrastructure.

According to Sheikh Hamoud, flight operations will resume in stages under a structured implementation plan intended to confirm technical preparedness and logistical efficiency. He said the phased approach is designed to maintain orderly air traffic movement and uphold strict passenger safety standards, with ongoing assessments at each phase before reaching full operating capacity.

The return of Arab and foreign carriers follows the completion of extensive repair, rehabilitation and development work at major airport facilities. Authorities said the upgrades included improvements to infrastructure, systems and broader operational readiness across Kuwait International Airport.

GACA also confirmed that all required enhancements at Terminal 1 have now been finalized. The main passenger terminal has undergone redesign measures intended to improve passenger movement while preserving high security and safety standards.

Sheikh Hamoud pointed to a recent inspection visit by Prime Minister Sheikh Ahmad Abdullah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, who reviewed progress at Terminal 1 and examined the latest completed developments. The visit was attended by Minister of Defense Sheikh Abdullah Ali Abdullah Salem Al-Sabah and senior officials from the Civil Aviation Authority.

During the visit, officials delivered a detailed briefing covering repair, rehabilitation and modernization projects carried out by the Authority, particularly following recent Iranian attacks targeting Kuwait International Airport. The presentation also addressed the proposed operational roadmap for the return of foreign airlines, as well as preparations linked to this year’s Hajj flight schedule.

In his closing remarks, Sheikh Hamoud praised the cooperation of government agencies working at the airport, including the Ministry of Interior and the General Administration of Customs. He also commended aviation authority staff for maintaining airport operations during what he described as exceptional circumstances.

Source: ZAWYA