- Abu Dhabi Airport
- Dubai Airport
- Sharjah Airport
- Fujairah Airport
- Ras Al Khaimah Airport
- Al Ain Airport
- Al Bateen Executive Airport
The many airports in the UAE have helped to connect the country to major parts of the world, allowing tourists to visit easily and expat residents to travel back home frequently. Among the many commercial, private, civil and military airports in the UAE, Dubai International Airport is predictably the busiest. International travellers have always loved the high-quality infrastructure and rated it as an excellent experience.
All you need to know about Airports in the UAE
All UAE airports have world-class facilities and place a high degree of importance on the safety and security of passengers. While Dubai International Airport may be the most well-known UAE airport, other airports in the United Arab Emirates also play a pivotal role in the development of the economic system. Here, you can find a list of UAE airports with all the relevant details. So if you plan to visit the region soon, this information will make your journey hassle-free.
Abu Dhabi International Airport
Abu Dhabi International Airport is the second-largest UAE airport. Inaugurated with the plan to modernise the country, the AUH Airport now serves as a base for 30 airlines flying to over 100 destinations. Abu Dhabi International Airport hosted 23 million passengers in 2015 and the number is expected to exceed 45 million visitors in the coming decade.
The management at the capital city’s airport has been proactive in adopting new technology to find solutions for complex problems. In 2016, Abu Dhabi Airport adopted an automated passenger processing system from self-check-in and baggage drop facilities to automated passport control gates and aircraft boarding. It was the first airport in the region to implement the 5-step Smart Travel system.
Abu Dhabi International Airport Terminals
Owned by the Abu Dhabi Government, there are three airport terminals with two parallel runways. Terminal 3 is the newest addition mainly used for Etihad Airways operations, including the Airbus A380s.
Abu Dhabi Airport Terminal 1 – T1
T1 was the first terminal established in 1974. It is further subdivided into Terminal 1A and 1B. The iconic circular gate area connects the location to the departure gate bridges. Terminal 1 has undergone many upgrades over the years. Recently, new bus stands and 350 metres of walkways from arrival gates to immigration have been developed in this terminal.
Abu Dhabi Airport Terminal 2 – T2
Terminal 2 is the smallest of the three AUH airport terminals and only serves budget airlines. It has 19 check-in counters, two baggage claim belts and three bus boarding gates.
Abu Dhabi Airport Terminal 3 – T3
This facility serves passengers of Etihad Airways. It was developed as an extension to Terminal 1. It features departure gates, 28-35 and 58-61. Recently, 16 new X-ray machines and aircraft hardstands were added to the facilities.
Things to do at the Abu Dhabi International Airport
One thing is guaranteed. With so many things to do at the Abu Dhabi International Airport, you will not be bored.
There are over 100 retail and 24 food and beverage outlets at the Abu Dhabi International Airport. Among the restaurants, you could try McDonald’s, Naan Indian Kitchen, Cinnamon City Café & Restaurant, Lavazza Espression, Montreux Jazz Café, Shawarmanji, Yum Cha, Urban Food Market and Burger King.
Many banks offer an airport lounge access using a credit card in Abu Dhabi so you can refuel and freshen up before your journey.
With its elegant interiors and warm service, Etihad Premium Lounge in Terminal 3 will surely set the right tone for your flight ahead. Terminal 1 passengers can make themselves comfortable at Al Reem Lounge and Al Dhabi Lounge.
Other small airports in Abu Dhabi are Delma Airport and Sir Bani Yas Airport. These airports cater to the tourists that visit the islands. Currently, plans are in progress to fully develop them to handle domestic and short-haul international flights.
Dubai International Airport
The Dubai International Airport opened in the year 1960. The number of passengers using this facility has grown by 15% each year. Last year it served over 89.1 million passengers.
There are 140 scheduled airlines at the airport flying to almost 260 destinations. Dubai Airport is not just one of the best airports in the UAE. Rather, it is one of the top airports in the world. The interesting list of DXB airport facts shows that it is more than a travel hub and has played an important part in establishing Dubai as a major tourist destination.
Dubai International Airport Terminals
There are three terminals at Dubai International Airport. Terminal 1 has Concourse D while Terminal 3 has Concourse A, B and C.
Dubai International Airport Terminal 1 (T1)
T1 is limited to international flights and has accommodated over 20 million passengers every year. The relatively new extension is Concourse D that has allowed 60 international airlines to operate at the airport. The terminal has a train for passengers to take them to and from the gate. Its security and customer services are world-class.
Dubai International Airport Terminal 2 (T2)
T2 is the base for international, charter, and special interest flights. Currently, 50 airlines are operating from here providing services to over 5 million travellers. This terminal also has the latest technology in terms of immigration stands, baggage carousels, modernised e-gates, etc.
Dubai International Airport Terminal 3 (T3)
This terminal is dedicated to Emirates Airlines and has a capacity of 43 million passengers. The world’s first purpose-built Concourse A, a dedicated facility for aircraft A380 was built here. Despite being one of the busiest terminals in the world, its efficient system and processes ensure minimal delays.
Things to do at the Dubai International Airport
When we talk about the different things to do at DXB Airport, one of the best things to make the most of your layover is spending time at the lounges at Dubai International Airport. From cafes to private sleeping spots, you will find every comfort here to make your journey easier. Check with your bank, to see if they offer free access to the lounges.
Those who have travelled via T3 would also be aware of the beautiful Zen Garden. This indoor garden has a fish pond, a large green area and benches. There is a play area for kids. So, it’s the perfect place to spend time with family. Everyone can also access free Wi-Fi at Dubai Airport.
There is also the globally famed Dubai Duty Free at Terminal 1 – the best place for retail therapy. It is the largest travel retail operator with annual sales exceeding USD 2 billion in 2019. Some of the top restaurants in the world are present here as well including Bombay Chowpatti, Starbucks, KFC, Costa Coffee, McDonald’s, Burger King, Jacks Bar and Grill.
Sharjah International Airport
One of the most interesting facts about the Sharjah International Airport is that it has the largest runway in the region – 4,060 m. The airport has an open sky policy, which means airlines across the world are given access to the airport. Located 10 km away from Sharjah City Centre, it is a 20-minute drive from the Dubai International Airport.
Facilities at Sharjah International Airport
The airport offers excellent facilities for families including lounges, baby care rooms and a lot more. Similarly, banking services are also available at the Sharjah International Airport. Free airport services also include WiFi. Restaurants include Costa Coffee, McDonald’s, Subway, London Dairy, Dunkin Donuts and Fusion Bites. The Sharjah Duty-Free is an excellent place to spend time and buy the best products.
Fujairah International Airport
Fujairah International Airport started its operations in 1987. This is the only airport located on the east coast of the UAE. Compared to other airports in the UAE, it is smaller in size and has fewer flights. Nonetheless, it plays an important role in the economic cycle of the emirate. Over the years a parallel runway, aprons, taxiways and other facilities have been introduced and upgraded.
Facilities at Fujairah International Airport
The airport has a spacious lounge where passengers can relax. Free WiFi is also offered. The Duty Free Shop, snack bar and gift shop are places where people spend most of their time while waiting for flights.
Ras Al Khaimah Airport
The Ras Al Khaimah Airport went through a major expansion in April 2007. It included upgrades to the passenger terminal building, cargo terminal and the public transport infrastructure. The airport operates passenger and cargo services to Central Asia, the sub-continent, Europe, North and East Africa.
Facilities at Ras Al Khaimah Airport
There is a VIP lounge at the airport which can accommodate up to 60 passengers. Another lounge is under construction. Similarly, there is a 24-hour restaurant at the departure lounge.
Al Ain Airport
Al Ain International Airport is one of the smaller international airports in the UAE. It is located towards the northwest of Al Ain. It has been operating since 1994 with flights to nine destinations. The airport has a 4,000 metres runway and a parallel 4,000 metres taxiway that can be used as a runway if required. Further advancements such as the expansion of the cargo terminal and departure lounge, improved CCTV coverage, and software upgrades will also take place soon.
Al Bateen Executive Airport
In 2013, Al Bateen Executive Airport was named the “Second Best Executive Airport in the World” by European Business Aviation News in 2013. There are no other airports in the region with 3 ISO and OHSAS certifications. Moreover, it is the only exclusive business airport in the MENA region.
It has a standard capacity for 30 private jets with short taxi times. The airport is also ideally located. From Al Bateen Airport, you can reach Dubai in less than an hour. So for people looking to charter a private plane, this could be a preferred choice amongst all the airports in the UAE.
This wraps up our list of UAE airports. Not many countries in the world have as many world-class airports as the UAE. The government is continuously working towards making the experience of the visitors pleasant. Often passengers have to spend a considerable amount of time at the airport during transit. This is where airport facilities come in handy. You could apply for a short UAE transit visa or book a room in a hotel close to the airport. It all depends on how much time you have.
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