list of airports in United Arab Emirates

Exploring the Airports of the United Arab Emirates: A Comprehensive Guide

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is a global hub for travel and commerce, and its impressive network of airports plays a crucial role in facilitating this. From the world-renowned Dubai International Airport to smaller regional facilities, the UAE caters to a vast range of aviation needs. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of the airports in the UAE, covering their locations, key features, and the airlines they serve. Whether you’re planning a trip to the UAE or simply curious about its aviation infrastructure, this article has you covered.

Major International Airports

The UAE boasts some of the busiest and most luxurious airports globally. These serve as primary gateways for international travelers and are known for their extensive route networks and world-class amenities.

Dubai International Airport (DXB): Consistently ranked among the world’s top airports, DXB is the busiest international airport globally. It’s a major hub for Emirates Airline and flydubai, offering connections to hundreds of destinations across six continents. Its facilities are extensive, including multiple terminals, duty-free shopping, restaurants, lounges, and even a hotel within the airport.

Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH): The second-largest airport in the UAE, AUH is the home base for Etihad Airways. It’s undergoing significant expansion to accommodate growing passenger numbers and enhance its position as a leading international hub. AUH offers a streamlined travel experience with modern facilities and a focus on customer service.

Sharjah International Airport (SHJ): A significant cargo hub and a growing passenger airport, SHJ is served by a variety of airlines, including Air Arabia. It provides a more budget-friendly alternative to Dubai and Abu Dhabi, while still offering convenient connections to regional and international destinations.

Regional and Domestic Airports

Beyond the major hubs, the UAE has several regional airports that cater to domestic flights, regional travel, and general aviation. These airports are vital for connecting the different emirates and supporting local economies.

Al Ain International Airport (AAN): Serving the city of Al Ain, this airport primarily handles regional flights and general aviation traffic. It’s also used for training purposes and occasionally hosts airshows.

Ras Al Khaimah International Airport (RKT): Increasingly popular with budget airlines, RKT offers a growing number of international routes, particularly to destinations in Europe and Asia. It’s a convenient option for travelers visiting the Ras Al Khaimah emirate.

Fujairah International Airport (FJR): Primarily a cargo airport, FJR also handles some passenger traffic, including charter flights and regional services. Its location makes it strategically important for trade in the region.

Bateen Airport (AZH) – Abu Dhabi: Dedicated to general aviation, business jets, and VIP travelers, Bateen Airport provides a discreet and efficient service for private aircraft.

A Complete List of UAE Airports

Here’s a table summarizing the airports in the United Arab Emirates, including their IATA/ICAO codes and the emirate they serve:

Airport Name	IATA Code	ICAO Code	Emirate
Dubai International Airport	DXB	OMDB	Dubai
Abu Dhabi International Airport	AUH	OMAA	Abu Dhabi
Sharjah International Airport	SHJ	OMSJ	Sharjah
Al Ain International Airport	AAN	ONAA	Al Ain
Ras Al Khaimah International Airport	RKT	OMRK	Ras Al Khaimah
Fujairah International Airport	FJR	OFFJ	Fujairah
Bateen Airport (Abu Dhabi)	AZH	OMBH	Abu Dhabi
Sir Bani Yas Island Airport	XSB	ONSB	Abu Dhabi
Delma Island Airport	DLM	ONDM	Abu Dhabi
Ghayathi Airport	GHT	ONGHT	Abu Dhabi
Liwa Airport	LVH	OMLW	Abu Dhabi
Ruwais Airport	RWY	OMRW	Abu Dhabi
Zabeel Airport	ZAB	OM03	Dubai
Jebel Ali Airport (Al Maktoum)	DWC	OMDW	Dubai

The Future of UAE Airports

The UAE continues to invest heavily in its aviation infrastructure. Significant expansion projects are underway at both Dubai International and Abu Dhabi International Airports to increase capacity and improve passenger experience. Dubai World Central (DWC), also known as Al Maktoum International Airport, is planned to become the world’s largest airport in the future, eventually taking over from DXB. Focus is also being placed on sustainable aviation practices and incorporating innovative technologies to enhance efficiency and security.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Which is the busiest airport in the UAE?
A1: Dubai International Airport (DXB) is the busiest airport in the UAE, and consistently ranks as the busiest international airport globally.

Q2: What airlines operate from Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH)?
A2: Etihad Airways is the primary airline operating from AUH, but many other international carriers also use the airport.

Q3: Is Sharjah Airport a good alternative to Dubai?
A3: Yes, Sharjah Airport (SHJ) is often a more affordable option for flights, especially with airlines like Air Arabia.

Q4: What is Dubai World Central (DWC) used for currently?
A4: DWC currently handles a significant amount of cargo traffic and some passenger flights, primarily operated by flydubai.

Q5: Are there many smaller, regional airports in the UAE?
A5: Yes, the UAE has several regional airports serving different emirates and catering to domestic, regional, and general aviation needs.