Sheikh Salem bin Sultan bin Saqr Al Qasimi, chairman of the Department of Civil Aviation in Ras Al Khaimah and chairman of the Board of Directors of Ras Al Khaimah International Airport, announced a remarkable achievement in the air transport sector, reporting a 28 percent increase in passenger traffic that reached a total of 661,765 passengers in 2024. This growth underscores the UAE’s significant milestones in its global transformation, especially within the aviation industry.
These accomplishments are attributed to the visionary leadership of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai. Their guidance has propelled the UAE to rank among the world’s busiest destinations for air travel and cargo transit.
Transformative leadership in Ras Al Khaimah
Also, Sheikh Salem emphasized the profound changes occurring in Ras Al Khaimah, driven by the support and vision of H.H. Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah. The follow-up of H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Crown Prince of Ras Al Khaimah and Chairman of the Executive Council, has also played a vital role in establishing the emirate as a global aviation hub connecting Eurasian, Arab, and African nations through the UAE.
Read more: Ras Al Khaimah International Airport welcomes inaugural Fly Vaayu flight from China
Economic growth through aviation
The achievements of the Civil Aviation Authority are directly reflected in significant increases in passenger and cargo transport, which bolster the overall development of Ras Al Khaimah’s business, tourism, hospitality, services, and international trade sectors. This growth contributes to the economic advancement of both Ras Al Khaimah and the UAE as a whole.
Exceptional cargo operations growth
Cargo operations at Ras Al Khaimah Airport experienced remarkable growth, increasing by nearly 97 percent in 2024, with 6,652 tonnes of cargo processed. This growth surpassed 2024 forecasts by 190 percent, underscoring the airport’s rising significance in global supply chains, particularly with the expansion of e-commerce and logistics operations. The enhanced cargo capabilities of the airport, including the addition of Fly Flyao cargo services, have significantly contributed to these impressive results.
Increased connectivity and aircraft movements
Sheikh Salem Al Qasimi also highlighted that the airport saw a robust 21.3 percent increase in aircraft movements, with 7,440 flights recorded in 2024. This rise in air traffic reflects enhanced connectivity, as more airlines have added flights to existing routes or introduced new destinations. The growth in aircraft movements aligns with the increase in both passenger and cargo traffic, indicating the efficient use of the airport’s infrastructure and services.
Expanded services and new airlines
The Civil Aviation Authority of Ras Al Khaimah has made significant strides in expanding services. In mid-2024, the airport introduced Gulf currency exchange services at both departure and arrival terminals, offering added value for travelers.
Additionally, the airport welcomed three new charter airlines—URAL AIR (Russia), ENTER AIR (Poland), and Hi-Sky (Romania)—further enhancing its international connectivity.
