Welcome to the guide on the 8 main airports in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for the year 2023. The UAE is a hub for international travel, with millions of visitors arriving and departing through its airports yearly. From the world’s largest airport to those located in smaller cities, the UAE’s airport infrastructure is world-class, offering travelers a seamless and comfortable experience.
In this guide, we will provide you with information on the eight main airports in the UAE, including their locations, facilities, and airlines that operate from them. Whether you are a first-time visitor or a frequent traveler to the UAE, this guide will help you navigate the country’s airports and make your trip a success.
Dubai International Airport (DXB)
Dubai International Airport, located in the heart of the city, is one of the busiest and largest airports in the world. In 2021, the airport served over 89 million passengers, making it the fourth busiest airport in the world by international passenger traffic. The airport is a hub for Emirates Airlines, which operates to over 150 destinations worldwide, and serves as a connecting point for travelers flying between Asia, Europe, Africa, and the Americas. The airport has three terminals, with Terminal 3 being the largest in the world, and boasts state-of-the-art facilities, including luxurious lounges, duty-free shopping, restaurants, and bars.
Dubai International Airport’s success can be attributed to several factors, including its strategic location, advanced infrastructure, and continuous expansion. The airport is situated at the crossroads of Europe, Asia, and Africa, making it an ideal stopover for travelers flying long-haul routes. Additionally, the airport has invested heavily in technology, such as automated immigration and baggage systems, to enhance the passenger experience and reduce waiting times.
Dubai International Airport’s expansion plans include the construction of a new terminal, Terminal 4, and the expansion of existing terminals, which will increase the airport’s capacity to over 118 million passengers annually. With its world-class facilities and ambitious expansion plans, Dubai International Airport is set to remain one of the biggest and busiest airports in the world for years to come.
- IATA:DXB
- ICAO:OMDB
- City:Dubai
- Height:62 ft (19 m)
- Runways:2
- Longest runway:13,124 ft (4,000 m)
- Airlines:84
- Destinations:188
Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH)
Abu Dhabi International Airport is another major airport in the UAE and is the second-largest airport in the country. It is located in the capital city of Abu Dhabi and serves as a hub for Etihad Airways, the UAE’s national airline. In 2021, the airport served over 24 million passengers, and its passenger traffic has been steadily increasing over the years. The airport has three terminals, with Terminal 3 being the largest, and offers a range of facilities, including duty-free shopping, restaurants, and lounges.
Abu Dhabi International Airport’s success can be attributed to its location and strategic partnerships. The airport is situated in a prime location in the Middle East, with easy access to several major cities in the region, including Dubai, Riyadh, and Doha. Additionally, Etihad Airways has established strategic partnerships with several international airlines, which has enabled the airport to serve as a connecting point for passengers traveling to and from various parts of the world. The airport has also invested heavily in technology, such as biometric facial recognition and smart baggage systems, to enhance the passenger experience and reduce waiting times. With its prime location and advanced infrastructure, Abu Dhabi International Airport is set to remain a major player in the global aviation industry.
- IATA:AUH
- ICAO:OMAA
- City:Abu Dhabi
- Height: 88 ft (27 m)
- Runways:2
- Longest runway:13,452 ft (4,100 m)
- Airlines:58
- Destinations:87
Sharjah International Airport (SHJ)
Sharjah International Airport is one of the largest airports in the United Arab Emirates and is located in the emirate of Sharjah. The airport has undergone significant expansion over the years, and in 2021, it served over 12 million passengers, making it the third busiest airport in the UAE. Sharjah International Airport is a hub for low-cost airlines such as Air Arabia, which operates flights to over 170 destinations worldwide. The airport has one terminal with a wide range of facilities, including duty-free shopping, restaurants, and lounges.
The airport’s success can be attributed to several factors, including its proximity to Dubai and focus on budget airlines. Sharjah International Airport is located just 15 kilometers from Dubai and offers an alternative option for travelers looking to avoid the crowds and higher prices of Dubai International Airport. Additionally, the airport has focused on attracting low-cost carriers, such as Air Arabia, which has helped increase its passenger traffic. The airport has also invested in upgrading its facilities and services, including the expansion of its terminal building, the addition of more check-in counters, and the implementation of advanced baggage handling systems. With its strategic location and focus on budget airlines, Sharjah International Airport is set to continue to be a major player in the global aviation industry.
- IATA:SHJ
- ICAO:OMSJ
- City:Sharjah
- Height: 111 ft (34 m)
- Runways:1
- Longest runway:13,320 ft (4,060 m)
- Airlines:16
- Destinations:78
Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC)
Al Maktoum International Airport, also known as Dubai World Central (DWC), is one of the largest airports in the UAE and is located in Dubai. The airport serves as a hub for several airlines, including Emirates SkyCargo and flydubai, and is designed to handle large volumes of cargo and passengers. In 2021, the airport served over 1 million passengers and handled over 1.6 million tonnes of cargo. The airport has one terminal, and its facilities include duty-free shops, restaurants, and lounges.
Al Maktoum International Airport’s success can be attributed to its strategic location and focus on cargo operations. The airport is situated in Dubai South, a massive development project that includes an aviation district, a logistics district, and residential and commercial areas. The airport is strategically located near major highways, seaports, and the Expo 2020 site, which has helped attract cargo and logistics companies. Additionally, the airport has invested in state-of-the-art cargo facilities, including a dedicated cargo terminal with advanced cargo handling systems. The airport also operates a free zone area that offers incentives for companies operating in the logistics and aviation sectors. With its strategic location and focus on cargo operations, Al Maktoum International Airport is poised to continue to be a major player in the global aviation and logistics industry.
- IATA:DWC
- ICAO:OMDW
- City:Jebel Ali
- Height: 114 ft (35 m)
- Runways:1
- Longest runway:14,764 ft (4,500 m)
- Airlines:11
- Destinations:40
Al Ain International Airport (AAN)
Al Ain International Airport (AAN) is one of the largest airports in the UAE and is located in the city of Al Ain, which is situated on the border between the UAE and Oman. The airport serves as a gateway to the eastern region of the UAE and offers domestic and regional flights to several destinations. In 2021, the airport served over 295,000 passengers and has been steadily increasing its passenger traffic over the years. The airport has one terminal and offers a range of facilities, including duty-free shopping, restaurants, and lounges.
Al Ain International Airport’s success can be attributed to its strategic location and its focus on regional connectivity. The airport is located in the city of Al Ain, which is a major cultural and economic center in the UAE. The airport offers flights to several regional destinations, including Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and Oman, making it an important hub for regional connectivity. Additionally, the airport has invested in enhancing its facilities and services, such as expanding the terminal building and upgrading the runway and taxiway systems, to ensure a smooth and efficient experience for passengers. With its strategic location and focus on regional connectivity, Al Ain International Airport is set to continue to be one of the major airports in the UAE.
IATA:AAN
ICAO:OMAL
City:Al Ain
Height: 869 ft (265 m)
Runways:1
Longest runway:13,123 ft (4,000 m)
Airlines:2
Destinations:2
Fujairah International Airport (FJR)
Fujairah International Airport (FJR) is one of the largest airports in the UAE and is located in the emirate of Fujairah. The airport serves as a gateway to the east coast of the UAE and offers domestic and regional flights to several destinations. In 2021, the airport served over 500,000 passengers and has been experiencing steady growth in passenger traffic. The airport has one terminal and offers a range of facilities, including duty-free shopping, restaurants, and lounges.
Fujairah International Airport’s success can be attributed to its strategic location and its focus on regional connectivity. The airport is located in the emirate of Fujairah, which is a major center for tourism and business on the east coast of the UAE. The airport offers flights to several regional destinations, including Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and Oman, making it an important hub for regional connectivity. Additionally, the airport has invested in upgrading its facilities and services, such as expanding the terminal building and upgrading the runway and taxiway systems, to ensure a smooth and efficient experience for passengers. With its strategic location and focus on regional connectivity, Fujairah International Airport is poised to continue to be a major player in the aviation industry in the UAE.
- IATA:FJR
- ICAO:OMFJ
- Height: 152 ft (46 m)
- Runways:1
- Longest runway:12,303 ft (3,750 m)
- Airlines:1
- Destinations:1
Ras Al Khaimah International Airport (RKT)
Ras Al Khaimah International Airport (RKT) is one of the major airports in the UAE and is located in the emirate of Ras Al Khaimah. The airport serves as a gateway to the northern part of the UAE and offers domestic and regional flights to several destinations. In 2021, the airport served over 186,000 passengers and has been experiencing steady growth in passenger traffic. The airport has one terminal and offers a range of facilities, including duty-free shopping, restaurants, and lounges.
Ras Al Khaimah International Airport’s success can be attributed to its strategic location and its focus on regional connectivity. The airport is located in the emirate of Ras Al Khaimah, which is a major center for tourism and business in the northern part of the UAE. The airport offers flights to several regional destinations, including Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and Egypt, making it an important hub for regional connectivity. Additionally, the airport has invested in upgrading its facilities and services, such as expanding the terminal building and upgrading the runway and taxiway systems, to ensure a smooth and efficient experience for passengers. With its strategic location and focus on regional connectivity, Ras Al Khaimah International Airport is set to continue to be a major player in the aviation industry in the UAE.
- IATA:RKT
- ICAO:OMRK
- City:Ras Al Khaimah
- Height: 102 ft (31 m)
- Runways:1
- Longest runway:12,336 ft (3,760 m)
Delma Airport (ZDY)
Delma Airport (ZDY) is a regional airport located on the island of Delma, which is part of the UAE. The airport serves as a gateway to the island and offers domestic flights to Abu Dhabi and other regional destinations. The airport has one terminal and offers basic facilities, such as a waiting area and check-in counters. Although Delma Airport is not one of the largest airports in the UAE, it plays an important role in connecting the island with the mainland and other regional destinations.
Delma Island is a small island located off the coast of Abu Dhabi and is known for its pristine beaches, rich history, and traditional way of life. The island is popular among tourists and visitors who come to enjoy its natural beauty and explore its cultural heritage. Delma Airport is an essential transportation hub for the island and serves as an important link between Delma Island and the mainland. With its strategic location and importance for regional connectivity, Delma Airport is an important contributor to the aviation industry in the UAE.
- IATA:ZDY
- ICAO:ZDY
- City:Delma Island
- Height:30 ft (9 m)
- Airlines:1
- Destinations:1
