RAK Airport announces new 30,000 sqm terminal in major expansion plan
Terminal to integrate smart technology and sustainability features by 2028
DUBAI: Ras Al Khaimah International Airport (RAK Airport) has unveiled plans for a game-changing 30,000 sqm terminal, part of a broader strategy to establish the emirate as a premier aviation and tourism hub in the UAE.
The new facility complements the current Departure and Arrival terminals, measuring 4,933 sqm and 3,134 sqm respectively.
Led by Sheikh Salem bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairman of the Department of Civil Aviation and the Airport’s Board, the development is designed to accommodate surging travel demand. “The airport is the gateway to Ras Al Khaimah, and this expansion is central to the emirate’s ambition to grow both industries,” Sheikh Salem told Khaleej Times.
RAK Airport expansion
RAK Airport’s expansion aligns with the emirate’s rising popularity among global travellers, particularly to destinations like Al Marjan Island. The new terminal will feature advanced baggage handling, electronic gates, upgraded security, and automated check-in facilities to streamline the passenger journey.
Passenger numbers are already climbing: In the first four months of 2025 alone, 332,280 passengers passed through the airport, including 164,691 arrivals. In 2024, the airport saw a 28% year-on-year increase, serving over 661,000 passengers – nearly double the 2022 figure.
To accommodate high-end travellers, a separate private aviation terminal is in the works. Sheikh Salem said they have opened tenders for a private aviation terminal, which will include dedicated hangars and aircraft parking areas to meet increasing demand from high-end travellers and private jet operators.
The expansion also embraces cutting-edge sustainability and innovation. The new terminal will incorporate energy-efficient LED lighting, solar power, geothermal heat pumps, and DYNAES thermodynamic energy solutions – making it the first in the Middle East and Asia to adopt these technologies.
New air cargo operator
The cargo sector is receiving an equal boost. A new air cargo operator has already made RAK Airport its regional base, having completed over 100 freight flights transporting pharmaceuticals, livestock, and other goods. Additionally, plans are underway for an aircraft maintenance centre to support the growing number of both commercial and private aircraft.
RAK Airport is currently served by major carriers including Air Arabia, IndiGo, and Air India Express, with routes spanning cities such as Cairo, Jeddah, Moscow, and Prague. Talks are ongoing to add more routes, particularly to European destinations.
Construction of the new terminal is expected to be completed by 2028, setting the stage for RAK Airport to handle up to 3 million passengers annually – a transformational move for the future of aviation in Ras Al Khaimah and the UAE.