All about the Al Ain International Airport
Al Ain International Airport (AAN) is located approximately 18km northwest of Al Ain City. Operational since 1994, AAN is the second airport in the emirate of Abu Dhabi. While the airport in Al Ain is not the busiest of popular UAE airports, it still plays an important role in the management of the air traffic flow. It is the first airport in the region to receive three OHSAS and ISO certifications.
Facts about the Al Ain International Airport
A total of nine airlines, including Royal Jordanian, Air India Express, Pakistan International Airlines, Sudan Airways, Jazeera Airways and Oman Air operate from this airport. Currently, it has one terminal and a 4,000m runway to cater to aircraft operations. A parallel 4,000m taxiway is also present which can work as a backup runway. The airport code is AAN.
Al Ain International Airport serves as a home base for civilian and military pilot training. Pilots who want to conquer the UAE’s skies and beyond take their first steps at the Al Ain Airport. The training institutes currently using the airport facility include EDIC Horizon International Flight Academy, Khalifa Bin Zayed Flying Academy and Etihad Flight College. Keeping in mind the flights and training, the airport sees almost 600 movements per day.
AL AIN AIRPORT AT A GLANCE
- Opened in 1994
- Serves nine destinations
- Features a 4,000m runway and a 4,000m parallel taxiway
- 10 check-in desks, including one for business class travellers
- Four gates
- Situated 18km from city centre
- Expansion plans will double the capacity of the airport
- The first airport in the region to receive 3 ISO and OHSAS certifications
Al Ain Airport Facilities
Al Ain Airport facilities include:
- ATM
- Restaurants and cafes
- Duty-free complex
- Medical Centre
- Luggage trollies
- Disabled facilities
Al Ain Airport Contact
If you have a specific question, you can always call the management company at +971-2-505-5000.
Getting to the Al Ain International Airport
Bus 496 serves the Al Ain International Airport. Depending on where you start your journey in Al Ain, it will take around 30 to 40 minutes to reach your destination. Alternatively, if you are driving, you can reach the airport in around 20 minutes. Both long-term and short-term parking options are available at the airport.
Metered taxi services to Al Ain Airport are also available in the city. The airport’s information desk can help you in this regard.
Hotels near Al Ain International Airport
If you are flying to the UAE via Al Ain International Airport and plan to stay in the city for a few days, it might be wise to book a nearby hotel. You can find some great options including:
- Aloft Al Ain | Hazza Bin Zayed Stadium Development, Al Towayya | +971-3-713-8888
- City Seasons Hotel | Sheikh Khalifa Ibn Zayed Street |+971-3-755-0220
- Hili Rayhaan by Rotana | Bani Yas Street |+971-3-705-3333
- Radisson Blu Hotel & Resort, Al Ain | Sarooj District, Hilton Road |+971-3-768-6666
- Ayla Grand Hotel | Othman bin Affan Street | +971-3-705-1444
If you are visiting a family member or a friend residing in the villas or apartments in Al Ain, you can always find a hotel near their home to reduce the commuting time.
Expansion Plans
A substantial change in terms of facilities and services is expected when the expansion plans for the airport get started.
Al Ain International Airport is one of the smaller airports in the UAE. However, a steady increase in air traffic is expected in the future. Expansion plans are underway with new carriers and destinations to be added soon.
There will be an increase in the size of the departure lounge and check-in area in addition to the enhancement of the airport facilities. The cargo terminal will be expanded and there will be a significant increase in its current capacity.
A hi-tech airline in-flight catering facility would be introduced at the Al Ain Airport as well. Ramp operations will also undergo significant change as would the current CCTV network. Moreover, the Al Ain International Airport will see a new MSSR Radar and VVIP terminal.
Nibras Al Ain Aerospace Park
Nibras Al Ain Aerospace Park is located at the Al Ain Airport. It is the UAE’s first aerospace cluster and industry experts believe that this aerospace park will help in the diversification of the country’s economy.
The 25 km2 aerospace park will generate employment opportunities. World-class suppliers, manufacturers, research institutes, educational and scientific bodies will come together here to collaborate and come with scientific solutions.
Industrial projects, office facilities for businesses and mixed-use residential zones are also under development. The vision is to make this a global aerospace hub.
Al Ain Airport has more than adequate facilities for incoming and outgoing passengers. From the safety and security arrangements to travel options, you have got nothing to worry about. All Al Ain Airport departures and Al Ain airport arrivals are well managed.
Of course, it’s still smaller than the Dubai International Airport, the Abu Dhabi International Airport or the Sharjah International Airport. However, with the expansion in progress, more facilities will soon be added to the Al Ain Aiport.
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