Airports in the UAE connect the country to major international destinations. Visitors may readily visit the region, while expat inhabitants can quickly travel back to their home countries. Dubai International Airport is, predictably, the busiest of the UAE’s several commercial, private, civic, and military airports. Foreign travelers have traditionally praised the UAE airports’ high-quality facilities and rated their overall travel experience as outstanding.
How many airports are there in the country? Let us investigate.
THE LIST OF AIRPORTS IN THE UAE
All UAE airports offer first-rate facilities and a strong emphasis on passenger safety and security. While Dubai International Airport is the most well-known airport in the UAE, other airports in the country also play an important part in the country’s economic development. A list of UAE airports with pertinent information may be found here. Hence, if you intend to visit the area soon, utilize this knowledge to make your trip more enjoyable.
INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT OF ABU DHABI
Abu Dhabi International Airport, usually known as AUH, is the UAE’s second-largest airport. It was opened in 1982 and acts as a hub for 30 airlines that operate to over 100 destinations.
To handle complicated challenges, the airport administration in the capital city constantly utilised cutting-edge technology. Abu Dhabi Airport implemented an automated passenger processing system in 2016, which included everything from self-check-in and luggage drop facilities to automated passport control gates and airplane boarding. It was also the first airport to implement the Smart Travel system.
The Abu Dhabi International Airport earned the ‘Airport of the Year’ title in the 10-30 million category at the Air Transport News Awards in 2016.
TERMINALS AT ABU DHABI INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
The Abu Dhabi Government has three airport terminals and two parallel runways. Terminal 3 is the most recent addition to the list, and it is mostly utilized for Etihad Airlines operations, including Airbus A380s.
TERMINAL 1 OF ABU DHABI AIRPORT – T1
T1, the oldest terminal, is divided into three floors. The ground floor has an arrivals section with passport control, luggage and departure facilities, as well as security and check-in counters.
Level 2 contains a departures area, and Gates 3 to 11 are accessible by the circular satellite. Boarding Gates 14 through 19 are located on the Satellite lower level.
Facilities at T1 include:
- ATMs
- Baby care facilities
- Baggage Services
- Children’s play areas
- Currency Exchange
- Free Wi-Fi
- Information desk
- Lost luggage
- Medical services
- Persons with reduced mobility services
- Pharmacy
- Prayer rooms
- Restaurants and cafés
- Shops and Duty Free
- Showers
- Sleeping pods
- Smoking areas
- Spa
Abu Dhabi Terminal 1 Airport has five lounges:
- Al Reem Lounge by Plaza Premium Lounge
- Al Dhabi Lounge by Plaza Premium Lounge
- Etihad Airways First and Business Class Lounge
- Etihad Airways Arrivals Lounge
- Al Dar Lounge
TERMINAL 2 AT ABU DHABI AIRPORT – T2
Terminal 2 is the smallest of three airport terminals at AUH. The arrivals and departures areas are on the same level.
Among the services provided here are:
- ATMs
- Baggage Services
- Currency Exchange
- Lost luggage
- Medical services
- Parking services
- Persons with reduced mobility services
- Prayer rooms
- Restaurants and cafés
- Shops and Duty Free
- Smoking room
TERMINAL 3 AT ABU DHABI AIRPORT – T3
T3 is an expansion of Terminal 1 designed to help Etihad Airlines customers. It has Departure Gates 28-35 as well as 58-61. The arrivals area is on the ground level, while the departures area is on Level 1. A Mezzanine level with a Food Village, Duty Free store, and cafés is also visible to passengers.
T3 provides the following services:
- ATMs
- Baggage Services
- Currency Exchange
- Lost luggage
- Parking services
- Persons with reduced mobility services
- Prayer rooms
- Restaurants and cafés
- Shops and Duty Free
AUH T3 is one of the UAE airports with multiple lounges. The list includes:
- Etihad Airways First Class Lounge & Spa
- Etihad Airways Premium Lounge (US Departures)
- The Residence by Etihad Suite
- Etihad Airways Premium Lounge
ABU DHABI INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT ACTIVITIES
There are so many things to do at Abu Dhabi International Airport that you will not be bored even if you have a long stopover.
The Abu Dhabi International Airport has a plethora of retail and food and beverage businesses. McDonald’s, Naan Indian Cuisine, Cinnamon City Café & Restaurant, Lavazza Espression, Montreux Jazz Café, Shawarmanji, Yum Cha, Urban Food Market, and Burger King are among the eateries.
Several bank credit cards include access to airport lounges in Abu Dhabi, allowing you to refuel and freshen up before your flight.
Etihad Premium Lounge in Terminal 3 will undoubtedly set the tone for your travel ahead with its exquisite interiors and courteous service. Passengers in Terminal 1 can relax in the Al Reem Lounge and the Al Dhabi Lounge.
Additional minor airports in Abu Dhabi that serve visitors visiting the islands are Delma Airport and Sir Bani Yas Airport.
INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT OF DUBAI
Dubai International Airport originally opened its doors in 1960, and the number of travelers utilizing it has increased by 13% per year since then. It is by far the busiest airport in the UAE, with connections to almost 240 destinations.
An intriguing truth about DXB airport is that it is much more than a transport hub. In fact, it was critical in developing Dubai as a prominent tourist destination. The Dubai Airport has superb amenities, including some top restaurants.
TERMINALS AT DUBAI INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
Dubai International Airport, like the UAE capital, has three terminals. Gate D is located in Terminal 1, Gate F is located in Terminal 2, while Gates A, B, and C are located in Terminal 3. Shuttle buses connect all Dubai Airport Terminals.
TERMINAL 1 OF DUBAI INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT (T1)
T1 is only used for foreign flights and has served over 20 million people per year. Concourse D, a relatively new addition, has allowed 60 international airlines to operate at the airport. There is a passenger rail at the terminal for a stress-free trip to and from the gate.
Level 1 of the T1 is allocated to departures, Level 2 to arrivals, and Level 3 to services and concessions.
Among the services provided are:
- ATMs and Banking
- Baby care rooms
- Business centre
- Car rental companies
- Children’s play area
- Currency exchange offices
- Parking lots
- Transportation access
There are many lounges at T1, including:
- Marhaba Lounge (D Gates)
- Ahlan Business Class Lounge
- Ahlan First Class Lounge
- British Airways Galleries Lounge and
- Concorde Bar
- Lufthansa Senator Lounge
- SkyTeam Lounge
- Lufthansa Business Lounge
TERMINAL 2 OF DUBAI INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT (T2)
T2 serves as the hub for international, charter, and specialty flights. Nowadays, over 50 airlines serve over 5 million passengers from T2. This terminal also features the most recent immigration stands, luggage carousels, and e-gates.
Arrivals are served by Levels 1 and 4 of T2. Level 2 is the boarding area, while Level 3 is the departures area. Among the services offered are:
- Currency exchange offices
- ATMs and Banking
- Parking lots
- Restaurants and Cafeterias
- Car rental companies
- Transportation access
- Business centre
There are two lounges at T2: Marhaba Lounge (F Gates) and flydubai Business Class Lounge.
TERMINAL 3 OF DUBAI INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT (T3)
T3, also known as the Emirates Airlines terminal, can accommodate 60 million people per year. Concourse A, the world’s first specialized facility for A380 aircraft, was created here. There are two further concourses at the airport: B and C. Despite being one of the world’s busiest airports, its efficient structure and processes assure minimum delays.
T3’s Level 1 is for arrivals, Level 2 is for boarding, and Level 3 is for departures, as well as a shop space and a food court. Regular travelers frequently frequent the Dubai Airport T3 stores.
Similarly, eateries on Concourse B at Terminal 3 cater to all passengers’ gastronomic demands.
The services on offer here include:
- Airport medical centre
- ATMs and Banking
- Baby care rooms
- Baggage storage
- Business centre
- Car rental companies
- Children’s play area
- Currency exchange offices
- Dubai International Hotel
- Parking lots
- Prayer rooms
- Restaurants and Cafeterias
- Transportation access
- Wi-Fi access
T3 lounges include:
- Marhaba Lounge (Concourse A)
- Plaza Premium Lounge
- Marhaba Lounge (Concourse B)
- Lounge @ B
- Marhaba Lounge
- Emirates First Class Lounge
- The Emirates Business Class Lounge
- The Gallery by Dubai International Hotel
- The Emirates Lounge
DUBAI INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT ACTIVITIES
When it comes to things to do at DXB Airport, spending time at the Dubai airport lounges is the best way to make the most of your stopover. From eateries to private sleeping areas, you’ll find everything you need to make your travel more comfortable. Check with your bank to see if they provide complimentary lounge access.
Those who have used the T3 train will be familiar with the lovely Zen Garden. There is a fish pond, a wide green space, and seating in this indoor garden. There is a children’s play area. As a result, it’s an ideal location for spending time with family. Everyone may also use the airport’s free Wi-Fi.
The well-known Dubai Duty Free at Terminal 1 is also an excellent location for retail therapy. Bombay Chowpatti, Starbucks, KFC, Costa Coffee, McDonald’s, Burger King, and Jacks Bar and Grill are among the top eateries at DXB Airport.
Do you want to learn more about the airport? For additional intriguing insights, see our blog on Dubai Airport facts.
AIRPORT INTERNATIONAL OF SHARJAH
One of the most intriguing facts about Sharjah International Airport is that it possesses the region’s longest runway, reaching 4,060 meters. The airport has an open sky policy, which means that airlines from anywhere around the world can use it. It is 10 kilometers from Sharjah City Centre and a 20-minute drive from Dubai International Airport.
SHARJAH INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT FACILITIES
The airport has great family amenities, including as lounges (Al Diyafa Lounge and The Lounge), infant care rooms, and more. Likewise, financial services are provided at Sharjah International Airport. Wi-Fi is one of the free airport offerings. Restaurants include Costa Coffee, McDonald’s, Subway, London Dairy, Dunkin Donuts, and Fusion Bites. Sharjah Duty-Free is an amazing destination to get your favorite things at reasonable pricing.
INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT OF FUJAIRAH
Fujairah International Airport, was opened in 1987, is the only airport on the east coast. It is smaller and has fewer flights than other airports in the UAE. Yet, it is critical to the emirate’s economic development. Parallel runways, aprons, taxiways, and improved airport facilities have been installed and renovated throughout the years.
FUJAIRAH INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT FACILITIES
The airport features a large lounge where passengers may rest. Visitors also have access to free Wi-Fi. People spend the majority of their time waiting for flights at the Duty Free Store, snack bar, and gift shop. The Pilot Café is a great spot to spend time and eat wonderful snacks.
AIRPORT RAS AL KHAIMAH
In April 2007, the Ras Al Khaimah Airport underwent a substantial expansion that included modifications to the passenger terminal building, cargo terminal, and public transportation infrastructure. The airport provides passenger and cargo flights to Central Asia, the subcontinent, Europe, North and East Africa, and the Middle East.
RAS AL KHAIMAH AIRPORT FACILITIES
Up to 60 guests can be accommodated in the VIP lounge. Another lounge is also being built. Similarly, a 24-hour restaurant is available in the departure lounge.
THE AIRPORT OF AL AIN
Al Ain International Airport is one of the UAE’s minor international airports, located northwest of Al Ain. The airport includes a 4,000-meter runway as well as a parallel 4,000-meter taxiway that may be utilized if necessary. Further improvements, such as the extension of the cargo terminal and departure lounge, increased CCTV coverage, and software updates, will be made in the near future.
EXECUTIVE AIRPORT OF AL BATEEN
European Business Aviation Magazine awarded Al Bateen Executive Airport the “Second Best Executive Airport in the World” in 2013. Surprisingly, no other airport in the region possesses three ISO and OHSAS certificates.
Al Bateen Airport, given its central position, offers a typical capacity of 30 private planes and quick taxi times. You can get to Dubai in just an hour. Hence, if you want to rent a private jet, this may be a better option than any other airport in the UAE.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
IS AL MAKTOUM INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT OPEN FOR BUSINESS?
Al Maktoum International Airport is one of the newest airports in the UAE. In 2013, it began conducting passenger flights. But, development is still ongoing. We should expect significantly higher traffic at the airport in the next years. This airport will soon be one of the most significant locations on the list of airports in the UAE.
WHAT IS THE IMPACT OF DUBAI SOUTH AVIATION DISTRICT ON THE INDUSTRY?
Read our blog on the Dubai South Aviation Area to see how it is transforming the UAE’s aviation and aerospace industry.
This concludes our list of UAE airports. Few nations have as many world-class airports to enable air travel as the UAE.
Fortunately, certain travellers can apply for a visa upon arrival. Learn more about the various Dubai tourist visas to check whether you qualify.
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