Business aviation
Ras Al Khaimah International Airport announces a VVIP terminal and private hangars
Ras Al Khaimah International Airport announced the development of a new VVIP terminal and private jet hangar, enhancing the Emirate’s appeal as a global entertainment and tourism hub. The project, in collaboration with Falcon Executive Aviation, is a key pillar of Ras Al Khaimah’s aviation and tourism growth strategy. The airport, located just 15 minutes from premier beach resorts, will become a gateway for high-value visitors.Falcon Executive Aviation will develop and operate a FBO facility featuring a 1,500 sq m luxury terminal, an 8,000 sq m multi-purpose hangar and 9,000 sq m of apron and parking areas.
Eng. Sheikh Salem bin Sultan bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Chairman of Ras Al Khaimah’s Department of Civil Aviation and Chairman of RAK International Airport, commented: “This marks a major milestone that enhances Ras Al Khaimah’s ability to welcome high-value visitors, investors and partners, and supports the sustainable growth of the tourism sector.”
Sultan Rashit Abdulla Rashit Al Shene, Founder and Chairman of Alex Group Investment, stated: "The expansion of Alex Group Investment to Ras Al Khaimah marks an important milestone in our long-term vision to take private aviation services to the next level across the United Arab Emirates. This facility has been designed to support the growth and ambitions of the Northern Emirates, combining luxury, operational performance, and advanced sustainability standards. It reflects the hard work of our teams and our commitment to providing world-class infrastructure to support the next chapter of aviation in the region. This development also complements our existing services at the Dubai Al Maktoum VIP Terminal, further strengthening Alex Group Investment's presence throughout the country."
The VVIP terminal will include a royal lounge, four VVIP lounges, premium hospitality areas, and a refined environment, specially designed to meet the expectations of discreet, high-profile travelers. The airside infrastructure will be sized to meet the latest private aviation requirements, with large aircraft parking areas, a heliport, and spaces dedicated to new solutions. The airside infrastructure will be designed to meet the latest private aviation requirements, with large aircraft parking areas, a heliport, and spaces dedicated to new emerging vertical mobility solutions.
Built to international aviation standards, the complex will incorporate the "Falcon Signature Experience and offer a high level of confidentiality, efficiency, and personalized service. Its hangar complex is designed to accommodate a wide range of private jets, including ultra-long-range aircraft, while offering maintenance and operating capabilities that meet the most demanding global standards.
Sustainability is one of the central pillars of the project. The terminal and hangars are designed to achieve LEED Gold certification, with the goal of offsetting 35% of
energy consumption through solar energy production, adopting fully electric ground support equipment, and enabling the use of sustainable aviation fuels. These measures will contribute to the goal of achieving net-zero operational emissions.
This development represents a major investment in Ras Al Khaimah's aviation infrastructure and is expected to generate positive economic benefits for the Emirate, which is less than a four-hour flight away from one-third of the world's population. Construction is expected to take 15 months, with an opening planned for the first quarter of 2027.
The new airport will be located in the heart of Ras Al Khaimah, just 15 minutes from the city center and 30 minutes from the emirate's main tourist attractions. It will be connected to the city's main transportation network, including the metro and bus lines, as well as the airport's own shuttle service. The airport will also feature a state-of-the-art terminal with 12 gates and 1,000 seats, as well as a 1,000-square-meter duty-free shopping area.