For Ras Al Khaimah residents, flying from the emirate’s own airport can offer a far more convenient start to a trip. Ras Al Khaimah International Airport is located around five kilometres from the city centre, making it approximately a 10-minute drive for many residents, with a compact terminal that is generally quick and easy to navigate.
Choosing to fly from RAK can also mean avoiding the longer drive to Dubai’s airports, which are typically around one to one-and-a-half hours away by road, depending on traffic and the departure point.
Whether planning a holiday, visiting family or travelling for work, this guide covers everything RAK residents need to know before flying, from airlines and available routes to transport, parking, terminal facilities and the airport’s future expansion plans.
RAK Airport’s Routes
Ras Al Khaimah International Airport, which uses the airport code RKT, has a compact passenger terminal complex with separate buildings for departures and arrivals. Its smaller scale makes it a convenient option for RAK residents looking for a more straightforward airport experience, particularly when travelling to India and other destinations across the region.
The airport is currently served by three main scheduled airlines: Air Arabia, IndiGo and Air India Express. Together, they operate routes across the Middle East and South Asia, with Indian cities including Mumbai, Hyderabad, Kochi, Kozhikode and Kannur among the destinations available from RAK.
Air Arabia operates the largest share of flights from RKT, while India remains the airport’s biggest international market. Key connections include cities such as Kochi, Mumbai, Kozhikode, and Thiruvananthapuram, making the airport an important gateway between Ras Al Khaimah and India.
RAK Airport is also expanding its routes. Both IndiGo and Air India Express have added new connections to India this year, including Kochi and Mumbai. The airport is also planning a few links to the Far East, Central Asia, and Europe.
Facilities at Ras Al Khaimah Airport
One of the biggest advantages of Ras Al Khaimah Airport is that it is very rarely crowded, thanks to its smaller size. Travellers from RAK do not need a buffer time period before departure the same way they would at bigger airports like Dubai International Airport (DXB).
Parking is conveniently located within walking distance of the terminal, so there is no need to use a shuttle bus. Long-term parking is free, while short-term parking close to the terminal costs AED 8 per hour, making it suitable for drop-offs and pick-ups.
Inside the terminal, passengers will find a compact duty-free shop selling perfumes, accessories, electronics and souvenirs. There is also a small selection of cafés and restaurants for coffee, snacks and light bites before departure.
Earlier in 2026, RAK Airport reached a major milestone by crossing one million passengers in a year for the first time, an indicator of the emirate’s growing popularity as a tourism destination.
Currently, a new 30,000-square-metre terminal is being built, with a completion target of 2028. The new terminal is part of a wider plan to increase the airport’s yearly capacity to three million passengers. Plans are also in progress for a VVIP terminal and a private jet hangar.
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