Gulf Air to launch flights from Ras Al Khaimah to over 50 international destinations

The announcement was made at an event held recently at the VIP Lounge of RAK International Airport, attended by RAK aviation authorities and senior officials from Gulf Air.

H. E. Engr. Sheikh Salem Bin Sultan Al Qassimi, Chairman, Department of Civil Aviation, Ras Al Khaimah said that the new flights will establish connectivity between Ras Al Khaimah and the international business and leisure destinations. "This is a step towards securing RAK International Airport's position as an ideal transit and re-distribution point for regional and international business travellers, as well as to capture an ever larger share of the international tourism and business traffic. RAK International Airport has recorded a growth of over 20 per cent between 1999 and 2003; we are confident that our direct flights to these international destinations will help us gain an even bigger market-share," he stated.

The new flights will contribute to increasing inbound international business and leisure traffic to Ras al Khaimah. The Emirate has recently introduced several new sporting and recreational projects to capture a larger share of the growing tourism market in the UAE. RAK airport currently caters to a large number of international tourists, especially from the 33 visa-free countries and the CIS (Common Wealth of Independent States).

"We are currently implementing an aggressive plan to position Ras Al Khaimah on the international tourism and business map. Having a state-of the art airport with regular connections to major international airports flights is a part of this strategy. We are committed to offering visitors to Ras Al Khaimah the best possible environment and facilities, be it for business or for a holiday," he stated.

James Hogan, President and Chief Executive of Gulf Air stated: "Gulf Air has been at the forefront in establishing strong networks between hitherto untapped destinations and the rest of the world. Ras al Khaimah, with its strategic growth plans, is poised to take up a significant share of the region's business and tourist market, and we are glad to partner with them in this journey."

Ras Al Khaimah is stepping up efforts to emerge as an important destination in the Middle East for travellers from all over the world. The airport has recorded a growth of over 20 per cent between 1999 and 2003. An ambitious Dhs. 60 million expansion plan was launched last year, that involves extension of the runway, installation of state of the art equipment, setting up new facilities such as Automated Cargo Warehouses, Parking Lots, Offices and Restaurants and other projects in the near future such as the new Airport Hotel, Arrival and Departure Lounge and a Free Trade Zone. The airport recently received ISO 9001-2000 certification, the second GCC airport to earn such recognition. The RAK government has also introduced a convenient visit-visa system for the family members of all UAE residents.

Gulf Air's network stretches from Europe to Asia and covers more than 45 cities in 32 countries, besides an extensive regional network. The airline's fleet is one of the most modern in the Middle East and comprises 34 aircraft.