The Ras Al-Khaimah (RAK) Department of Civil Aviation announced a 60 million Emirati dirhams ($16.3 million) five-year expansion plan for the airport, part of a 20-year long term master plan, which envisages new arrival and departure lounges, a free trade zone, a new airport hotel, a new runway, automated cargo warehouses, parking lots, offices and restaurants.
The plan will be financed by the Ras Al Khaimah Government, the Civil Aviation Department and also from a private company, which will build a five star hotel. The RAK International Airport reported annual growth rates of 20 percent for four years in succession.
Ras Al-Khaimah is seeking to secure a market share in the region in order to become a transit and re-distribution point to serve the regional and international businesses. The RAK International Airport recently obtained the ISO-9001-2000 certificate and became the second Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) airport to earn the certification.
Ras Al-Khaimah National Travel Agency received the government’s approval to issue visit visas to all United Arab Emirates (UAE) residents irrespective of their income. The airport authorities are currently negotiating with three major Iranian travel agencies so that the airport is given the right to issue Iranian visas. — (menareport.com)
© 2003 Mena Report (www.menareport.com)
