Tahnoun International Airport (AAN) has reported a significant increase in its operational metrics, with aircraft movements rising by 17.9% year-on-year and cargo volumes surging by 110.4% in the third quarter of 2026. This growth underscores the airport’s expanding role as a key connectivity hub in the UAE, particularly for the Al Ain region.
In the third quarter alone, AAN recorded 14,724 aircraft movements, contributing to a total of 48,558 movements for the year to date. The airport also handled 2,335 tonnes of cargo during this period, marking a 63% increase compared to the same quarter last year. By the end of November, scheduled passenger flights are expected to reach 16 per week, reflecting a 60% increase.
Strategic Location Enhances Connectivity
The airport’s growth is attributed to its strategic location, which facilitates multi-modal access to major aviation hubs and ports across the UAE and the wider Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region. AAN is situated within a 1.5-hour drive from Zayed International Airport (AUH) and is surrounded by five million square meters of serviced freezone plots, providing businesses with opportunities to thrive in this expanding network.
Future connectivity enhancements are anticipated with the completion of the Hafeet Rail project in 2028, which will link AAN to the Etihad Rail network and Sohar Port in Oman. Ahmed Juma Al Shamisi, CEO of Abu Dhabi Airports, emphasized the airport’s pivotal role in connecting Al Ain to the UAE and the GCC, stating, “The growth we are seeing at Tahnoun International Airport reflects the strength of its location and the role it plays in connecting Al Ain to the UAE and the wider GCC region.”
A New Era for Tahnoun International Airport
Renamed to honor the late Sheikh Tahnoun bin Mohammed Al Nahyan, Tahnoun International Airport is entering a new phase of development as Abu Dhabi’s second international gateway. Established in 1994, the airport has been instrumental in enhancing connectivity for the Al Ain region, facilitating trade, tourism, and economic activity across the Middle East, North Africa, and South Asia.
With a 4,000-meter runway capable of accommodating large aircraft, AAN operates 24/7 and serves over 120,000 passengers annually. Its infrastructure includes dedicated facilities for passenger, cargo, VIP, and VVIP services, alongside a 2,000-square-meter cargo terminal. The airport also functions as a regional maintenance and training hub, further solidifying its importance in the aviation sector.
As Tahnoun International Airport continues to evolve, it is poised to support economic diversification and investment opportunities in the Al Ain region and beyond, reinforcing its status as a vital player in the UAE’s transportation and logistics landscape.
