Ras Al Khaimah International Airport (RKT) is charting ambitious expansion plans after achieving a 51 percent surge in passenger traffic over the past two years. Chief Executive Officer Manish Seth told AGBI that the airport now aims to emulate that growth once more, targeting 1.5 million travelers by the end of 2027.

Operating alongside the UAE’s major aviation players in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah, RKT reached the one‑million‑passenger milestone for the first time in 2025, a landmark achievement for the northern emirate’s growing aviation sector.

“Our aspiration is to maintain this momentum and reach the same scale of growth within the next two years,” Seth said.

The airport’s growth reflects Ras Al Khaimah’s steady rise as a leisure destination. The emirate recorded more than 1.4 million overnight visitors in 2025, marking a 6 percent year‑on‑year increase, as it pushes toward its goal of welcoming 3.5 million tourists annually by 2030.

To handle rising passenger demand, RKT is overhauling its current terminal to lift annual capacity to 1.2 million people. In addition, construction of a new 30,000‑square‑metre terminal—capable of serving up to 4.5 million passengers—is scheduled to begin later this year.

“We’re well equipped for the next few years, but the new infrastructure will ensure we remain ahead of growth,” Seth said.

Passenger traffic is expected to climb further following the opening of Wynn Al Marjan Island in 2027, the UAE’s first integrated casino resort. The US‑based developer forecasts around one million annual guests, many of whom are expected to make repeat visits to the property.

Authorities estimate that by 2027, Ras Al Khaimah could attract 1.5 million domestic tourists from other emirates, lifting total visitor numbers to roughly 4.6 million.

“That influx will naturally translate into higher air traffic for us,” Seth noted.

In line with these projections, the airport plans to launch a dedicated “VVIP” terminal in partnership with Falcon Executive Aviation, catering to high‑net‑worth and celebrity visitors bound for the Wynn resort. The facility—scheduled to open in 2027—will feature a royal lounge, four ultra‑luxury suites, hospitality zones, and amenities tailored for discreet, high‑profile guests.

The new complex will span 1,500 square metres, complete with an 8,000‑square‑metre multi‑purpose hangar and 9,000 square metres of apron space for private aircraft.

Despite the expansions, RKT has no immediate plans for a second runway. Seth emphasized that the airport still has ample capacity to accommodate growth, citing major single‑runway hubs like London Gatwick and Mumbai as proof of efficiency.

“We’re still far below those traffic volumes, so one runway remains more than sufficient,” he said.

Established in 1976, Ras Al Khaimah International Airport now connects passengers to 16 destinations across Asia, the Middle East, and Europe. Key routes include India, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Russia, and Egypt, alongside newer links to Poland, Romania, Uzbekistan, and other Central and Eastern European markets.

In 2025, RKT added flights to Jeddah, Moscow, Warsaw, Prague, and Tashkent, operated by carriers such as Air Arabia, IndiGo, and Air India Express. According to Seth, the airport is now in talks with several airlines in Western Europe, China, and across the GCC to expand connectivity even further.

“Our focus is long term,” Seth said. “Direct links with Western Europe and China are priorities, alongside strengthening our footprint within the GCC and Indian subcontinent.”

At least 64 people have been confirmed dead and many others injured after a Colombian military transport aircraft went down shortly after takeoff in the country’s south, according to regional authorities.

Governor Jhon Gabriel Molina said the aircraft, a C-130 Hercules, crashed near Puerto Leguízamo in the Putumayo region, close to the border with Peru. The plane broke apart on impact and caught fire, with images from the scene showing flames and thick smoke rising from the wreckage.

The aircraft was carrying 114 passengers, including 112 members of the Colombian Army and two police officers, along with 11 crew members, Molina confirmed.

Defense Minister Pedro Sánchez said the cause of the crash remains under investigation, noting there is no evidence so far of an attack by armed groups. He added that the aircraft was considered airworthy and operated by a properly trained crew.

Video footage verified by CNN shows the plane taking off from Caucaya Airport before flying over a rural area and crashing less than two miles from the runway.

Rescue teams, including local indigenous responders, transported several survivors to nearby medical facilities. Some of the injured were later airlifted to Bogotá for further treatment.

President Gustavo Petro expressed condolences to the victims’ families, calling the tragedy preventable and pointing to longstanding bureaucratic challenges that have hindered military modernization.

Flight records indicate the aircraft was a C-130H model, part of a series introduced in 1965 by Lockheed Martin. The plane had been transferred to the Colombian Air Force by the United States in 2020. C-130 aircraft are widely used for military transport, particularly in difficult terrain.

The incident marks the latest in a series of aviation disasters in Colombia. In late January, another aircraft crashed near Cúcuta shortly after takeoff, killing all on board, including congressman Diógenes Quintero.

Source: CNN

An Air Canada-operated Jazz Aviation flight collided with a Port Authority firefighting vehicle during landing at New York’s LaGuardia Airport early Sunday night, killing the flight’s pilot and copilot, injuring dozens of people, and prompting officials to temporarily shut down the area’s third-busiest airport.

Collision and response

The incident occurred at approximately 11:40 p.m., when the Jazz Aviation flight operating for Air Canada struck a Port Authority Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting vehicle that was responding to a separate situation, the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey said in a statement.

The Port Authority said emergency response protocols were activated immediately and that the airport was closed to support the response and allow investigators to conduct a thorough review.

Victims and hospital updates

The airline said the aircraft was carrying 72 passengers and four crew members.

Port Authority Executive Director Kathryn Garcia said at an early Monday news conference that initial reports indicated 41 passengers and crew were taken to hospitals, and that 32 had since been released. She added that two people in the fire truck were also transported to the hospital and were in stable condition.

Passenger reunification and closure timeline

Garcia said passengers from the flight were directed to Air Canada’s ticket counter so they could be reunited with their families, including one unaccompanied minor who had been on the plane.

She said LaGuardia would remain closed at least until 2 p.m. Monday while the collision is investigated.

Flight details and airport emergency notices

A law enforcement official said the firefighting truck had been cleared and was responding to a nearby aircraft that had requested assistance due to an unknown odor in the cockpit.

Jazz confirmed the incident involving Air Canada Flight 8646 from Montreal in an early Monday statement. According to flight tracking information from FlightRadar24, the flight departed Montreal Trudeau International Airport shortly after 10:30 p.m. ET and arrived at LaGuardia about an hour later. The same tracking data indicated the plane was traveling at about 130 miles per hour just before the collision.

The New York City Fire Department said it responded to reports of a plane-and-vehicle incident on the airport’s runway at around 11:38 p.m. The Federal Aviation Administration issued a ground stop shortly after the collision due to an “aircraft emergency,” and said LaGuardia was expected to remain closed until 2 p.m. Monday.

Disruption to air travel

The incident compounds broader disruptions across the U.S. aviation system amid a lapse in funding for the Department of Homeland Security, which has left Transportation Security Administration officers working without pay. Staffing shortages have contributed to longer screening lines at some airports.

Air traffic controllers were not affected by the partial shutdown over DHS funding. LaGuardia is the New York metropolitan area’s third-busiest airport and a major transit hub. FlightAware reported that more than 500 flights in and out of the airport were canceled as of early Monday.

Events and communications from the runway

Air traffic control audio captured moments before the collision, beginning with another flight reporting an emergency on the other side of the airport. United Flight 2384 reportedly aborted a takeoff after a warning light appeared, and pilots said an odor in the cabin had sickened flight attendants, according to an audio recording of air traffic communications.

The same communications indicated the fire truck was permitted to cross the runway where the Air Canada plane was landing. Seconds later, a controller ordered the truck to stop and informed the aircraft that the collision had occurred, saying: “Truck One, stop, stop, stop!” before addressing the plane: “JAZZ 646, I see you collided with the vehicle. Just hold position. I know you can’t move. Vehicles are responding to you now.”

Source: CNN

The Philippine government has directed aviation authorities to reduce airport-related fees in an effort to cushion the impact of rising jet fuel prices and help keep airline tickets affordable for travelers.

Acting Transportation Secretary Giovanni Lopez instructed the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) to lower passenger service charges and navigation fees at airports operated by the agency across the country. The measure is intended to ease the operational burden on airlines while limiting potential increases in ticket prices for passengers.

Officials said the policy response comes as global jet fuel prices surge due to geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. According to data from the Philippine Department of Transportation, jet fuel prices climbed sharply from $90.87 per barrel on February 19 to $188.2 per barrel by March 9, effectively more than doubling within weeks.

The government hopes that lowering airport charges will help airlines absorb part of the rising fuel costs rather than passing them directly to consumers through higher fares.

In addition, Lopez has asked the Civil Aeronautics Board to shorten the evaluation and implementation process for airfare adjustments to 15 days, allowing airlines to reduce ticket prices more quickly once fuel costs stabilize.

Authorities said they will continue monitoring global fuel price movements and work closely with aviation stakeholders to maintain safe, reliable, and affordable air travel for the public.

For now, the government expects that the temporary reduction in airport fees will help soften the financial impact on airlines and travelers as the aviation industry navigates a period of volatile fuel prices.

Hamad International Airport has issued important updates for passengers as flight operations continue to be suspended due to the ongoing closure of Qatari airspace. The disruption, resulting from regional developments, has led to the suspension of flights, and the airport is urging passengers to stay informed through official channels.

As the closure remains in effect, the airport has advised passengers not to come to the airport unless they have a confirmed flight, noting that operations will only resume after authorities announce the reopening of Qatar's airspace.

Flight Operations and Travel Guidance

Currently, no flights are operating at Hamad International, as confirmed by the Qatar Civil Aviation Authority. Once airspace conditions improve, flight operations will gradually resume, with passengers advised to check with their respective airlines for updated information on schedules.

Passengers should refrain from heading to the airport unless they receive confirmation from their airline regarding their flight status. When airspace reopens, flight operations will restart in phases, and travelers are encouraged to verify their bookings with airlines before making any travel plans.

Passenger Support and Rebooking

Hamad International has clarified that the airport does not manage rebooking services. Passengers are advised to contact their airline directly for rebooking, refunds, and other travel arrangements.

Transit passengers who wish to change airlines should also reach out to their respective airline for available rebooking options once operations resume.

Hotel Stay and Baggage Assistance

For visitors stranded due to the disruptions, Qatar Tourism is offering temporary hotel stay extensions, provided travelers meet eligibility requirements. Those wishing to extend their stay should refer to Qatar Tourism's official platforms for further details.

Regarding checked baggage, passengers are advised not to collect their luggage from the airport directly. Instead, they should coordinate with their airline’s representatives at designated hotels or contact baggage services for assistance. Qatar Airways passengers can reach out to specific representatives, while passengers of other airlines can use the provided contact numbers for baggage-related inquiries.

In the event that passengers arrive at their destination without their baggage, they should report the issue directly to their airline and file a mishandled baggage report through the airline’s designated portals.

Emergency Support

For those requiring urgent assistance in Qatar, essential goods and medicines remain available, and supply chains are operating normally. In case of emergency, passengers can dial 999 for police, medical, or fire emergencies, and for consular support, they should contact their embassy.

Hamad International’s crisis response team continues to work closely with airlines and government authorities to ensure the safety and well-being of all travelers during this challenging period.

Saudi Arabia’s Matarat Holding, in partnership with the National Center for Privatization & Public-Private Partnerships (NCP), has revealed that 89 major companies are vying for the contract to develop Prince Naif bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Qassim.

The contenders include 55 Saudi companies, along with 34 international firms. The group is made up of 19 developers, 33 EPC (engineering, procurement, and construction) contractors, 13 airport operators, 11 advisory firms, nine equity investors, and three financial institutions.

This competitive selection process is part of Saudi Arabia’s broader effort to modernize and expand its aviation infrastructure under the Vision 2030 initiative. The winning bid will play a crucial role in the expansion of Qassim’s international airport, which aims to enhance the region’s connectivity and economic development.

Source: zawya.com