Tahnoun International Airport in Al Ain Reports Q3 2026 Growth in Traffic and Cargo

Tahnoun International Airport (AAN) in Al Ain, formerly Al Ain International Airport, has reported substantial increases in both aircraft movements and cargo volumes for the third quarter of 2026.

Aircraft Movements See Double-Digit Growth

During Q3 2026, AAN handled 14,724 aircraft movements, marking a 17.1 per cent increase compared to the same period in the previous year. Year-to-date figures show aircraft movements reaching 48,558, an overall rise of 17.9 per cent year-on-year.

Cargo Volumes Soar

The airport experienced even more robust growth in cargo operations, processing 2,335 tonnes of cargo in Q3 2026. This represents a remarkable 63 per cent increase year-on-year. The year-to-date cargo total stands at 7,335 tonnes, which is a significant 110.4 per cent increase over the corresponding period in 2025.

Enhanced Connectivity and Future Outlook

By the end of November, scheduled passenger frequencies through AAN are anticipated to reach 16 flights per week, a 60 per cent increase. The airport's strategic location offers convenient multi-modal access to key aviation hubs and ports across the UAE and the wider GCC region. It is situated within a 1.5-hour drive of Zayed International Airport (AUH) and benefits from 5,000,000 sqm of prime serviced freezone plots nearby.

Further enhancing its connectivity, the Hafeet Rail project, expected to be completed in 2028, will link AAN to the Etihad Rail network within the UAE and extend to Sohar Port in Oman. Ahmed Juma Al Shamisi, CEO of Abu Dhabi Airports, highlighted the airport's crucial role in connecting Al Ain to the broader region and its potential to support continued growth in trade and travel.