Ras Al Khaimah International Airport is the UAE’s northernmost air gateway, connecting the emirate to destinations across South Asia, Europe, and beyond. Located just 10 minutes from RAK city centre and roughly 45 minutes from Dubai, the airport offers a quieter, more accessible alternative to the region’s larger hubs without compromising on amenities.
RAK Airport covers all the essentials, from a 24/7 RAK Airport duty-free shop and a dedicated VIP terminal to a free shuttle bus service for flight passengers. Whether you’re flying in, flying out, or simply want to know what to expect, this guide has everything you need to know about RAK Airport.
- Where is Ras Al Khaimah International Airport?
- How to get to Ras Al Khaimah International Airport
- Airlines flying from RAK Airport
- RAK Airport duty-free shopping
- Facilities and services at RAK Airport
- Parking at RAK Airport
- Cargo facilities
- RAK Airport contact details
- Key takeaways
- FAQs
Where is Ras Al Khaimah International Airport?
RAK Airport is located in the emirate of Ras Al Khaimah, the UAE’s northernmost emirate, which shares a border with Oman. The airport is well connected by road to both the RAK city centre and to neighbouring emirates.
| From | Approximate travel time to RAK Airport |
| RAK City Centre | 10 minutes |
| RAK hotels and beaches | 15 minutes |
| Dubai City | 45 minutes |
How to get to Ras Al Khaimah International Airport
Free shuttle bus service
RAK Airport provides a free shuttle bus service for flight passengers, with pick-up and drop-off points across four emirates. This is one of the most convenient ways to travel between the airport and key UAE residential and commercial hubs.
For the full shuttle schedule, contact RAKTA’s 24-hour call centre on 800 1700 or visit rakta.gov.ae.
Dubai (3 pick-up/drop-off points):
- Dubai Deira: Emirates Post Office, behind Union Bus Stand, near Irani Bank
- Dubai Al Quoz: Al Quoz Mall
- Dubai Muhaisnah: Sonapur (Mango Supermarket)
Sharjah
- Muwaileh Bus Stand
Ajman
- Opposite Lucky Center
Umm Al Quwain
- Mall of UAQ
Taxis and ride-hailing
RAK Transport Authority (RAKTA) operates taxi services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, including public holidays. Available services include regular taxis, ladies-only taxis, sharing taxis, and vehicles for passengers with special needs. Taxis can be booked through the Sayr app.
Car-riding apps are also available in Ras Al Khaimah and can be used to arrange transport to and from the airport.
Airlines flying from RAK Airport
RAK Airport handles scheduled passenger flights, corporate aviation, and cargo operations, with a broad mix of operators across each category.
Passenger services
The following airlines operate scheduled passenger services from Ras Al Khaimah International Airport:
- Air Arabia
- Air India Express
- IndiGo Airlines
- HiSky
- Smartwings
Corporate aviation and flight training
The airport also serves as a base for corporate and training operations:
- Emirates
- Etihad Airways
- flydubai
- Fujairah Aviation Academy
- Air Arabia
Cargo airlines
RAK Airport’s freight centre supports a wide network of cargo carriers. Major logistics operators including Emirates Sky Cargo, Aramex, FedEx, and DHL also run services from the facility via an integrated air and land network.
- Lynden Cargo
- Green Flag Aviation
- Deek Aviation
- RADA Airlines
- Safe Air
- Multiple Solutions
- Egypt Air
- Malaysian Air
- Coyne Air
- Astral Aviation
- Reem Style Aviation
- Antonov 124
RAK Airport duty-free shopping
Ras Al Khaimah duty free operates round the clock, with outlets in both the departure and arrival terminals. The RAK Airport duty-free shop is open to incoming, outgoing, and transit passengers and offers competitive pricing across a broad range of categories.
Products available at the RAK duty-free shop include:
- Perfumes
- Souvenirs
- Confectionery and food items
- Cosmetics and toiletries
- Gift items
- Sunglasses and watches
- Fashion accessories
- Electronics
Ras Al Khaimah Airport duty free runs year-round promotions and value deals across all product categories. The departures area has undergone a significant expansion in recent years, with further growth planned for the arrivals terminal.
Facilities and services at RAK Airport
VIP terminal and business lounge
RAK Airport’s VIP Terminal can accommodate up to 60 passengers and is designed to meet the expectations of international travellers seeking a premium experience. A Business Lounge for premier class passengers is also available, with a capacity of 30, and includes free Wi-Fi, TV, coffee machines, and a prayer area.
Dining
The Terminal Cafe, operated by Alpha Catering Services, is the airport’s on-site dining option. It is located in the Departure Terminal and is open 24 hours a day, serving a variety of cuisines to suit different tastes. For enquiries, call +971 7 2075200, extension 601.
Accessibility and medical services
The airport provides wheelchairs, ambu-lifts, and accessible toilets for passengers with mobility needs. A nurse is on duty for medical assistance, and ambulances are available on-site. In more severe cases, nearby hospitals can be reached at the following numbers.
| Hospital | Contact number |
| Saqr Hospital | +971 7 222 3666 |
| RAK Hospital | +971 7 222 5555 |
| Saif Hospital | +971 7 222 3555 |
| Al Zahrawi Hospital | +971 7 228 8544 |
A 24-hour police station is also located at the airport for safety and security.
Wi-Fi, prayer rooms and smoking areas
Free Wi-Fi is available across both terminal buildings. Mobile users can access 4G coverage from du and Etisalat throughout the airport. Prayer rooms are provided in both the Arrival and Departure terminals, with a mosque located near the Departure Parking area. Designated smoking rooms are available in both terminals.
VAT refund (Planet Tax Free)
Tourists who have made purchases in the UAE can claim a VAT refund before departure. Planet Tax Free is the country’s official operator for the Tourist Refund Scheme, and the validation counter at RAK Airport is located in the Departures terminal, opposite the check-in counters.
To claim your VAT refund:
- Visit the Planet counter before checking in your luggage
- Scan your passport or GCC ID at a self-service kiosk and follow the on-screen instructions
- Ensure your goods are accessible for inspection if required
- Purchases must be exported within 90 days of the invoice date
For more information, visit planetpayment.ae or call +971 45 864 700.
Parking at RAK Airport
RAK Airport offers both long-term and short-term parking, located adjacent to the Arrival and Departure terminals.
| Parking type | Rate |
| Long-term car parking | Free of charge |
| Short-term car parking | AED 8 per hour |
Cargo facilities
RAK Airport’s freight centre provides a comprehensive range of cargo services, including the import and export of cargo, inter-airport trucking, customs clearance, and free parking spaces for large trailers. Cold storage is available with a freezer and chiller capacity of 36 CBM each for loose cargo.
The facility also handles diplomatic cargo, valuable cargo, and dangerous goods shipments, following strict import and export procedures to maximise speed and minimise risk.
RAK Airport contact details
| Telephone | +971 7 207 5200 / +971 7 207 5300 |
| Mobile | +971 54 995 4660 |
| Fax | +971 7 244 8199 |
| General enquiries | info@rakairport.com |
| Complaints/feedback | feedback@rakairport.com |
| AFTN | OMRKYAYX |
| Postal address | P.O Box 501, Ras Al Khaimah, UAE |
Key takeaways
- Ras Al Khaimah International Airport (IATA: RKT) is 10 minutes from RAK city centre and around 45 minutes from Dubai.
- Scheduled passenger airlines include Air Arabia, Air India Express, IndiGo, HiSky, and Smartwings, alongside charter, corporate, and cargo operators.
- RAK Airport duty free is open 24/7 in both terminals, covering perfumes, electronics, tobacco, fashion accessories, and more.
- A free shuttle bus service connects the airport to Dubai (3 points), Sharjah, Ajman, and Umm Al Quwain. Call 800 1700 for schedules.
- Long-term parking is free; short-term parking costs AED 8 per hour.
- Facilities include a VIP terminal, business lounge, 24-hour dining, free Wi-Fi, prayer rooms, and a Planet Tax Free VAT refund counter.
FAQs
Dubai International Airport (DXB), Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH), and Sharjah International Airport (SHJ) are the busiest airports in the UAE.
You can use Dubai public transportation such as Al Hamra buses or taxis. The journey typically takes about 1.5 to 2 hours.
Yes, RAK Airport offers a VIP terminal and business lounges equipped with premium facilities for discerning travellers.
Yes, the airport has duty-free outlets offering a wide range of products, including perfumes, electronics and souvenirs.
The IATA code for Ras Al Khaimah International Airport is RKT.
Long-term parking at Ras Al Khaimah International Airport is free of charge. Short-term parking is charged at AED 8 per hour.
Scheduled passenger airlines at RAK Airport include Air Arabia, Air India Express, IndiGo Airlines, HiSky, and Smartwings. The airport also handles charter, corporate aviation, and cargo operators.
