During the Arab Aviation Summit 2023 held in Ras Al Khaimah last week, the city's tourism operator signed several new agreements to see increased flight services operating to and from Ras Al Khaimah International Airport (RKT) in an effort to boost tourism levels.

One of these agreements was signed with the Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA)'s new airline partner, flag carrier Qatar Airways. And commencing during the fourth quarter of this year, the oneworld alliance member will launch non-stop daily flights between Doha Hamad International Airport and Ras Al Khaimah International Airport.

A new partnership with Qatar Airways

The flights are scheduled to commence on November 1st, and the daily frequencies will offer greater choice, flexibility, and opportunities for passengers looking to explore the Emirate while leveraging Qatar Airways’ expansive global network of over 150 destinations spanning Europe, the Middle East, Africa, South Asia, Asia-Pacific, North America, and South America.

Configured to transport anywhere between 132 to 168 passengers, the flag carrier's Airbus A320-200s being utilized for this route allows Qatar Airways to ferry at least 924 passengers to Ras Al Khaimah weekly. And the flight schedules are as follows:

With the eventual commencement of non-stop daily flights, international travel to Ras Al Khaimah will be crucially strengthened. And celebrating the new partnership was Sheikh Salem Bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairman of The Department of Civil Aviation, Ras Al Khaimah & Ras Al Khaimah International Airport, as he said:

“Ras Al Khaimah is continuing to establish itself as a major aviation hub, driven by the success of an inspiring tourism strategy that is growing. Our latest partnership with Qatar Airways is primed to deliver significant progress against this roadmap while strengthening our operational footprint. We are excited to explore a long and fruitful relationship together.”

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Taking steps to become an aviation hub

Besides boosting tourism levels, such efforts to get more flights to operate to and from Ras Al Khaimah International Airport are also part of RAKTDA's long-term plan to build the airport as a major aviation hub. Compared to other international aviation hubs within the region, Ras Al Khaimah has significantly fewer flights on its schedule.

The top routes from the airport are to Mumbai CSM International Airport (BOM), with eight weekly routes operated by India's largest low-cost carrier IndiGo. Istanbul Airport (IST) follows closely behind, with seven weekly flights operated by IndiGo after a stop in Mumbai.

Next on the list are Cairo International Airport, Lahore Allama Iqbal International Airport, Peshawar Bacha Khan International Airport, and Jeddah King Abdulaziz International Airport - all with three weekly flights operated by Emirati low-cost carrier Air Arabia. Given how underserved the airport is compared to nearby Sharjah and Dubai, it's understandable why efforts were made to establish partnerships for improved connectivity.

Chief Executive Officer of RAKTDA, Raki Phillips, said:

"Unlocking joint capabilities with one of the world’s leading airlines will raise the overall competitiveness of our tourism ecosystem and meet the growing demand for travel to the Emirate. We look forward to working together to drive sustainable growth, in line with our ambition to attract 3 million visitors annually by 2030 and increase tourism’s contribution to Ras Al Khaimah’s GDP.”

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Bottom line

With more flights soon to operate to and from Ras Al Khaimah, the airport will hopefully become better served with higher air traffic volumes. And with Qatar Airways already onboard with a few other new airlines, it'd be interesting to see the future route network of the airport once partnerships with more airlines get established.

What do you think of Qatar Airways starting daily flights to Ras Al Khaimah? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below.

• 

  Qatar Airways

  IATA/ICAO Code:

  QR/QTR

  Airline Type:

  Full Service Carrier

  Hub(s):

  Doha Hamad International Airport

  Year Founded:

  1993

  Alliance:

  oneworld

  CEO:

  Akbar Al Baker

  Country:

  Qatar

• Doha Hamad International Airport

  IATA/ICAO Code:

  DOH/OTHH

  Country:

  Qatar

  CEO:

  Akbar Al Baker

  Passenger Count :

  17,702,635 (2021)

  Runways :

  16R/34L - 4,250m (13,945ft) | 16L/34R - 4,850m (15,910ft)

  Airlines:

  Qatar Airways

  Terminals:

  Terminal 1