Elicits high response from European carriers to fly to Ras Al Khaimah

Ras Al Khaimah, UAE, 16 June 2013: RAK International Airport has been attracting several European and Russian carriers to fly to the Northern Emirate of Ras Al Khaimah in the United Arab Emirates this year. With a few airlines already committed to bringing in their tourists this year, the airport is expecting to significantly increase its passenger and airline numbers in 2013.

As a key exhibitor at the 8th Routes Europe in Budapest, Hungary, between 14-16 May with a catchment area of 13 million people within a three hour drive from neighbouring countries such as Austria, Slovakia, Ukraine, Serbia Romania and Croatia, RAK Airport was able to sell the delights of UAE's winter sun holiday destination.

Andrew Gower, CEO of RAK International Airport, said: “Routes is an ideal platform for us to talk to several airlines around the world who seek new destinations. RAK has a lot to offer both business and toursist. With 25% year on year growth for the airport and as the emirate of Ras Al Khamiah finds itself on the map of several airlines around the world we are gearing ourselves for further growth in coming years.

With key decision makers in the airline, airport and tourism industries who meet and do business face to face from route expansion, route performance, to future planning, RAK International Airport has strategically used the Routes events to further push the message of Ras Al Khaimah to the rest of the world. The airport is also participating in Routes Africa to be held in Uganda, Routes CIS, Ukraine and the World Routes Forum in Las Vegas, USA later this year. The airport had previously participated in Routes India in March.

“The Routes Forum is an ideal business platform for us to network, discuss and attract airlines to Ras Al Khaimah. We have already received several expressions of interest from European and Russian airlines to fly into RAK Airport this winter,” concluded Gower.