Ras Al Khaimah International Airport has announced plans to develop a dedicated “VVIP” terminal in partnership with Falcon Executive Aviation, aimed at serving high-end travelers heading to Wynn Al Marjan Island when the resort opens in 2027, according to local media outlet Arabian Gulf Business Insight (AGBI).
The facility, located about 15 minutes from Wynn Al Marjan Island, is intended to support rising premium traffic linked to the UAE’s first casino resort and forms part of a broader expansion strategy at the airport.
The plan was first reported in November last year, when Ras Al Khaimah International Airport and Falcon Executive Aviation issued a joint statement during the Dubai Airshow.
In a report published on Tuesday, airport chief executive Manish Seth said the VVIP terminal will feature a royal lounge, four VVIP lounges, and premium hospitality areas designed for discreet, high-profile passengers. The development will include a 1,500-square-meter terminal, an 8,000-square-meter multi-purpose hangar, and 9,000 square meters of apron and aircraft parking, with the terminal due to open in 2027.
The announcement comes as Ras Al Khaimah International Airport reported strong passenger traffic growth. The airport surpassed 1 million passengers in 2025 for the first time, marking a 51 percent year-on-year increase, and has grown passenger numbers by around half over the past two years. Seth said the airport aims to repeat that performance, targeting 1.5 million passengers by the end of 2027.
Aviation growth is tracking a broader tourism push in Ras Al Khaimah. Overnight visitors rose 6 percent year-on-year to more than 1.4 million in 2025, as the emirate works toward a target of attracting 3.5 million tourists annually by 2030. Authorities expect total visitor numbers to reach about 4.6 million in 2027, including an estimated 1.5 million tourists from other UAE emirates. Wynn Al Marjan Island alone is expected to attract up to 1 million visitors a year, with many making multiple trips.
To accommodate rising demand, the airport is refurbishing its existing terminal to increase capacity to 1.2 million passengers and plans to build a new 30,000 square meter terminal capable of handling up to 4.5 million passengers. Construction of the new terminal is expected to begin this year. Despite the expansion, the airport does not plan to add a second runway.
