Abu Dhabi’s Tahnoun Airport sees 63% cargo surge in Q3

By the Editorial Team · Monday, November 2, 2026

Tahnoun International Airport in Al Ain saw a 17.1 percent rise in aircraft movements and a 63 percent increase in cargo volumes during Q3 2026, reflecting strong growth in its operations. This expansion enhances the airport's role as a key logistics hub in the UAE and Gulf region, with upcoming plans to boost passenger flight frequencies by 60 percent by mid-2026.

Tahnoun International Airport in Al Ain experienced significant growth in cargo volumes and aircraft movements during the third quarter of 2026, underscoring its expanding role in supporting trade and air connectivity within the United Arab Emirates and the broader Gulf region.

Abu Dhabi Airports reported that between July and September, the airport handled 14,724 aircraft movements, marking a 17.1 percent increase compared to the same period last year. For the first nine months of 2026, total aircraft movements reached 48,558, representing a year-on-year rise of 17.9 percent and demonstrating sustained growth in aviation activity.

Cargo operations showed even stronger gains, with volumes reaching 2,335 tonnes in the third quarter, a 63 percent increase from the previous year. From January to September, cargo throughput more than doubled to 7,335 tonnes, a 110.4 percent increase compared with the corresponding period in 2025.

The airport, renamed recently in honor of the late Sheikh Tahnoun Bin Mohammed Al Nahyan, is also preparing to expand its scheduled passenger services. Weekly flight frequencies are expected to reach 16 by the end of June 2026, reflecting a 60 percent increase and signaling a broader development of its passenger operations.

Strategically located, Tahnoun International Airport offers access to major aviation hubs, seaports, and transport networks across the UAE and member states of the Gulf Cooperation Council. It lies within approximately a 90-minute drive of Abu Dhabi’s Zayed International Airport, providing businesses with convenient access to the emirate’s wider aviation infrastructure.

The airport is further supported by around five million square meters of serviced free zone plots nearby, which serve as attractive locations for companies involved in aviation, logistics, and regional transport sectors. This infrastructure enhances the airport’s role as a logistics and trade hub.

Ahmed Juma Al Shamsi, CEO of Abu Dhabi Airports, attributed the airport’s robust performance to its strategic position within the UAE’s transport network, highlighting the facility’s importance in fostering regional connectivity and economic growth.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.