ICAO Code OMAL/AAN
Last Validated
City Al Ain
Position 24°15'42"N 055°36'33"E
Runway(s) 01/19
Elevation 869 ft

General

Al Ain is the second international airport of the emirate of Abu Dhabi and lies in the east, close to the Oman border. It was opened in 1994 and has much less fog than other emirates airports, making it suitable for diversions. The aiport is also the scene of a yearly aerobatics display and competition, as part of the FAI World Grand Prix. The military have basic and advanced training units on this field under the Khalif bin Zayed Air College. Finally, a civil helicopter flight academy is based here. Be aware, plane spotting is neither understood nor appreciated in Arab countries!

Layout

This is a typical built-from-scratch airport on a large piece of desert ground, featuring a standard (for this region) 4000m runway. The military facilities dominate the southern halve, the other side is civil. The field is fenced off and a 'wall' of greenery has been planted around it.

Getting There

The single entrance road connects directly to the nearby city centre in the southeast, and to highway E-22 for Abu Dhabi in the west. The drive to/from Abu Dhabi takes about an hour and a half.

Around the Airport

1Terminal Area

From the car park and adjacent garden it is possible to observe aircraft. The distance to the runway is still at least 800m here and the number of movements is low. Decent photography, even on the aprons, is nearly impossible due to obstacles.

2Military gate

Not a place to go spotting but the MB326 is preserved here on a pole.

3South side

With the right optics and calm air spotting should be possible from the roadside in the vicinity of the southeastern airfield corner. However, the distance to flying aircraft will be around 2km and there is little to no shelter for an observer. Further south lies a housing area that might offer possibilities but the chances of upsetting locals are high.

Incredible performances can be seen at the aerobatics show. This ribbon buster was framed by Rene Kurzenberg in January 2006.

A resident Hawk photographed on base. These will be hard to get from the outside.
(Jaap Dijkstra)

Frequencies

129.150Ground
119.850Tower / Approach

Based Operators

Air College sqGrob G115TA
2sqAS350, SA342
4sqPC-7
63sqHawk T61/63
Horizon International Flight AcademyAB/Bell 206B, AS350
Midex AirlinesA300, B747

Preserved

20.MB326LD/KD at gate

More Info

Al Ain Aerobatics ShowOfficial website

Other Airfields

Abu Dhabi - Al Dhafra AB  
Abu Dhabi - Bateen AB  
Abu Dhabi - Intl
Al Ain  
Dubai  
Dubai - Minhad AB  
Fujairah
Ras al Khaimah
Ras al Khaimah - Downtown Heliport  
Sharjah  
Umm al Quwain - CLOSED  

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