The history of aviation at Abu Dhabi dates back to 1929, when early flying boats operated by the British Royal Air Force used the sheltered coastal waters offshore from what is now the modern city of Abu Dhabi as their base. More aircraft movements followed, including other RAF machines which used a landing strip on Bani Yas Island off the coast for fuelling facilities.

By the late 1930s, a long stretch of salt flats to the south of Abu Dhabi was considered suitable for aircraft, and was established as an RAF base. The same airstrip was later used in the mid-1950s by oil exploration teams, and later again for the air services operating on behalf of the offshore oil projects. By this time, the aerodrome had become an established part of everyday life in Abu Dhabi – the landing strip marked by discarded oil drums, with regular patrols to divert stray camels from wandering on to the runway!

In the late 1960s, a new airport was built in Al Bateen district, which in the ensuing decade became Abu Dhabi's first international airport, complete with a hard-surface runway and purpose-built terminal building catering to pioneering airlines, such as Gulf Air and BOAC.


Date Added: Apr 30, 2007 Hits: 89 Rating: 4.00 Votes: 1

Detail : Abu Dhabi International Airport

Member Reviews Visitor Ratings