ADAC TO OPERATE NEW SIR BANI YAS AIRPORT, 16 Dec 2008

Abu Dhabi Airports Company (ADAC) has commenced the management and operation of a new dedicated air terminal on Sir Bani Yas Island, off the coast of Abu Dhabi. The terminal was built by Tourism Development & Investment Company (TDIC), which is developing the Sir Bani Yas Island tourism proposition as part of its multi-experiential Desert Islands destination.

Under a partnership agreement between TDIC and ADAC, the island’s airport is being additionally upgraded to be a fully-certified airport capable of receiving domestic and short-haul international commercial flights.

The full schedule of further upgrade work is due for completion by the end of 2010. The new terminal will begin receiving dedicated scheduled flights from Abu Dhabi International Airport to Sir Bani Yas Island later in December when passengers arrive on TDIC’s two Cessna Caravan aircraft. The new air service will have a flight time of 45 minutes to the island which lies 240 kilometres from the UAE capital.

“Development of a dedicated aviation infrastructure on Sir Bani Yas Island will enhance the international tourism potential of Desert Islands. Ease of accessibility is crucial to any destination and together with ADAC, we are ensuring tourists have a seamless experience when travelling to this remarkable island,” said Mubarak Al Muhairi, Managing Director, TDIC and Director General of the Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority.