In honour of the late Sheikh Tahnoun bin Mohammed Al Nahyan and in recognition of his decades of dedicated service to the UAE
If you’re travelling inbound to the UAE to Al Ain airport, take note that the airport has a new name: Tahnoun International Airport.
The rename was directed by His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, in honour of the late Sheikh Tahnoun bin Mohammed Al Nahyan and his decades of service to the UAE.
The rename, which took effect on October 11, reflects the values of loyalty and gratitude to the founding generation, whose wisdom, dedication and unwavering commitment contributed to building the nation at various stages of progress.
The UAE President has directed the renaming of Al Ain International Airport to Tahnoun International Airport, in honour of the late Sheikh Tahnoun bin Mohammed Al Nahyan and in recognition of his decades of dedicated service to the UAE. https://t.co/LoYrONmqgR
— مكتب أبوظبي الإعلامي (@ADMediaOffice) October 11, 2026
Sheikh Tahnoun served as the Abu Dhabi Ruler’s Representative in the Al Ain Region since 1971 – a position he held for more than five decades. He passed away on May 1, 2024. The position was previously held by Sheikh Zayed until 1966.
According to Khaleej Times, in addition to his duties towards Al Ain, Sheikh Tahnoun also served as chairman of Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) and was also deputy chairman of the Executive Council of Abu Dhabi. In 2018, the Dubai-Al Ain road was renamed in his honour as well.
Tahnoun International Airport opened in 1994 and is the second international airport in Abu Dhabi.
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It is home to just one terminal with two scheduled airlines operating, but Tahnoun International Airport will soon welcome new carriers and destinations in the future.
The airport’s terminal is set to receive a full refurbishment, an upgraded and larger departure lounge and check-in areas, plus an expanded cargo terminal. Details on when the airport will receive these upgrades have not been officially announced, but as soon as we receive word, we will keep you updated.
Images: Abu Dhabi Media Office and Emirates News Agency
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