Al Ain International Airport Renamed Tahnoun International Airport in Honour of Late Sheikh Tahnoun bin Mohammed Al Nahyan

Al Ain International Airport has been renamed Tahnoun International Airport, effective 11 October 2026, following a directive from UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

The rename honours the late Sheikh Tahnoun bin Mohammed Al Nahyan and recognises his decades of dedicated service to the United Arab Emirates.

It reflects the values of loyalty and gratitude toward the founding generation, whose wisdom, dedication and unwavering commitment helped build the nation at various stages of progress.

Sheikh Tahnoun served as the Abu Dhabi Ruler’s Representative in the Al Ain Region from 1971, a post he held for more than five decades, until his death on 1 May 2024. Before him, the position was held by Sheikh Zayed until 1966.

According to Khaleej Times, Sheikh Tahnoun also chaired Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) and was deputy chairman of the Executive Council of Abu Dhabi. In 2018 the Dubai‑Al Ain road was renamed in his honour.

Tahnoun International Airport opened in 1994 and is the second international airport in Abu Dhabi. The facility has a single terminal with two scheduled airlines currently operating, but it is expected to welcome new carriers and destinations in the future.

The airport’s terminal is slated for a full refurbishment, including an upgraded and larger departure lounge, improved check‑in areas and an expanded cargo terminal. Officials have not yet announced a schedule for these upgrades.

A separate note in the source states that Abu Dhabi is adding hundreds of taxis to its airport and city fleets.

Images accompanying the announcement were provided by the Abu Dhabi Media Office and the Emirates News Agency.

What changes for you

What

Airport name changed from Al Ain International Airport to Tahnoun International Airport

From when

11 October 2026

Who

Travellers using the airport for arrivals, departures or transit

Where

At Tahnoun International Airport (formerly Al Ain International Airport) in Al Ain, Abu Dhabi