Ras Al Khaimah airport welcomes first Spicejet flight as tourism gets back on track

The growing passenger hub received its inaugural flight from New Delhi

The world's longest zipline at Jebel Jais in Ras Al Khaimah. Courtesy RAK Tourism

Weekend mountain lovers still asleep at the break of dawn at the Jebel Jais mountain picnic area. Victor Besa/The National

Weekend mountain lovers enjoy the breathtaking break of dawn from 1,450 meters above sea level at the Jebel Jais Zip Line area. Victor Besa/The National

Jebel Jais covered in snow as temperature dropped to -0.1 °C in January. Courtesy Ahmed Al Bedwawi

Ras Al Khaimah airport welcomed the first scheduled flight on a new route that connects the Northern Emirates with India.

A SpiceJet passenger jet from New Delhi touched down in the early hours of Friday morning.

Passengers were given VIP treatment in the terminal before being bussed to local resorts or to stay with relatives.

In the past five years the emirate has embarked on a major campaign to bring in tourists to enjoy its beaches, mountain trails and stunning scenery, and is seeking to get back on track after disruption due to the coronavirus pandemic.

“We are thrilled and excited to welcome SpiceJet to Ras Al Khaimah International Airport," said Sheikh Salem bin Sultan Al Qasimi, chairman of Ras Al Khaimah International Airport.

"This new service will open new routes for us to India, which is our largest market.

"With the facility to connect to more than 28 destinations in India via Delhi, it will stimulate consumer demand, provide connectivity and ease to our residents, and promote international tourism.

"As Jerry Crawford, an American aviation enthusiast, once said: ‘To most people, the sky is the limit. To those who love aviation, the sky is home."

SpiceJet will operate flight SG 160 depart from Indira Gandhi International Airport Delhi at 10.30pm on Thursdays and Sundays, landing at Ras Al Khaimah International Airport at 12.50am on Friday and Monday.

The airport also welcomed Air Arabia flights from Dhaka, Cairo and Peshawar on Friday.

Passengers travelling to the UAE on flights from India must present a negative test for Covid-19 before boarding, according to federal travel rules.

Hotel workers at the Hilton Ras Al Khaimah Resort & Spa disinfect facilities on the day tourists were allowed to return to Dubai. A cluster of RAK's top hotels are about 45 minutes away from Dubai International Airport. All photos by Antonie Robertson / The National

New measures include booking most services in advance and using mobile phones to avoid contact with staff as much as possible. Antonie Robertson / The National

Leisure staff at the hotel patrol to ensure guests are spread out in the pool and on the beach

Staff take measurements to ensure sunbeds are spread out

Staff disinfect tables and chairs as diners arrive and leave

Staff wear medical visors for their own protection and that of guests

Gyms and pools are open in RAK hotels, with staff on hand to frequently clean

RAK was the first emirate to open up its hospitality trade for staycations after a nationwide lockdown in April