President Sheikh Mohamed Renames Al Ain Airport as Tahnoun International Airport, Effective Immediately

President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan directed on October 11 that Al Ain International Airport be renamed Tahnoun International Airport, with the change taking effect immediately, according to statements from Abu Dhabi Media Office reported by The National, Gulf News, and Khaleej Times. The renaming honors the late Sheikh Tahnoun bin Mohammed Al Nahyan, who served as Abu Dhabi Ruler's Representative in the Al Ain Region from the UAE's founding in 1971 until his death on May 1, 2024, at age 82. The airport is located 18 kilometers northwest of Al Ain city and serves over 100,000 passengers annually on routes operated by Pakistan International Airlines and Air India Express. The airport code AAN remains unchanged.

The renaming follows a 2024 decision to rename Abu Dhabi's main airport as Zayed International Airport in honor of the UAE's Founding Father. Sheikh Tahnoun was a close companion and adviser to Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan and played a significant role in developing Al Ain and establishing government institutions in the Eastern Region. The Presidential Court declared seven days of mourning following his death. The decision reflects the UAE leadership's policy of honoring the founding generation whose service shaped the nation's institutions and development.

Sources

The National, Al Ain Airport renamed as Tahnoun International Airport, October 11, 2026, thenationalnews.com Gulf News, UAE President renames Al Ain International Airport in honour of Sheikh Tahnoun bin Mohammed, October 11, 2026, gulfnews.com Khaleej Times, Al Ain airport to be renamed Tahnoun International in honour of late leader, October 11, 2026, khaleejtimes.com Timeout Abu Dhabi, UAE president renames Al Ain International Airport to Tahnoun International Airport, October 12, 2026, timeoutabudhabi.com Abu Dhabi Airports, Al Ain International Airport official page, accessed October 12, 2026, adairports.ae World Travel Guide, About Al Ain International Airport (AAN), accessed October 12, 2026, worldtravelguide.net Filipino Times, Al Ain airport renamed Tahnoun International Airport in honor of late UAE leader, October 11, 2026, filipinotimes.net