Emirates and Etihad planes. Photo: Shutterstock Every year on October 5, the United Arab Emirates celebrates Civil Aviation Day, which marks the development of the country's aviation industry and its central role in the economy, tourism, and the emirate's connection to the world.
The date was chosen because on October 5, 1932, the first airplane landed in the country, at Sharjah Airport. It was a flight of the British Imperial Airways, arriving from Gwadar in present-day Pakistan.
This year, the annual Civil Aviation Day comes just five days after one of the biggest near-disasters in aviation history, averted thanks to the resourcefulness of Israeli passengers and the Indian pilot. Even before that, this has been one of the most difficult years for aviation in the Emirates, with many airlines halting flights to Dubai due to the regional war that has spread to the Emirates.
FlyDubai landing from Saudi Arabia in Israel. Photo: Israel Airports AuthorityA post written on behalf of Dubai Airports said that the ongoing return of airlines to Dubai International Airport and the strengthening of global connectivity reflect continued confidence in Dubai, the resilience of their aviation sector as well as efforts to ensure the continued movement of people, trade and opportunity.
The announcement also added that the authority commends the people and partnerships behind each connection, as well as their role in advancing the UAE's global presence and influence.
The UAE currently has ten airports, eight of which are international. In 2024 (before the war's significant effects on Emirates), the national airlines operated about 4,807 weekly flights to destinations worldwide.
Aviation has also become a major economic driver for the Emirates. The country has invested huge sums in infrastructure, technology, safety, and the construction of airports designed to serve as transit hubs between Asia, Europe, Africa, and the Americas.