Al Bateen Executive Airport

AZI was built in the 1960s to replace the city’s previous airport and opened in 1970. It was initially called Abu Dhabi International Airport (although that is no longer the case, and that name is used by the current Abu Dhabi International Airport, which opened in 1982). In 1983 a military airbase (known as Bateen Air Base) opened at AZI. Moreover, on August 17th, 1990, two units (the 50th Tactical Airlift Squadron and the 41st Electronic Combat Squadron) of the USAAF deployed to the base in preparation for the Gulf War. They were flying Lockheed C-130E Hercules transport aircraft and Lockheed EC-130H Compass Call electronic attack aircraft. In 2008 the military relinquished control of AZI. The airport was renamed Al Bateen Executive Airport, a civilian airport focusing on executive jets.

The airport is located 7.5 miles southeast of the city center of Abu Dhabi. 

• Several assets of the UAE government are stationed at AZI, including a Naval Aviation helicopter squadron and Abu Dhabi Police Department air wing. 
• In 2015, AZI was where the final touches were made on the Solar Impulse 2, an experimental solar-powered Swiss aircraft. It was also at AZI where the plane commenced and concluded its Around the World circumnavigation attempt. 
• On December 8th, 2022, AZI was the location for the Vikto Bout-Brittney Griner prisoner exchange. 
• FBOs at AZI include Mulawala Ground Services, AN-Aviation Services, Location Flight Services, and Near East Private Jets.