Aviation History
Aviation in the territory that became the UAE began with Imperial Airways' use of Sharjah as a refueling stop on Britain-to-India routes starting in 1932, making it the region's first airport. After the UAE's federation in 1971 and Dubai's oil-funded development, Dubai International Airport opened in 1960 (initially with a sand runway) and grew rapidly. Emirates launched in 1985 with government backing and a handful of leased aircraft, transforming into one of the world's largest long-haul carriers, while Abu Dhabi's Etihad Airways was founded in 2003 as a second national flag carrier. Both carriers became major Airbus A380 and Boeing 777 operators, and Dubai International became one of the world's busiest airports for international passenger traffic.
Imperial Airways establishes an airfield at Sharjah as a refueling stop on its UK-India-Australia route, becoming the region's first airport.
Dubai's first airport opens with a sand runway, laying the groundwork for what would become Dubai International Airport.
The seven emirates unite to form the United Arab Emirates, setting the stage for coordinated national aviation development.
Emirates operates its first flight from Dubai to Karachi on 25 October, founded with government backing and initially leased aircraft.
Etihad Airways is founded by decree as Abu Dhabi's national carrier, beginning commercial operations in November.
Emirates operates its first Airbus A380 commercial service, from Dubai to New York JFK.
Emirates places a combined order for 150 Boeing 777X and 50 Airbus A380 aircraft worth about $166 billion, among the largest orders in aviation history.
Etihad Airways takes delivery of its first Airbus A380, expanding its long-haul superjumbo fleet.
Emirates · Etihad Airways · flydubai · Air Arabia · Wizz Air Abu Dhabi (formerly Air Arabia Abu Dhabi)
Compiled from public/encyclopedic sources including Wikipedia, The National and Gulf News historical reporting; precise early pre-1960s dates for smaller regional airfields vary slightly between sources.