Abu Dhabi: Al Ain International, the airport in Abu Dhabi’s east along the Omani border, may soon be used by low cost airlines and for flights to the Indian subcontinent.

Abu Dhabi Airports Chairman Ali Majed Al Mansouri told Gulf News on Tuesday a study is currently underway to assess how best to utilise the airport.

The airport is “geared towards” low-cost airlines, he said.

Al Mansouri also suggested that “maybe some of Etihad [Airways] flights catering to the Subcontinent or the GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council) might move to Al Ain.”

“Al Ain is a good strategic airport … maybe we will have some operations [in 2016],” he said.

When quizzed on Al Ain airport, an Etihad Airways spokesperson said by email that the airline “is constantly looking at options to improve our network and better serve our markets.”

Al Ain International opened in 1994. Abu Dhabi Airports is the manager and operator of airports in the emirate.