Wings of Sharjah

Sharjah International Airport is ideally located at the crossroads of east and west between the major international manufacturing and consumer markets.

Situated at the very heart of UAE, the airport is able to offer comprehensive global links-ups to Europe, he Far East, Asia, North and South America and the Middle East, with more destinations being continually added.

Dr. Ghanem Al Hajri, Director General of Sharjah Airport Authority states: we operate an open skies-open ground policy which means we have an accommodating approach to dealing with our customers the airlines and agents. We work with them to ensure the best possible operational environment. We are the only airport in the Middle East, which allows airlines such options as allowing them to carry out their own handling, seconding of trained staff and other facilities.

Sharjah, the thriving, bustling city famed for its culture, heritage and tourist attractions is also renowned as a redistribution center and business hub which attracts many entrepreneurs with its capitalistic and conducive atmosphere for business.

Sharjah International Airport is the Middle East region’s leading Air Transportation gateway. It is considered as the No.1 cargo hub in the region and it is increasingly becoming popular throughout the world as a favorite transit, departure and arrival point for passengers.

The most important factor is the strategic location, the midway between the Fareast and Europe. Moreover, the airport is only 15 minutes away from Dubai. Sharjah enjoys an “Open Sky Policy” which permits the Airlines Traffic rights without any hindrance. It boasts the most competitive rates in terms of landing and handling, supported with the most modern equipment and infrastructure to handle aircraft of all types, complemented by professional, efficient and courteous staff.

 The Airport has one of the longest runways (4060 meters) in the region, which enables airlines to land and take off with full load capacity during extreme weather conditions. Unlike other Airports in the region, Sharjah Int’l Airport offers an airline the option of “self handling” and also permits the airline to carry out its own Line maintenance or through a third party. These activities are carried out without compromising on the safety and security policy of the airport at any level.

Sharjah International Airport has put together one of the best technical teams in the business, responsible for four main areas of the airport’s operation – Air Traffic Control, Meteorological Service, Fire and Rescue service and Ground Services Equipment. Substantial investment is continually made to ensure that the airport is kept at the leading edge of aviation services. The Airport Authority management is always accessible and open to all suggestions of the airlines.

Sharjah International Airport, one of the largest sea-air cargo hub in Asia, have 5 cargo terminals in the Freight Center with a total area of 40,674 square meters. The terminals are served by separate cargo aircraft parking bays, with the capability of loading 14 narrow-bodied or 10 wide bodied aircraft or a combination of both. Two additional Cargo aircraft parking areas are also available to accommodate up to 16 narrow bodied aircrafts of different types.  Sharjah is the first among all the airports in the Middle East to introduce Cargo Tracking System online and touch screens placed within the airport for knowing the cargo status.  Airport had successfully implemented bar-coding system in cargo handling.

In recognition to the achievements, the Institute of Transport Management has awarded Sharjah International Airport with its "Global Air Cargo Airport 2000" award.

In 1990 the airport handled 30,000 tones of airfreight, which has exceeded 475,000 tones in year 2000, including 50,000 tonne of sea-air cargo.  The German airline, Lufthansa operates more than 300 flight every month from Sharjah, making the airport second largest cargo hub after Frankfurt Airport.  The other majors include Singapore Airline Cargo, Eva Air, Cargolux, Trans Mediterranean Airways, Indian Airlines, Egypt Air, Condor Airlines, Transavia, Premiair, African Express Airways, SAS, Sudan Airways, Uzbekistan Airways and many more.

The Airport handles almost a million passengers a year.  Sharjah has a newly renovated concourse for passengers with state of the art check in facility, keeping comfort and efficiency in mind.  Apart from the Holding lounges which has a total capacity of more than 3,400 passengers, per hour, we have separate First class and business class lounges with all facilities including email, internet, television, phones, refreshment etc., thus assuring the commitment towards every passenger segment.

Hala Service, the meet and assist facility offered at the Airport supported by courteous and efficient staff taking care of the specific needs of the passengers is gaining more popularity.

Adding value to the core competency, there  is the extremely good attraction of "duty free" shopping with 3 outlets within the airport, which is managed by the internationally renowned Weitnauer group.  The duty free boasts world class brand names, at prices which are extremely reasonable as compared with most other outlets in the world.

Albert Abela, one of the world's top airline and airport catering company has been managing with their expertise of F&B trade at the Sharjah Airport for the past two decades.

The Airport has five fuel suppliers (ADNOC, Shell, Air BP, Eppco, and Emarat) for airlines to choose from – which will guarantee the most competitive fuel prices in the region.

Sharjah Airport Travel Agency (SATA) is fully live on business from May 2001, having its presence in the heart of Sharjah city and at the airport as well, catering to the requirements of the traveling public.

In line with the aim towards ensuring customer satisfaction and maintaining the highest standards, the Airport as per the master development plan – is planning to expand the terminal building arrivals area, which will include additional holding lounges and  aircraft gates.  Also, a new perimeter road and fencing apart from the plans of expanding the departure terminal to provide additional capacity, refurbish the existing arrivals area which will be converted to resting lounges.

Being the first airport in U.A.E, Sharjah Int'l Airport has the years experience of handling almost all types of Aircraft on its daily operations which includes all series of Boeing & Airbus and also Russian aircrafts. Three aircraft charter companies are also based in the  Airport having B747's, AN 12, IL 18, IL 76 and  Lockheed Aircraft for charters at short notice.

With the technological advancements, increased awareness, high customer satisfaction level and the facilities and services available, Sharjah International Airport makes its way towards success and thrives to be a major airport in Asia covering the major markets in the Far East, Europe, Africa, CIS and Asia.