As the UAE continues to grow as a global crossroads for travel, trade, and tourism, Sharjah Airport has steadily risen in relevance. While it may not be as internationally known as Dubai International Airport, Sharjah Airport is a vital player in the UAE’s aviation sector, offering travelers a practical and increasingly popular alternative.
Whether it is through its low-cost travel routes and ease of connecting to its growth strategies and frictionless travel procedure, there is much to discover about the little-known yet fast-growing airport. Sharjah Airport is the best airport in the UAE
A Brief History of Sharjah Airport
In Sharjah, aviation has a long history. As it turned out, Sharjah was the most flexible of all the Middle Eastern aviation leaders. The British constructed the first airport in the United Arab Emirates in Sharjah in the 1930s to refuel the flights of Imperial Airways between London and India.
The modern Sharjah Airport was opened back in 1977, and it can manage the growing number of people in the emirate that use air travel. In the process, the airport has grown to be one of the fastest growing in the region, starting as a small airport.
Its enterprise continuously invests in infrastructure, passenger experience, and logistics even though the company transports millions of passengers annually.
Passenger Traffic Growth (Recent Years)
| Year | Passengers (Millions) | Notes |
| 2018 | 9.1 | Steady growth with Air Arabia expansion |
| 2019 | 11.2 | Continued increase in low-cost travel |
| 2020 | 4.5 | Impact of COVID-19 pandemic |
| 2021 | 6.8 | Partial recovery as travel resumed |
| 2022 | 9.5 | Near pre-pandemic levels |
| 2023* | 10.2 | Estimated continued growth |
Why More Travelers Are Choosing Sharjah Airport
People are getting more and more fascinated with Sharjah Airport as it is not all about quicker access to the airport. The airport has some exclusive benefits that hold interest for frequent passengers as well as low-budget passengers.
Location and Accessibility
The strategic location is one of the largest benefits of Sharjah Airport. Not so distant; it is only 13 kilometers from the center of Sharjah city. It goes without saying that it is possible to drive somewhere in Dubai and simply waste some time to go there, to say that it could be regarded as one of the most suitable alternatives for the tourists of both of the emirates. It is not as hot as the Dubai or Abu Dhabi airports and is more comfortable for the residents of the northern emirates, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, and Ras Al Khaimah.
The improved transportation network and ways of carriage also make the airport more popular, as it is quite difficult to reach another place.
Competitive Airfare and Budget Travel
The Sharjah Airport is commonly viewed as the headquarters of the initial and the largest low-cost carrier in the Middle East and North Africa: Air Arabia. The partnerships have transformed the airport into a less costly travel point with flights to about 170 destinations in Asia, Europe, and Africa.
Travelers who are attracted first of all by price, avoiding compromises in comfort, can sometimes get a good bargain and fewer passengers at Sharjah Airport when they fly out of there.
Airport Facilities: What to Expect
Although Sharjah Airport does not compare in size to other international airports in the UAE, it has all the basic amenities that people can enjoy during their travels.
Efficient Terminals
The airport of Sharjah is a single-passenger suitcase terminal, which makes navigation easier among the passengers of the flights. Since there are fewer gates and divided signs, passengers can go through check-in and security checks and find the boarding gates without the long distances and people one would find in big airports.
Dining and Shopping
Some of the restaurants, cafes, and fast-food establishments found at the airport are of different cuisines. Passengers have the opportunity to have anything—coffee, quick snacks, or full meals—before departure. The food may not be elaborate, but the available food will be adequate for both local and foreign tourists.
Electronics, perfume, chocolate, and memorable items are sold in the duty-free stores at quite good prices. It may not be as large as in the Dubai or Abu Dhabi International Airport, but it is easy to spend some time there and more conveniently located.
Lounge Access and Comfort
Visitors who want to access Wi-Fi connections or even rest before their flight across Sharjah Airport are offered lounges that include refreshments and a serene place to sit. The lounge can be used by both premium and economy class passengers on a fee basis, where one is not required to get a first-class ticket yet they can be comfortable.
Passenger Experience: What Sets It Apart
The true characteristic of Sharjah Airport is that it is very efficient. This small size will imply reduced time during check-in or immigration submission and a reduction in the time taken to manage luggage. This serves as a reprieve for travelers who grow weary of standing in long lines and crowded terminals.
Family-Friendly Services
Those amenities within the airport that are family-oriented are a baby-changing room, the development of an area that would attract kids, and assistance provided by the airport staff in supporting families with small children. It has services for people with disabilities and older adults and is, in general, rated highly.
Sharjah Airport Facilities and Specifications
Though being smaller than airports in Dubai or Abu Dhabi, Sharjah Airport is sufficiently equipped with needed facilities that bring comfort and productivity to people in traveling. Its key specifications and services will be described below:
| Feature | Details |
| Passenger Terminals | 1 operational terminal; a new terminal that is scheduled to open in 2027, doubling capacity |
| Runways | 1 runway 3,600 meters (11,811 ft. long) |
| Current Annual Capacity | The number of customers is about 10 million passengers |
| Planned Capacity by 2027 | 20 million in passengers (after expanding) |
| Major Airlines | Air Arabia (largest low-cost airline); other local/low-seasonal airlines |
| Destinations Served | Asia, Europe, and Africa have approximately 170 destinations. |
| Cargo Capacity | More than 50,000 metric tons annually |
| Passenger Facilities | Duty-free shops, several restaurants, lounges available to all, family and disability services, prayer rooms |
| Transportation Access | Taxi, ride-sharing, intercity buses; metro connection planned |
| Expansion Budget | AED 1.5 billion (~USD 408 million) invested in phased infrastructure and service improvements |
Economic Importance and Cargo
Sharjah Airport plays a significant role in cargo operations in addition to passenger services. Air freight is also served at the airport in order to aid the trade and manufacture in Sharjah. It is critical to the supply chain of the United Arab Emirates as well as connecting the cargo to the African, European, and Asian markets.
It has one of the most efficient cargo facilities on the site that deals with everything, including consumer products, medical materials, and goods. This capacity strengthens Sharjah’s economy and makes the emirate more competitive internationally.
Expansion Plans and Future Vision
The Sharjah Airport is not sitting back on its present success. It has initiated a phased growth program worth more than AED 1.5 billion, which is to see its capacity increase by twofold to 20 million passengers per year in 2027.
The development includes:
- A new passenger terminal
- Expanded runways
- Enhanced air traffic control systems
- Better shopping and hotel services
This will not only increase the capacity but also make the passenger experience quite good and competitive with the other major airports in the Gulf.
Travel Tips for Flying Through Sharjah Airport
A few useful pointers to remember if you’re flying to or from Sharjah Airport are as follows:
- Arrive early. Although even during peak hours it may work more efficiently, nonetheless, it is possible to end up in a queue, especially during holidays.
- Online check-in: Most airline companies, such as Air Arabia, offer convenient online check-in options.
- Transportation options: The airport has ample parking and access to taxis and ride-sharing services.
- Currency exchange: Though the facility to change the currency is available at the last minute, good rates are often obtained out of the airport.
How Sharjah Airport Impacts Local Communities
Local communities have equally been afforded the benefit of having a well-functioning airport in Sharjah. It has provided job opportunities, improved tourism, and helped the people and the goods move with ease. This is of particular concern to the expatriates, who would usually find the need to pay a regular and affordable fare to travel to their home countries.
The airport has also helped the ambition of Sharjah as a cultural and educational destination that continues to attract more students, professionals, and tourists in nearby regions.
Environmental Considerations
Like many modern airports, Sharjah Airport has begun incorporating sustainable practices into its operations. These include:
- Energy-efficient lighting
- Waste management systems
- Water conservation strategies
- Plans for green building certifications in its expansion projects
As global pressure grows for greener aviation, Sharjah Airport is gradually aligning itself with sustainability goals while maintaining operational efficiency.
Final Thoughts
Sharjah Airport is an unobtrusive success in the UAE aviation industry. It might lack the pomp of certain of its regional equivalents, but it guarantees a convenient, effective, and progressively cutting-edge travel experience. Serving a wider than-average range of travelers, including budget travelers, entrepreneurs, business travelers, and others, it offers its passengers consistency and convenience.
With the airport keeping on expanding and developing, it is more prominent than ever before that it is a hub of cheap travel and trade in the Gulf. Either residents or tourists who aim at opening new gateways, Sharjah Airport would appear in the list of interests or even another departure venue.
FAQS
Is Sharjah Airport a good alternative to Dubai Airport?
Indeed, Sharjah Airport is a very good option so that no time is lost waiting in lines as well as in crowded terminals. It has cheap flights through Air Arabia, and it is located close to Sharjah and Dubai.
How far is Sharjah Airport from Dubai city?
The Sharjah Airport is positioned 15 to 20 kilometers from the center of the city of Dubai. It will also include the drive of 30-45 minutes, depending on the conditions of the traffic, but as a result, it is accessible to tourists and resident travelers based in Dubai.
Which airlines operate from Sharjah Airport?
Air Arabia is the largest low-fare carrier operating in Sharjah Airport, in spite of it being the largest low-fare airport in the Middle East. The other regional and international carriers fly seasonally and according to schedule as well in the airport.
Are there public transport options to Sharjah Airport?
Yes, to locate Sharjah Airport, a person can use taxis, independent transfers, and intercity buses. In spite of the fact that, at the present moment, it is not possible to reach the metro, the cheap transportation services allow easily reaching the airport in the nearby emirates.
What facilities are available at Sharjah Airport for passengers?
This Sharjah Airport is fitted with all the primitive facilities, such as duty-free shops, restaurants, foreign exchange, waiting lounges, and prayer rooms. The airport is also remarkable for its sanitary, expeditious setting, which offers easier travels among the passengers.