Sharjah International Airport

Sharjah International Airport (SHJ) is not just the air gateway to the emirate of the same name, but also a vital transport hub for the entire UAE. Founded back in 1932, it became the first airport in the region and has since transformed into a modern and dynamic complex. Today, it is known as the base for the Middle East's largest budget carrier, Air Arabia, making it particularly attractive for budget-conscious travellers. The airport combines fast service, thanks to which formalities take about 20 minutes, with a convenient location, offering easy access not only to Sharjah, but also to neighbouring Dubai and other northern emirates.

Airport Features and Advantages

One of the main advantages of Sharjah Airport is its efficiency and compactness. Unlike giant neighbouring hubs, everything here is arranged for the fastest possible passage through control and check-in. The airport consists of a single terminal, which simplifies navigation and reduces transit time. It serves as the base for the low-cost carrier Air Arabia, offering a wide network of routes across the Middle East, Asia, Africa, and Europe at affordable prices.

Its strategic location makes it a convenient alternative for trips to Dubai, which can be reached in just 30-40 minutes by car. For a comfortable wait before a flight, passengers have access to free Wi-Fi, a variety of Duty Free shops, cafes and restaurants, as well as lounges and playrooms for children. The airport is constantly developing: an expansion project is underway, which will increase capacity to 25 million passengers per year by 2027.

• Official Website: To view flight schedules, services, and the latest news, visit the official airport portal: www.shj-airport.gov.ae.
• Information Desk Phone: For immediate information, you can call the 24-hour call centre at: +971 600 522225.
• Address: Sharjah International Airport, P.O. Box 8, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates.
• Email: For general inquiries, you can write to: info@sharjahairport.ae.
• Social Media: Follow airport updates on its official pages on popular social networks such as Facebook, Instagram, and X (formerly Twitter).
• Lost Luggage Information: If your luggage has been lost, first contact your airline representative. For items left in the terminal, you can contact the Lost & Found service at: +971 6 5141112.
• Passenger Support Contacts: The main channel for traveller support is the 24-hour hotline: +971 600 522225.

Sharjah International Airport (SHJ) is an important transport hub serving not only the emirate of the same name but also acting as a popular alternative for travellers heading to Dubai and other regions of the UAE. Thanks to developed infrastructure, it can be reached by several convenient methods suitable for any budget and travel style.

Public Transport is the most budget-friendly option. Mowasalat operates a network of modern air-conditioned buses connecting the airport with key points in the city, including the bus station at Rolla Square. The trip from the city centre will take approximately 30-40 minutes depending on traffic. There are also routes connecting the airport with other emirates. This is an excellent choice for those travelling light, although it may not be very convenient if you have a lot of luggage.

Taxi and Transfer is the most comfortable and fastest method. Official taxis can be found at the designated stand outside the arrival terminal exit. All cars operate on a meter, and a trip to the centre of Sharjah takes about 20 minutes and is relatively inexpensive. For greater convenience, especially if you are travelling as a family or with many suitcases, you can book a private transfer in advance. The driver will meet you with a sign in the arrivals hall, and the trip cost will be fixed.

Car Rental is the ideal choice for those planning to move actively around the country. Counters for many international and local rental companies are located at Sharjah Airport. You can choose a car immediately upon arrival and set off on your journey. It is recommended to book a car in advance, especially during the high tourist season, to guarantee the availability of the desired model and get a better price. Ensure you have all necessary documents, including an International Driving Permit if required.

Airport Parking offers both short-term and long-term options for those arriving in their own vehicle. Pick-up and drop-off zones are located directly at the terminal entrance, which is very convenient. If you plan to leave your car for several days, use the long-term parking — it will be a more economical solution.

Sharjah International Airport (SHJ) is distinguished by a structure that is well-thought-out and convenient for passengers. A key feature of the airport is its single main passenger terminal, which serves all international and domestic flights. This solution significantly simplifies navigation and saves travellers from the need to move between different buildings, which is especially valuable during transit flights or if you are travelling with children and heavy luggage.

The terminal layout is intuitive. The building has several levels, but two are the main ones for passengers:

• Ground Floor — Arrivals zone. Located here are passport control counters for arriving passengers, luggage reclaim belts, the customs area, as well as rental company offices, currency exchange, and taxi stands.
• First Floor — Departures zone. Going up to this floor, you enter a spacious check-in hall where airline counters are located. After check-in, passengers pass through passport control and security screening to enter the "airside" area with Duty Free shops, restaurants, and boarding gates.

Sharjah Airport is the base airport for the Middle East's largest low-cost carrier — Air Arabia. This leaves its mark: passenger traffic here is consistently high, especially during peak hours coinciding with morning and evening departure waves. Despite its compactness, the terminal offers all necessary services: from various cafes and food courts to business lounges and a large duty-free shopping area, which is famous for a good selection of perfumes, electronics, and local souvenirs.

It is recommended to arrive at the airport well in advance to complete check-in and pre-flight formalities. The standard recommendation is 3 hours before the departure of an international flight. Although the airport is not huge, queues can form at check-in counters and security screening during peak hours. The modern passenger flow management system works effectively, but an extra time buffer will help avoid unnecessary stress.

To navigate the terminal, simply follow the numerous signs in Arabic and English. All key flight information is duplicated on electronic boards located throughout the building. Because all processes — from check-in to boarding the plane — take place within a single terminal, it is practically impossible to get lost here, making Sharjah Airport one of the most comfortable in the UAE for independent travellers.

The history of Sharjah International Airport (SHJ) is the history of aviation for the entire region. Its predecessor was opened in 1932 and became the first airfield in the territory of the then Trucial States, which later formed the UAE. Initially, it served as an important intermediate station for aircraft of the British airline Imperial Airways on the route from the UK to India. This historic airfield played a key role in connecting Europe with Asia and laid the foundation for the future development of the emirate.

With the development of aviation technology and the growth of the city, the old airfield, located close to the centre, could no longer cope with the load. A decision was made to build a new, modern complex. The current Sharjah International Airport was officially opened on 31 December 1976 and began full operation on 1 January 1977. This move marked a new era for civil aviation in Sharjah, allowing it to receive larger aircraft and significantly increase passenger traffic.

One of the most important stages in the modern history of the airport was the founding here in 2003 of Air Arabia — the first budget carrier in the Middle East. This event turned the airport into a major hub for low-cost travel and contributed to its rapid growth. In subsequent years, the airport was modernized repeatedly: a new runway capable of receiving the world's largest passenger liners was built, and the terminal was expanded and updated to improve passenger comfort.

Interesting fact: part of the old 1930s runway is today part of King Abdulaziz Street in the city centre — a visual reminder of Sharjah's rich aviation heritage. Today, the airport continues to develop, successfully combining its historical significance with the role of a modern and efficient transport hub.

Sharjah International Airport offers passengers a wide range of services, making waiting for a flight as comfortable and productive as possible. The terminal infrastructure is thought out to the smallest detail to satisfy the needs of various categories of travellers, from business people to families with small children.

For shopping lovers and gourmets, many shops, cafes, and restaurants operate in the airport. In the Duty Free zone, you will find perfumes, cosmetics, electronics, souvenirs, and alcoholic beverages from leading world brands. You can grab a bite in fast-food restaurants as well as in cosy coffee shops or establishments offering local and international cuisine. The food court is open 24/7, which is especially convenient for passengers on night flights.

For waiting for a flight in peace and quiet, Business and VIP lounges are provided. Access is open to first and business class passengers, as well as members of various loyalty programmes. Here you can relax and enjoy snacks and drinks. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the airport, and numerous charging stations for gadgets will allow you to always stay connected.

Financial matters can be easily resolved right in the airport building. At your service are 24-hour bank branches, ATMs, and currency exchange points with favourable rates. In case of necessity, passengers can contact the medical centre, where qualified specialists will provide first aid and consultation.

Sharjah Airport pays great attention to the comfort of passengers with children. Play zones are equipped for young travellers, and special mother and child rooms are available for parents with infants. Passengers with reduced mobility can count on comprehensive support: wheelchairs, special lifts and toilets are provided, as well as staff assistance during all pre-flight procedures.

If you have a long layover, you can rest in the transit hotel located right in the airport building. Additionally, several large hotels are located in the immediate vicinity of the terminal. For business travellers, workspaces are equipped in the business lounges, and there is also the possibility to use conference rooms for meetings.

At Sharjah International Airport, passengers have access to a wide choice of establishments for every taste and budget. Regardless of whether you are looking for a quick coffee before departure or want to have a leisurely lunch, you will easily find a suitable option. The airport's gastronomic space combines popular global chains and restaurants with authentic Middle Eastern cuisine.

The main part of the restaurants and cafes is concentrated in the departure zone, after passing passport control and screening (airside). Here, a spacious food court is located featuring fast-food giants such as McDonald's, KFC, and Subway — an ideal choice if you are short on time. For a more relaxed wait, you can visit one of the coffee shops, for example, Costa Coffee, which serves good coffee, sandwiches, and fresh pastries.

If you want a full lunch, pay attention to restaurants offering Indian, Asian, and, of course, Arabic cuisine. This is a great opportunity to try local specialities without leaving the airport. We recommend ordering traditional mezze snacks, juicy shawarma, or aromatic biryani pilaf. It is worth noting that practically all food in the airport is halal, which complies with UAE standards.

Options can also be found for travellers with special dietary needs. Vegetarians will easily find dishes in establishments with Middle Eastern and Indian cuisine — for example, falafel, hummus, or vegetable curries. Coffee shops always have meat-free salads and sandwiches. Information about gluten-free and vegan items is best checked directly with the staff of the establishment.

Most establishments in the departure zone work 24/7, which is very convenient for passengers on night and early morning flights. Prices at Sharjah Airport, as in most major aviation hubs, are higher than average city prices. A quick snack will cost a moderate amount, while a full lunch in a restaurant will be more expensive. In the public zone (landside), before check-in and control, the choice of establishments is more modest — typically, this includes a few small cafes.

To ensure your journey through Sharjah Airport goes smoothly, use our tips. We recommend arriving at the airport at least 3 hours before the departure of an international flight, and 4 hours during holidays and high season. This will allow you to pass through all pre-flight procedures without rushing, as they may take longer than expected.

To save time, check in for your flight online and, if travelling without luggage, head straight to security screening. When passing through security control, be ready to remove laptops, tablets, and other large gadgets from your hand luggage, as well as liquids in containers up to 100 ml packed in a single transparent bag.

Pay close attention to the contents of your hand luggage. Besides generally accepted restrictions on liquids and sharp objects, strict rules apply in the UAE. For example, all power banks and lithium batteries are permitted only in hand luggage. If you are carrying medicines, especially those containing psychotropic or narcotic substances, ensure you have a prescription from a doctor, translated into English or Arabic.

If you have a layover in Sharjah, follow the "Transit" or "Connecting Flights" signs. If you have a single ticket for the entire route, your luggage will usually be re-checked automatically. Ensure you have enough time between flights — at least 1.5-2 hours to calmly move to the required gate.

Customs control in the UAE is distinguished by strictness. The import of pork products, narcotic substances, as well as materials that may be considered contrary to Islamic norms, is prohibited. There are limits on the import of alcohol and tobacco products. To avoid problems, it is better to familiarise yourself with current customs regulations in advance.

To save money, bring an empty water bottle with you — after security screening, it can be filled at drinking fountains. Prices for food and drinks in the departure zone can be high. Also, consider using public transport or booking a taxi via a mobile app, which may be more cost-effective than taxi services at the terminal exit.

In case of a flight delay, first find the counter or representative of your airline. Depending on the duration of the delay, you may be offered vouchers for food, drinks, or even hotel accommodation. Remain calm and follow information on departure boards and public address announcements.