SHARJAH INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT (SHJ) INFORMATION

Sharjah International Airport (IATA: SHJ, ICAO: OMSJ) is a military and public airport located seven nautical miles or 13 kilometers in the east-southeast portion of Sharjah, United Arab Emirates (UAE). It covers a land of 1,538 hectares with an airport elevation of 166 feet or 35 meters Above Mean Sea Level (ASML).

Sharjah Airport is owned and managed by the Sharjah Airport Authority, Government of Sharjah City. It is known as the third-largest Middle East airfreight in cargo tonnage based on the 2015 official statistics record of Airports Council International.

The airport has one runway, one passenger terminal building with two levels, and five cargo terminals.

The sole runway designated at 12/30 has an asphalt surface measure of 4,060 meters x 60 meters.

The passenger terminal has two-floor levels; the Ground floor and the First floor.

The Ground floor houses the check-in counter, baggage claim areas, food hub options, baggage wrapping, currency exchange counters, toilets, gift and souvenir shops, retail stores, and prayer rooms.

The immigration area, food hall, and Duty-Free shops are on the First floor. It also houses 25 boarding gates, a currency exchange, and a kid’s play area. Automatic Teller Machines and. VIP lounges are also located on the first floor.

The airport’s five cargo terminals have an area of 32,000 square meters and are located in the cargo center facility. They are equipped to accommodate all types of cargo, such as perishables, live animals (AVI), Dangerous Goods Requests (DGR), Pharma/Healthcare products, valuables, and more.

Cargo terminal one is for charter operations, terminal two is a hub for Lufthansa cargo, terminal three is designated for flight forwarders, terminal four is for customs and surplus imports, and terminal five is for scheduled operations.

Sharjah Airport is the home base of a low-cost carrier, Air Arabia; its headquarters is located in an old cargo terminal in the Sharjah Freight Center within the airport premises.

In 2021, the Sharjah Airport Authority accommodated over 7 million passengers and facilitated more than 57,000 airport activities.

History of Sharjah International Airport

In 1932, the city of Sharjah made aviation history when the Emirate’s first flight landed on the Al Mahatta runway, which was later abandoned and became a museum.

In 1970, the current Sharjah International Airport was built.

After 45 years, on December 31, 1976, Sharjah Airport opened with a runway capable of accommodating the largest aircraft in the world.

Sharjah International Airport replaced the Royal Air Force Sharjah (RAF), the first airport in the UAE, and the Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf for Imperial Airways. The RAF subsequently utilized it until December 14, 1971.

On August 20, 1977, Concorde 202 G-BBDG aircraft, which came from Filton, England, and refueled at Damascus, Syria, landed at the airstrip of Sharjah Airport.

With comprehensive plans and continuous progress, the airport faced multiple expansions turning it into a state-of-the-art international facility.

Sharjah International Airport is home to an increasing number of international and regional airlines. The administration also approved an open sky policy that allows aircraft from various countries hassle-free access to the airport.

Furthermore, the airport facility has become a vital air cargo hub for most major airline carriers worldwide.

Sharjah International Airport has been served by various passenger airlines like Aeroflot, Rossiya, Jordan Aviation, Cham Wings, Air Blue, Air Arabia, IndiGo, Air India, Air India Express, Egypt Air, Pakistan International Airline, Syrian Arab Airlines, Air Peace, AnadoluJet, Biman Bangladesh Airlines, Go First, Jazeera Airways, Nordwind Airlines, Pegasus Airlines, Qatar Airways, SereneAir, Turkish Airlines, Syrian Air, US-Bangla Airlines, Uzbekistan Airways, and Vistara.

The airport is conveniently located within the Northern Emirates, 10 kilometers from Sharjah city center and an approximately 20-minute drive from Dubai.

Transfer Services at Sharjah International Airport

Sharjah International Airport offers transport services for its inbound and outbound passengers.

Car Rentals, Taxis, Buses, Coaches, and Ride Shares are available at the ground transportation center of the airport.

There is no local train transit in Sharjah. However, it is accessible in Dubai, just a 20 to 30 minutes drive from Sharjah City Center.

Passengers should always check what is allowed in their hand-carry baggage and what items to bring in their check-in baggage. They should also secure their personal belongings before boarding and leaving the aircraft.

Rental Car Services at Sharjah International Airport

Local and International Car Rental companies offer transport services at Sharjah International Airport.

Car hire counters are at the Arrival Area, located on the ground floor near the baggage carousels of the airport. See and compare all rental car companies at Sharjah International Airport.

Renters are advised to follow the airport signs to the Arrivals or Baggage claim area.

Renters must comply with the following requirements: For UAE residents, a valid driver’s license is accepted; however, for all non-UAE residents, international and national driver's licenses are needed, and a completed transaction form.

Renters must be at least 21 years old and up. However, renters ages 25 and below may pay additional charges.

Rental fees may vary depending on the chosen vehicle and car rental agency.

Ride Shares at Sharjah International Airport

Rideshare vehicles are only allowed to pick up and drop off passengers at the ground transportation center of Sharjah International Airport.

Local and International rideshare companies serve the airport; Uber, Lyft, Didi, Ola, and many more.

Passengers may book their rideshare in advance by downloading the company’s app or directly contacting the company through their hotline.

It is recommended that passengers should book the correct vehicle size based on the pieces of luggage they have brought.

Rideshare rates may vary depending upon the passenger’s chosen vehicle and point of destination.

Taxis at Sharjah International Airport

Taxis provide transport services at Sharjah International Airport.

They are available at designated taxi bays outside the Arrival area.

Sharjah city center is 10km from the airport and can be reachable in 15 minutes via S131 and Khalid Bin Sultan Alqasimi Boulevard/S120 or Al Dhaid Road/E88/S128.

The estimated taxi fare from Sharjah Airport to Sharjah city center ranges from AED 50 to AED 85, depending upon the traffic condition.

Taxi fares may vary. See more information about taxis at Sharjah International Airport.

Buses at Sharjah International Airport

Air-conditioned buses and coaches are available at the ground transportation center of Sharjah International Airport. More information about buses to and from Sharjah International Airport.

Hop aboard the Mowasalat Bus or travel in comfort with Air Arabia Coach.

The standard bus fare in Sharjah is AED 8.

Trains at Sharjah International Airport

Trains are not accessible within Sharjah.

The nearest railway transit is in Dubai, which is a 20 to 30 minutes drive from Sharjah city center.

More information about train services near Sharjah International Airport.

Hotel Shuttle Services at Sharjah International Airport

Hotel and Non-Hotel Shuttles can only pick up and drop off passengers at the ground transportation center of the airport terminal.

Inbound passengers with hotel reservations may contact their accommodations for shuttle transfers to and from Sharjah International Airport.

Non-hotel shuttles or Airport Shuttles are also available to serve passengers of Sharjah Airport.

Note that shuttle rates may vary depending upon the passenger’s transaction with the service provider.

Parking at Sharjah International Airport

Sharjah International Airport provides customer-friendly and convenient premium parking spaces for travelers.

The airport’s parking options include Premium Departure Parking and Premium Arrival Parking, both for short-term and long-term stay, and the Long-Term Parking Lot.

The parking rate starts at AED 95 per day. See more information about short and long term parking at Sharjah International Airport.

Other Services at Sharjah International Airport

Wi-Fi at Sharjah International Airport

Enjoy free and unlimited internet access at Sharjah International Airport. Without registration, you may connect your smartphone, laptops, and other devices to the Sharjah Airport “Fly-Fi” network.

ATMs at Sharjah International Airport

Automatic Teller Machines are available within the terminal building of Sharjah International Airport.

ATMs are in pre-and post-security areas of the terminal.

Currency Exchange at Sharjah International Airport

Currency Exchange counters are also available in the airport terminal. They are all located in the Arrivals, Departures, and Transit lounges.

Nursing Stations at Sharjah International Airport

Sharjah International Airport provides Baby Care Rooms for nursing mothers. They are accessible both in the arrival and departure areas of the airport.

Restrooms at Sharjah International Airport

Toilets are available in the arrival and departure areas of the airport terminal.

Food and Beverages at Sharjah International Airport

Sharjah International Airport has a food court that offers great choices of food hubs and popular global fast-food chains within the terminal building.

The food court is open 24 hours daily, serving menus from breakfast and snacks to dinner.

Smoking at Sharjah International Airport

Sharjah Airport is a non-smoking facility. Smoking is strictly prohibited within the airport premises. Though, there are designated smoking rooms inside the terminal building. Anyone caught smoking outside the designated zone is punishable by law.

Lost and Found Section at Sharjah International Airport

Lost baggage or belongings are reported and taken to the Lost and Found facility of the airport.

For lost baggage without tags within the departure area, you may visit the Facilities Department on the First floor of the Departures Hall.

Please go directly to the concerned authority, Sharjah Aviation Services, for missing items at the Arrivals area.

For precious lost items like pieces of jewelry, mobile devices, gadgets, wallets, and essential documents, you may ask for assistance from the airport police.

Passengers may also contact the Lost and Found facility of Sharjah International Airport on the following hotlines: +971 6 508 1103, +971 6 508 1110, +971 6 508 1187 or +971 6 508 1156.

Your respective airline company keeps missing items while in flight or inside the aircraft. For further assistance, please contact your airline service provider.

Airport Communication Center at Sharjah International Airport

Information Desks are on the First floor of the Departures Hall. A lot of them are in different areas of the terminal.

Sharjah Airport Authority also launched a Smart Information Desk to enhance passengers’ experience in technological innovations. They are located both in the pre-and post-security area of the terminal building.

Smart Information Desk is a large touchscreen monitor that enables customers to communicate remotely with airport representatives for convenient and flexible access to airport facilities.

Pet Relief at Sharjah International Airport

Pet relief areas are not available at Sharjah International Airport. However, if you’re traveling with your pets, necessary permits are needed for animal transport through the AVI cargo facility.

Baggage Claim at Sharjah International Airport

The Baggage Claim Area is on the First floor of the Arrivals Hall.

The area has four baggage carousels, and free baggage carts are provided for easy luggage transport.

Disabled Passengers at Sharjah International Airport

Sharjah Airport provides accessible facilities for persons with special needs.

They also have a Medical Center within the airport terminal. Health Clinic and Pharmacy render services to all passengers, especially those needing special assistance.

Airport staff are also trained and equipped with emergency case first-aid kits.

There are also designated parking areas for disabled persons, which are located near the airport terminal building.

Sharjah International Airport Contacts

Address: Sharjah, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

General Phone: +971 6 558 1111

Email: info@sharjahairport.ae

Lost and Found Phone: +971 6 508 1103, +971 6 508 1110, +971 6 508 1187 or +971 6 508 1156

Official Website: https://www.sharjahairport.ae/en/

Local Information

Drive on: Right

Electricity: 230V/50Hz

Plug: C, D, and G

Currency: Emirati Dirham (AED), DH, Dhs,

Wi-Fi at Airport: Passengers may connect to the Sharjah Airport network “Fly-Fi” for free.