The Department of Civil Aviation, Sharjah, has announced the redevelopment and expansion of Sharjah International Airport at a cost of Dh227 million ($61.8m).
The expansion began January 2005 and the project was scheduled to be completed in 18 months. The space and facilities at the airport is set to expand by almost four folds from the existing.
Dr Ghanem Al Hajri, director general Department of Civil Aviation & Sharjah Airport Authority, said: “This has been instrumental in the growth of the Emirate of Sharjah.”
Sharjah airport saw a 35 per cent increase in the number of passengers in 2005, (2.3 million passengers in 2005 versus 1.6 million in 2005).
Once the expansion is complete, the airport will feature a new check-in area, departure and arrival lounges, a bigger duty free area, coffee shops and food court, seating area as well as prayer areas for men and women. The number of airline offices will increase from 16 to 40 and the check-in counter will increase to 40 in addition to one VIP and one oversize counter.
The airport will also host parking facilities for 800 vehicles.
Sharjah airport was recently awarded the Best Global Airport award for 2005 from the London-based Institute of Transport Management (ITM).