The Sharjah Airport Authority (SAA) inaugurated the East Expansion project, which extends over an area of 4000 square meters.  At a total cost of 40 million dirhams, the project is a qualitative addition to the airport, contributing to enhancing its regional and global competitiveness. It is a stage within the comprehensive expansion plan with an aim of raising the airport’s capacity to reach 20 million passengers by 2025.

This came during a tour of the project,  which HE Ali Salim Al Midfa, Chairman of Sharjah Airport Authority, receives HE Sheikh Khalid bin Issam Al Qassimi, Chairman of the Department of Civil Aviation Sharjah, HE Khalid Jasim Al Midfa, Chairman of Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority, HE Brigadier General Abdullah Mubarak Bin Amer, Deputy Chief of Sharjah Police, HE Brigadier Arif Mohammed Al Shamsi, Executive Director of General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs in Sharjah and Mr. Adel Ali, CEO of Air Arabia Group, HE Mohammed Meer, Director of the Department of Seaports & Customs, In the presence of HE Sheikh Faisal bin Saoud Al Qassimi, Director of the Authority, during the official opening of the EastExpansion project and the new facilities of the airport.

The visit also included a viewing of the special service hall, which underwent comprehensive renovations to upgrade the level of services provided by the airport. Many other facilities that underwent renovation and development, were also visited, alongside the modern technologies used to enhance the level of services, in line with the airport’s strategy to meet all the requirements of the aviation sector, within the highest international standards.

An important and qualitative addition

His Excellency Ali Salim Al Midfa, Chairman of the Sharjah Airport Authority, said: “The completion of the East Expansion Project represents a qualitative addition within the comprehensive expansion plan to enhance the position of the Emirate of Sharjah on the global travel map. We are pleased to continue the drive for excellence in the aviation sector through a clear vision and with the continued support of His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan Bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council, Ruler of Sharjah, and His Highness Sheikh Sultan Bin Muhammad Bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Crown Prince and Deputy Ruler of Sharjah. With determination will continue to provide facilities and services that guarantee the comfort and satisfaction of travellers and customers.

His Excellency added: “The East Expansion project will contribute to making the aspirations of the aviation sector and sustainable development a reality on the ground, by increasing the capacity and flow of movement, adopting the finest technologies and systems to enhance cooperation with strategic partners and airlines, and meeting customer expectations, ensuring their trip through Sharjah Airport is a distinctive experience.”

East Expansion

The East Expansion project, whose total area is estimated at (4000) square meters, and a cost of 40 million dirhams, is an integrated building that includes four new gates to contribute to increasing the flow of movement. The project consists of two floors equipped with the latest means and travel technologies and provides distinctive facilities that embody the airport’s commitment to providing the highest standards of services to ensure the comfort and happiness of travellers.

It includes food and beverage outlets, which are open 24 hours and have a wide selection of goods for travellers as well as a duty free shop to enhance the shopping experience, stocked with beauty products, technology and perfumes to offer a unique shopping experience.  Other facilities include nine waiting areas, Security scanning equipment and rooms and facilities for people with people with reduced mobility.

The East Expansion project was accomplished by an international company specialized in airport and infrastructure projects, as Sharjah Airport Authority was keen to select the best companies in this field.

The Lounge

Recently, a comprehensive renovation of the first and business class lounge, which is now called “The Lounge”, was completed to improve the level of services provided by the airport to ensure that travellers are given an exceptional travel experience.

The new hall is distinguished by its facilities and contemporary design aesthetics, which can accommodate more than 170 people, and include quiet areas for relaxation, an interactive play area for children, in addition to providing international food and drinks and 24-hour passenger service, as well as many other facilities equipped to provide the highest level of comfort.

Integrated maintenance

Sharjah Airport implemented a comprehensive maintenance program in its various facilities, to provide technical and security solutions, as well as integrated services to improve and apply the best practices to meet operational requirements, as this program coincided with the period of suspension of flights.

Maintenance work was carried out on all airport facilities and this included: redesigning the entrance to the arrivals building, renewing customer service counters to meet the modernity of designs, changing floors and lighting in the corridor leading to the departure gates in the passenger terminal and the adjacent areas, and renewing the design of the security inspection rooms and staff lounges. Also, comprehensive renovation of all toilets in the passenger terminal according to the latest designs, and lighting change in the aircraft stands in line with the internationally approved standards in the cargo areas.

Outstanding achievements

Sharjah Airport has also celebrated many achievements during the last year, based on the vision and directives of His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan Bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council, Ruler of Sharjah, and also enjoyed the follow-up of His Highness Sheikh Sultan bin Muhammad bin Sultan Al Qasimi, The Crown Prince and Deputy Ruler of Sharjah, Chairman of the Executive Council. The Airport has succeeded in strengthening its position on the global travel map and achieved growth levels of 13% in the number of passengers during the past year, bringing 13.6 million passengers to the airport, making it the highest in its history. It connected travellers to more than 100 destinations around the world, concreting itself as one of the region’s most expanding airport in terms of passenger numbers.