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Sharjah Airport (SHJ), located in the cultural heart of the UAE, is a significant hub for travelers exploring the Middle East and beyond. Navigating through a bustling airport can be challenging, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the facilities, processes, and best practices. This guide provides detailed insights to ensure a seamless experience at Sharjah Airport, whether you’re arriving, departing, or transiting.

1. Preparing for Your Journey

Preparation is key to a smooth airport experience. Here are some tips to get started:

Check Your Flight Details

  • Confirm your flight schedule, terminal, and gate information through your airline’s website or mobile app.
  • Arrive at the airport at least 3 hours before an international flight to accommodate check-in, security, and boarding.

Have Documents Ready

  • Ensure you have your passport, visa (if required), boarding pass, and any COVID-related health documents.

Packing Smartly

  • Follow the Sharjah Airport baggage guidelines:
    • Liquids should not exceed 100ml and must be stored in a clear, resealable bag.
    • Verify weight limits and dimensions for checked and carry-on luggage to avoid additional fees.

2. Arriving at Sharjah Airport

Efficient Drop-Off and Parking

  • Use the designated drop-off zones for quick unloading.
  • If parking is required, Sharjah Airport offers short-term and long-term parking facilities close to the terminals.

Airport Entry Procedures

  • Travelers can enter the airport via well-marked entrances with staff available to assist if needed.
  • For passengers with special needs, wheelchair services and priority access are available upon request.

3. Check-In and Security Screening

Streamlining Check-In

  • Use online check-in whenever possible to save time.
  • Sharjah Airport features multiple counters for various airlines and self-check-in kiosks for select carriers.

Tips for Smooth Security Clearance

  • Place electronics, liquids, and metal items in separate trays during screening.
  • Be prepared to remove jackets, belts, and shoes when requested.

4. Dining and Shopping Options

Once inside, Sharjah Airport offers an array of dining and retail experiences.

Dining Options

  • Local Flavors: Taste Emirati delicacies at local eateries.
  • International Choices: Enjoy fast food, cafes, and restaurants offering global cuisines.

Duty-Free Shopping

  • Visit the duty-free zone for deals on perfumes, cosmetics, electronics, and souvenirs.
  • Keep an eye out for seasonal promotions to save even more.

5. Lounge Access for Comfort

Travelers seeking comfort and convenience can enjoy Sharjah Airport’s lounges.

Airlines Lounges

  • Premium class passengers can access airline-specific lounges, which include complimentary meals, beverages, and Wi-Fi.

Paid Lounge Access

  • For economy travelers, lounges like The Lounge at Sharjah Airport offer access for a fee, providing a quiet space to relax before your flight.

6. Exploring Sharjah Airport’s Services

Sharjah Airport prioritizes traveler convenience with a range of services:

Meet and Greet Services at Sharjah 

  • Sharjah Airport’s Fast-track through immigration and security with meet-and-greet services available for booking in advance.
  • Companies like airssist enhance the airport experience with personalized assistance.

Special Assistance

  • Sharjah Airport caters to the elderly, differently-abled, and families with young children through dedicated support teams.

Free Wi-Fi

  • Stay connected with free high-speed Wi-Fi across the terminal. Charging stations are also available.

7. Tips for Arrivals at Sharjah Airport

Smooth Immigration Process

  • Have all required documents, including visas, ready for inspection.
  • GCC residents and UAE citizens can use e-gates for quick clearance.

Baggage Collection

  • Clearly label your luggage to avoid confusion at baggage claim.
  • For oversized items or special luggage, inquire at the respective counters.

Transport Options

  • Taxi Services: Available 24/7 outside the arrivals area.
  • Car Rentals: Major rental companies operate at the airport.
  • Public Buses: Regular bus services connect the airport to Sharjah city and neighboring emirates.

8. For Transit Passengers

Sharjah Airport is a hub for many travelers in transit.

Relaxation Options

  • Enjoy quiet areas designed for resting or the comfortable lounges for long layovers.

Stay Productive

  • Utilize free Wi-Fi and charging stations to catch up on work or browse the internet.

Explore the City (Long Layovers)

  • If you have a layover exceeding 8 hours, consider exploring Sharjah’s cultural landmarks such as the Al Noor Mosque or Sharjah Art Museum.

9. Pro Tips for a Hassle-Free Journey

  1. Plan Ahead: Research Sharjah Airport facilities and services before your trip.
  2. Travel Light: Reduce the stress of baggage handling by packing only essentials.
  3. Book Services in Advance: Reserve meet-and-greet services or lounges early to avoid last-minute hassles.
  4. Stay Updated: Keep track of flight status changes via your airline’s notifications or the Sharjah Airport website.

 

Make Your Airport Journey a Smooth Ride at SHJ

Although Sharjah International Airport is small in comparison to its two UAE counterparts, Dubai International Airport (DXB) and Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH), if a short and quick airport journey is what you’re looking for when entering the UAE, you should reconsider your options and choose Sharjah International Airport. Your trip to Sharjah International Airport will be swift and easy with the help of airssist airport concierge services.

 

About Sharjah airportsharjah-airport-guide

Sharjah international airport (SHJ) is an airport located 7 nautical miles (13km) east-southeast of Sharjah, United Arab Emirates. It’s speared over an area of 360,000 m2 (88.95 acres). Additionally, Sharjah international airport is the 3rd largest Middle East airfreight hub in cargo tonnage, according to the official 2015 statistics from airports council international.

And is the home base of the low-cost carrier Air Arabia. The headquarters of Air Arabia is in the Sharjah Freight Center, on the property of the airport in Sharjah, UAE.

 

Close Airports to Sharjah International Airport (SHJ)

Domestic airports:

  • Dubai international airport (DXB/ OMDB) – (17 km)
  • Dubai World Central – Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC/ OMDW) – (75.8 km)
  • Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH/ OMAA) – (131 km)
  • Al Ain Airport (AAN) – (119 km)

Top Operating Airlines in Sharjah Airport (SHJ)

  • Rossiya
  • Jordan aviation
  • Cham wings
  • Air Arabia
  • Etihad Cargo
  • Syrian Arab Airlines
  • Turkish Airline
  • Qatar Airways
  • Saudia cargo
  • Lufthansa cargo

 

At Sharjah International Airport (SHJ), What Should You Expect?

Sharjah International Airport provides a variety of services, from luxury amenities to quick check-in and boarding, to guarantee that business travelers and visitors have a pleasant experience. For example, this might feature anything from a high-end VIP lounge to wheelchair accessibility and taxis for disabled guests. Here’s a quick rundown of the available services:

 

Sleeping at the airport

Sleeping in an airport is possible in some cases, including at Sharjah International Airport (SHJ). However, it’s important to note that the airport may have specific regulations or restrictions regarding overnight stays or sleeping arrangements. It’s advisable to check with the airport or relevant authorities for the most accurate and up-to-date information.

 

Arrivals and Departures

Signing up for the Sharjah International Airport flight tracking service is the easiest method to find out if an aircraft is delayed or has landed. Go to the airport’s official website and select “Track” next to the flight you want to catch. If you provide your phone number in the appropriate areas, you will get an SMS with the flight’s status. Keep the following suggestions in mind for a stress-free check-in during departures:

  • At the airport’s flight information display, look for the row number for your flight’s check-in.
  • Some check-in counters open 48 or 2 hours before the scheduled departure time.

 

Sharjah Airport Lounge

The airport lounges of Sharjah International Airport are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Entry fees apply, and lounges can be reserved ahead of time — but for most travelers, it’s a tiny amount to pay for the increased convenience, especially if their flights are delayed.

You can use any of the following Sharjah Airport lounge amenities, depending on your needs or the number of persons in your party:

  • The VIP lounge: has four private rooms, each with luxurious amenities, Wi-Fi, entertainment, and specialized employees who are qualified to handle travel operations.
  • Family Lounge: Designed with facilities for elderly or handicapped travelers, the Family Lounge is reserved if you traveling with your family
  • VIP Lounges for Business and First-Class Passengers: These lounges have TV screens with local and worldwide news, as well as refreshments.

 

Terminals In Sharjah Airport (SHJ)

Sharjah International Airport (SHJ) has one passenger terminal, which is divided into two sections: Terminal 1 and Terminal 2.

Terminal 1 is used for all arrivals and departures, and is home to most of the airport’s amenities, including check-in counters, baggage claim, immigration and customs, duty-free shopping, restaurants, and cafes.

Terminal 2 is a newer section of the airport that was opened in 2017. It is primarily used for Air Arabia flights, but also handles some other airlines. Terminal 2 has its own check-in counters, baggage claim, and immigration and customs facilities.

Food & Beverage

Access to the lounge also comes with the following benefits:

  • There is a range of cold and hot beverages available. 24/7
  • From 7:00 p.m. until 12:00 a.m., a dinner buffet is provided.
  • From 6:00 a.m. until 10:00 a.m., a breakfast buffet is served.
  • From 12:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m., a lunch buffet is provided.

Passengers can request a CIP Lounge voucher through their travel agent or airline. At the lounge reception area, walk-in customers can obtain coupons.

 

Family Facilities

A Family Lounge and a Kid’s Play Area are available at Sharjah International Airport, as well as a “drop and go” service where parents may leave their children with competent personnel while they shop, dine, or pray. There are also Baby Care Rooms in the arrival and departure halls that are conveniently accessible.

 

Sharjah Airport Restaurants

With our Sharjah Airport Guide, there are several popular food outlets to guarantee that passengers never go hungry. The food court is open 24 hours a day and provides snacks, desserts, supper, and breakfast. Among the several outlets are:

  • McDonald’s
  • Costa Coffee
  • London Dairy
  • Subway
  • Dunkin Donuts
  • Fusion Bites

 

Sharjah Airport Duty-Free Shop

Duty-free stores provide a simple option for travelers to purchase gifts by offering items that are exempt from certain national taxes. The same may be said about Sharjah Airport’s retail stores. The duty-free stores at Sharjah Airport, which are managed by Dufry, provide a wide choice of perfumes, technology, confectionaries, and cosmetic items at reasonable costs.

 

Safety Regulations

To keep travelers secure, Sharjah International Airport collaborates with the UAE Police, UAE Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), and UAE Immigration Authority. You will be needed to go through the screening procedure after clearing immigration. This might include things like:

  • Any metallic goods, such as vehicle keys, electrical gadgets, smartphones, and computers, should be placed in the tray provided.
  • Coats, belts, and shoes must be removed.
  • Remove any gels, aerosols, or liquids from your bag or purse and place them in the supplied tray.

Medication and specific meals, such as baby food, must also be transported separately. Keep in mind that you may be asked to provide appropriate prescriptions for any medications you have on you.

You can make your journey run smoothly and stress-free by booking an airssist meet and greet service to avoid these complex procedures and regulations

 

Transport Facilities

Public Transport

Sharjah Airport is 13 kilometers southeast of Sharjah and 15 kilometers from the heart of Dubai. It’s also easily accessible by coach, taxi, and public transportation. The MWASALAT bus service, which operates in Sharjah and is identifiable by its bright orange buses, is an example of these services. Another alternative is to take one of Air Arabia’s air-conditioned buses. These coaches run in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, and Ras Al Khaimah and may be pre-booked.

 

Sharjah Airport Taxi Service

To and from Sharjah International Airport, taxis provide door-to-door service. The transportation service, known as Sharjah Taxi, is accessible 24 hours a day. All taxis at the airport are equipped with meters and are accessible at taxi stands conveniently located near the terminal’s arrival zones. All taxis booked at the airport must pay an extra AED 20 premium.

 

Sharjah Airport Parking

A pay-by-the-hour parking option is offered at the airport. You may also park your car in the 24-hour car park for a short or extended period. For a better understanding of the rates for short- and long-term parking at Sharjah Airport, below is a broad overview:

  • 30 Min: 11 AED
  • 30 to 60 Min: 16 AED
  • 2 hours: 27 AED
  • 4 hours: 48 AED

Outside the Sharjah airport arrivals and departure buildings, there are also drop-off parking options. Additional fees may be found on the Sharjah airport website.

 

Travel in Security and Comfort, Anywhere in UAE

Although buses and taxis are accessible outside the airport, getting around the airport might be tricky. Booking airssist Chauffeur & limousine services for your Sharjah airport transfer or journey anywhere in the UAE is the finest alternative. You have the option of selecting the automobile of your choosing in addition to elegance, comfort, and security. The pleasant and professional driver will transport you to your selected location.

 

Airport Transit Hotel

If you are in transit and are concerned about finding a hotel, you won’t have to because a hotel is placed within the security checkpoints. There are sixteen rooms with normal amenities and an internet connection available. The hotel may be reserved for an overnight stay or one to twelve hours, depending on one’s needs.

airssist is always by your side.

We create a wide range of airport experiences in every city around the world, whether you’re a large family who enjoys traveling together; a company going on a team-building event; a group of friends heading to an event; a couple who needs a romantic gateway; a VIP or even VVIP who requires extra privacy; a businessman attending a congress; or just a traveler on his annual vacation- the point is, we’ve got you covered with sharjah airport guide concierge and more… contact us.

 

Who is this service for?

Meet airssist Travellers

 

At airssist we create the whole range of airport experiences in every city in the world, whether you are a big family who loves to travel together; a company who goes to a team building event;  a group of friends heading to the Brazilian Carnival; a couple who needs a romantic gateway;  a VIP or even VVIP, who needs extra privacy; a businessman attending a congress or just a traveller with his expected annual holiday- the point is, we got you covered with airport services and more…

Note: Please note that the information on this page is generic & subject to change due to fluctuations in airport services. Kindly confirm service availability with our team, as offerings may vary daily.

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