An airport that links millions of people from the cultural capital of the UAE with 100 other international destinations is the Sharjah International Airport. In terms of movement of passengers, the airport has succeeded in registering a total number of 19.48 million.
No matter whether you have arrived at the airport for a vacation or are leaving after a business trip, getting around the terminal requires a certain knowledge about its special organization and work schedule. In this review, we will provide you with comprehensive information about the most relevant travel schedules, tax-free shops organized by Dufry, facilities including business and family lounges, and much more. We hope this guide will be useful for your stay at this huge international airport.
What Are the Operating Hours and Terminal Timings at Sharjah Airport?
This is one of the fears that will make most people using Sharjah International Airport have some kind of anxiety when traveling through the airport since it operates without making any stops. The truth of the matter is that Sharjah International Airport does not operate on any stop unlike the other airports in the entire world. Simply put, this is an airport that works round the clock.
The information that one needs to know when visiting is:
Time Check-In Counter Works: Up to three hours before departure.
When Should You Go to Arrive at the Terminal:
Given that traffic increases each day due to expansion of the terminal, one must arrive 3 hours before the departure of your plane.
24 hour services: Since the airport is open throughout the day, you will find food court restaurants, hospitals, foreign exchange, and airport transit hotels available 24 hours a day.
Retail Therapy: Exploring Duty-Free Shopping at Sharjah International Airport
For most passengers, visiting the airport is incomplete without experiencing its retail stores. The shops located in the airport terminal are operated by Dufry, a leading international travel retailer, ensuring that all travelers receive top brands, affordable tax-free prices, and variety of products to purchase.
Major Locations to Shop
The shops have been allocated different locations based on convenience to travelers:
Zone of Departure
This zone is found right after the immigration counter. This area offers a vast array of products for consumers.The goods are usually expensive items such as perfumes, makeup, gadgets, and jewelry.
Zone of Arrival
This zone can be found around the baggage collection point. Passengers can buy gifts and snacks before going to the customs counter.
What Should You Buy?
Everything is available at the retail area from luxury goods to local goods:
Perfumes & Cosmetics: This is moment to try the exceptional range of perfumes and cosmetics that have received global acclaim from brands such as Chanel, Dior, Estee Lauder, and Tom Ford at unbelievably cheap prices.
Luxury Watches and Jewelry: The best thing about these shops are that they offer luxury watches and jewelry at reasonable prices making them perfect gift items.
Gadgets and Electronics: Shop all the latest gadgets and electronics like mobile phones, noise-canceling headphones, cameras, travel adapters, and a lot more all for free of taxes.
Other Sweets & Treats: In addition to other flavors of chocolates such as Toblerone and Lindt, there are other desserts that can be bought, which are locally made.
What are the Facilities that Passengers Require at the Terminal?
In addition to boarding and travelling, the following facilities have been made available at the airport in order to ensure passenger satisfaction while they wait or in case they experience any delay in the departure or arrival.
Luxury Lounges in the Airport
Passengers can use the different lounges that have been created at the airport if they wish to escape the noise of the airport terminal:
The Lounge (Terminal 1, Airside):
This lounge can be accessed by passengers traveling first or business class and is on a pay-per-use basis ($157.50 approximately); unlimited supply of hot/cold buffet food and international TV stations; also provides Internet connection.
First & Business Class Lounge:
Offers upscale dining options, business workspaces equipped with printing and fax stations, and dedicated relaxation zones
Transit Accommodation
In connection to extended stays, the visitors are permitted to stay at the Airport Transit Hotel that is situated on the airside of the airport. The said hotel contains 16 bedrooms that have all modern amenities and can be availed by the tourists for both hourly and overnight rentals. Apart from the airport transit hotel, there is another hotel located close to the airport referred to as Centro Sharjah Hotel.
Family and Medical Facilities
Play Zones for Children: There are play areas where children can play safely in the departures section.
Nursery Suites: There are nursery rooms available for mothers who require a private room.
24-Hour Medical Center: Located landside in the Main Dome, there is a fully functional medical center available for emergencies at all times.
Mode of Transport: Transport to and from the Airport
The airport can be conveniently reached within a distance of 13 kilometers from the central part of Sharjah and 15 kilometers from Dubai. These include:
| Transport Mode | Accessibility | Details |
| Official Taxis | 24/7 | Found at arrival; terminal accepts cash (AED) and credit card |
| Ride-hailing Apps | Allday long | Services by Uber and Careem without any restrictions |
| Buses | Scheduled service | Regularly run from the terminal to Rolla Square and other city centers |
| Shuttle Services | Scheduled services | Runs coaches to/from Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Ras Al Khaimah. |
Future Vision: AED 2.4 Billion Expansion Project
In order to cater to the increasing number of travelers at the facility, the Sharjah Airport Authority is currently undertaking a huge AED 2.4 billion expansion program. The project includes various stages through which an effort will be made to enhance the capacity of service up to 25 million passengers annually, by mid-2027.
The expansion is characterized by the introduction of eco-friendly facilities in line with the sustainability goals of the country,departure halls, improved passport check lanes, and smart gates for shorter waiting times. Despite the expansion, flows have remained efficient, with the terminal continuing to offer the easy-to-navigate service that makes it a popular alternative facility.
Conclusion
Sharjah International Airport continues to prove its reputation as one of the finest airports in the world when compared with large regional airports around. With its efficient operation, ground transfer service and excellent duty-free shop under the supervision of Dufry Group, the airport handles thousands of travelers without fail and gives them personalized attention. With an upcoming expansion project worth AED 2.4 billion set to ensure future success of the airport, the underlying idea behind the terminal remains constant.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the airport code of Sharjah International Airport?
The airport code of SHJ airport is mentioned on your ticket and luggage label.
Is there any place to sleep at Sharjah International Airport?
In addition to lounges offering sitting space in seats, various airline facilities are also available to relax at nighttime or in the daytime. In addition to this, there is only one hotel near the terminal named Centro Sharjah Hotel.
Is there any currency exchange facility at Sharjah International Airport?
There are also some facilities of currency exchange along with ATM’s in the airport.
Where can I go in case of my delayed baggage problem?
In case of any delayed baggage problem, you need to visit the lost luggage office.
Can people enjoy free Wi-Fi in the airport terminal?
Yes, they can because free Wi-Fi does not involve any form of payment in the airport. All that is required from the individual is that he accesses the free Wi-Fi service provided in the airport.
How many duty-free items can the incoming passengers consume?
Actually, there are some limitations on the consumption of duty-free items by those passengers who have been 18 years or older on entering the UAE..
Can walk-in passengers access “The Lounge”?
Despite being a walk-in passenger, you can access “The Lounge” for a period of 3 hours even if you are not traveling in the business class. You only need to buy access to the lounge at the entry point of “The Lounge”.
Is there any lost and found facility in this airport?
Yes, it has.The Lost and Found service can be accessed through the office of Lost and Found available on the campus of the airport.
What is the valid period of the passport needed to enter UAE by Sharjah Airport?
The period of validity that one must have in his/her passport while entering the UAE is at least six months.. All passports must be machine readable. Temporary passports are not acceptable.
Is there any provision of a prayer room?
There are separate prayer rooms for both men and women.
