Three Major Airports Near Sharjah
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Discover all you need to know about the facilities and access to the three most popular airports for getting in and out of Sharjah.
Sharjah, the third-most populated city in the United Arab Emirates, is fast becoming a significant destination in its own right. It is a growing center for culture and industry and a popular hub for Muslim tourists due to its more traditional attitudes than other Emirates like Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Sharjah's literary prestige and dynamic culture make it a recurring destination on millions of itineraries, and thanks to nearby airports, travel here is easier. Learn about the region's major airports below.
Sharjah International Airport
In 2014, Sharjah was named a World Health Organisation healthy city and the Islamic culture capital. The UNESCO World Book Capital of 2019 hosts one of the world's biggest book fairs annually, where visitors can attend up to 400 literary events. There's no better time to visit one of the fastest developing Emirates in the UAE. Welcoming over 4 million passengers in the first quarter of 2024 alone, Sharjah International Airport is constantly growing and evolving. Sharjah has a long history of being one of the major airports in the Middle East for air freight but is now developing its reputation as an excellent airport for commercial passenger flights.
The airport is just 13km from the city, so you can be downtown within 15 minutes and on the beach in less than half an hour. Sharjah Airport has only one runway and is the home of low-cost Middle Eastern carrier Air Arabia, which operates flights to over 170 destinations across the globe.
You can expect world-class facilities and fewer crowds at the airport than at neighboring Dubai and Zayed International. The Lounge, for example, is Sharjah Airport's newly renovated premium airport lounge; it can host up to 170 guests and is open 24 hours daily. Here, you can expect premium snacks and drinks but a quiet, relaxing atmosphere that's harder to find in major international airports.
Sharjah is also better suited for private charter trips, as its smaller size and personalized service mean you can skip the queues and receive VIP service. You're also less than an hour from Palm Jumeirah, so you can kick off your Dubai holiday in style by flying into Sharjah.
Dubai International Airport
It's challenging to contextualize how busy Dubai International Airport has become. It's the world's busiest airport by international passenger traffic, serving over 87 million passengers in 2023 alone. Its Terminal 3 building, home of international carrier Emirates, is the largest terminal building in the world. The airport indirectly supports over half a million jobs and represents around 27% of Dubai's GDP and one-fifth of all employment in Dubai.
We've established the airport's vast size, but is it suitable if you plan to visit Sharjah? The short answer is yes. With less than a thirty-minute transfer to the third most populous Emirate in the UAE, Dubai is a great place to fly in and out of.
The opening of a brand-new Ray-Ban store and a dedicated DXB 64th anniversary collection proves that the world's biggest brands want to do business at Dubai International Airport. From Gucci and Guess to Prada and Patrón, DXB is a global hub for duty-free shopping and unbeatable shopping experiences.
Dubai is always at the cutting edge of what it means to be a world-leading airport. In 2024, they announced the expansion of Al Maktoum Airport, which will soon become the region's primary airport after completing the $35 billion transformation. The airport still has a long way to go, but early forecasts predict it will handle up to 260 million passengers annually, with doors to the new Al Maktoum expected to open in 2033. There are plans for it to hold 400 terminal gates, five runways and be five times the size of the current Dubai International Airport.
Zayed International Airport, Abu Dhabi
Less than a ninety-minute drive from Sharjah, Zayed International Airport (AUH) is a third option for travelers flying into Sharjah. It is the second busiest airport in the UAE and is served by 24 airlines that fly to 128 destinations worldwide, connecting Sharjah with the whole world.
All flights from Zayed International depart from Terminal A, which saw almost 14 million passengers pass through in the first half of 2024, a 33.8% increase compared to the same period in 2023.
The airport is the home of premium carrier Etihad Airways and constantly expands into new markets. Alongside the increased passenger numbers, Zayed International Airport has broadened its customer base by welcoming new airlines and launching additional routes. Notably, US-Bangla Airlines now operates flights to Chittagong and Dhaka, while British Airways has announced daily flights to London Heathrow.
For those looking to relax before their flight, a new spa has opened in the Etihad Lounge. The Residence and First Class Etihad passengers receive a complimentary visit to the spa. The Be Relax Spa is open 24/7 and offers passengers everything from full-body massages to hair care and Experience Showers by BODYFUL.
Ready To Visit the Cultural Capital of the Arab World?
No matter which airport you choose to access Sharjah, one of these three world-class options will satisfy your needs. They offer everything you can imagine, including luxurious spa treatments, VIP private jet experiences, and a range of high-class lounges so that you can relax at every stage of your journey.
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