In a significant milestone for Sharjah International Airport, HH Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Crown Prince and Deputy Ruler of Sharjah, officially initiated the commencement of the highly anticipated $336 million terminal expansion project. The groundbreaking ceremony, held on January 3, marked the beginning of the largest phase in a comprehensive series of expansion initiatives, with a total budget of $653.45 million. The new terminal, covering an expansive 190,000 square meters, is poised to enhance the airport’s capacity and capabilities, with completion anticipated in 2027.
Key Features of the Terminal Expansion:
The newly launched terminal project, costing AED1.235 billion ($336.26 million), is a pivotal element of Sharjah International Airport’s overarching plan to accommodate the growing demand for air travel. The expansion aims to separate arrivals from departures, introducing innovative systems and facilities to elevate the overall passenger experience.
Notable features include state-of-the-art self-check-in machines, electronic boarding gates, spacious waiting lounges, vibrant food courts, and a dedicated hotel for transit passengers. These enhancements are designed not only to increase passenger capacity but also to provide a seamless and technologically advanced travel experience. HH Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed was given a comprehensive overview of the project, including insights into the advanced communication technology systems that will be implemented to optimize operational efficiency.
Contractor Selection and Project Management:
During the ceremony, the Sharjah Airport Authority signed a contract with Parsons International, appointing them as the main contractor for the terminal expansion. Parsons International secured the project manager role with an AED51.5 million ($14 million) contract in May 2017. The selection of Parsons International underlines the commitment to ensuring the successful execution of this ambitious project, bringing their expertise to oversee and manage the various aspects of the expansion.
Dignitaries in Attendance:
The groundbreaking ceremony witnessed the presence of prominent dignitaries, including HH Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Deputy Ruler of Sharjah, Sheikh Khalid Bin Abdullah Bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairman of Sharjah Sea Ports and Customs, Sheikh Faisal bin Saud Al Qasimi, Director of Sharjah International Airport Authority, Sheikh Sultan bin Abdullah Al Thani, Director of the Department of Civil Aviation, and several other government officials.
Passenger Traffic Surge:
The expansion project comes at a time when Sharjah Airport has experienced a remarkable surge in passenger traffic. In the first half of 2023, over 7 million passengers transited through its terminals, representing a substantial 24.4 percent increase compared to the corresponding period in 2022. Additionally, the third quarter of 2023 saw a further rise, with more than 4 million passengers, marking a 12 percent increase compared to the same period in the previous year.
The launch of the terminal expansion project at Sharjah International Airport signifies a strategic commitment to cater to the increasing demand for air travel, both domestically and internationally. As the largest phase in a comprehensive series of expansion projects, the new terminal is set to redefine the airport’s capabilities, providing a modern and efficient travel hub for millions of passengers. With a projected completion date in 2027, this ambitious endeavor positions Sharjah International Airport as a key player in the region’s aviation landscape.
Joseph Gutierrez holds Master’s degree in Business Administration. As an avid day trader, he is a master of technical analysis and writes tirelessly on how stocks are trading. Joseph has extensive knowledge in technical analysis & news writing. He delivers news reports regarding Market category.
