UAE: Sharjah International Airport Passengers Shoot Up

Sharjah Airport continued to record double-digit growth rates during the first half of this year as passenger numbers rose to 6.605 million.

The airport posted an increase of 15.25 percent compared to 5.731 million passengers in the first half of 2018.

The airport saw 1.114 million passengers in June, a growth rate of 17.6 percent compared to 947,200 passengers in June 2018, a statement said.

Between January and June, there were 41,700 air traffic movements, a growth rate of 7.47 percent compared to the same period last year.

In terms of freight, air cargo volume rose to 78,780 tons, the statement said, adding that the festive seasons, summer holidays and new destinations have contributed to Sharjah Airport’s record growth over the last six months.

Ali Salim Al Midfa, chairman of Sharjah Airport Authority, said: Sharjah Airport’s positive results in terms of the number of passengers during the first half of this year are a result of the efforts of all the organisations operating at the airport.

These genuine partnerships help to position the airport as one of the region’s best airports both regionally and globally.

Sharjah International Airport is an airport located 7 nautical miles (13 km; 8.1 mi) east south east of Sharjah, United Arab Emirates. It is spread over an area of 15,200,000 m2 (3,800 acres).

Sharjah Airport is the third largest Middle East airfreight hub in cargo tonnage, according to official 2015 statistics from Airports Council International.

Ground services company, Sharjah Aviation Services, handled 586,195 tonnes in 2015 – a 16.1% increase year on year. It has one passenger terminal with an area of 125,000 m2 (1,350,000 sq ft).

Sharjah International Airport is 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. The center is an old cargo terminal.

The current Sharjah Airport was built in the 1970s and was opened on 1 January 1977. On 20 August 1977 Concorde 202 G-BBDG, which came from Filton and refuelled at Damascus landed at Sharjah Airport. The aircraft also made a short flight display over the city.

The BAe party was headed by Sir Geoffrey Tuttle, which received a great welcome, the whole party were also given watches and a few received magnificent swords as well.

It replaced RAF Sharjah which was closer to the city and was opened in 1932. It was the first airport in UAE and the Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf, for use by Imperial Airways, and was subsequently used by the RAF until 14 December 1971.

The reason for the move was development pressure from the city of Sharjah. The old airport's runway is now part of King Abdul Aziz Street in the city centre.

The airport was used by the United States Air Force 926th Tactical Fighter Group during Operation Desert Shield/Storm. Approximately 450 members of the unit were stationed at the airport, which flew A-10 Thunderbolt II ground attack aircraft during the conflict in late 1990 and early 1991.

The airport resides at an elevation of 116 feet (35 m) above mean sea level. It has one runway designated 12/30 with an asphalt surface measuring 4,060 m × 60 m (13,320 ft × 197 ft).

Financial services at the airport include banking, ATMs and exchange centres.

Founded in 1985, Sharjah Airport Travel Agency (SATA) is owned by the Sharjah Airport Authority, Government of Sharjah and has 14 branches in the UAE, including one on the first floor of the main terminal at Sharjah Airport.

There are two prayer rooms available, one in the transit area of the Arrivals Terminal and the other in the ground floor of the Departures Terminal.

In addition to this there are mosques in both the East and West Cargo Terminals 3 and 4.

On 15 December 1997 a Tupolev Tu-154 from Tajik Air Flight 3183 crashed on approach to SHJ. Some 13 km from Sharjah the plane ran into terrain and 85 of the 86 occupants died. One of the seven crew members survived the disaster.

On 10 February 2004, Kish Air Flight 7170, operated by a Fokker 50 crashed on approach, killing 43 of its 46 occupants, which consisted of 3 crew and 40 passengers.

On 7 November 2004 a Boeing 747-230 freighter was damaged beyond repair due to an aborted take-off with insufficient runway remaining. None of the four crew were injured. The take-off was aborted after a report of smoke from the tower and hearing a loud bang in the cockpit.

On 21 October 2009, Azza Transport flight 2241, operated by a Boeing 707–320, crashed on take-off. The flight was carrying cargo only and all six crew members were killed.

On 3 September 2010, UPS Flight 6 developed an in-flight fire in the cargo hold and attempted to land at Sharjah after a previous unsuccessful attempt failing to land at Dubai International Airport, but lost control and crashed, killing the two crew members on board.


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UAE: Abraaj Founder Arif Naqvi Faces Lawsuit By Air Arabia

Air Arabia PJSC has filed a lawsuit against Abraaj founder Arif Naqvi, becoming the first publicly traded company to initiate legal proceedings against the Pakistani entrepreneur.

The low-cost carrier said it began legal proceedings through the filing of a misdemeanor case in a court in Sharjah, the United Arab Emirates.

Air Arabia Group has investments outstanding with private equity firm Abraaj, it said in a statement.

The Dubai listed airline, which has a market value of about $1.3 billion, said in June that it had an exposure of $336 million to funds managed by Abraaj Group, adding that it won’t have a significant impact on daily operations or its liquidity status.

Abraaj was one of the most high profile private equity companies in the Middle East until its dramatic collapse last year.

The firm owes banks more than $1 billion and is being restructured after it was found to have borrowed money from some of its own funds to meet operating expenses without investors’ consent, people with knowledge of the matter have said.

Air Arabia is an Emirati low-cost airline with its head office in the A1 Building Sharjah Freight Center, Sharjah International Airport, in Sharjah, United Arab Emirates.

The airline operates scheduled services to 151 destinations in the Middle East, North Africa, the Indian subcontinent, Central Asia and Europe to 22 countries from Sharjah, 28 destinations in 9 countries from Casablanca, Fez, Nador and Tangier, 11 destinations in 8 countries from Ras Al Khaimah, and 6 destinations in 4 countries from Alexandria.

Air Arabia's main base is Sharjah International Airport. There is also a hub in Ras Al Khaimah and focus cities in Alexandria and Casablanca. Air Arabia is a member of the Arab Air Carriers Organization.


Tourism Observer

UAE: Gama Aviation Signs Agreements To Build And Operate a US$30 Million Business Aviation Terminal

Gama Support Services, a division of global business aviation services company Gama Aviation, has signed commercial agreements with Sharjah Airport Authority for the development and operation of a new private aviation terminal at Sharjah International Airport.

Gama Support Services will build and operate a new AED 110 million (US$ 30m) purpose-built, integrated business aviation complex and provide ground handling services to business jet owners, business jets, and crew members.

Gama took over the handling of all business aircraft the airport in January 2012 and opened a private terminal in 2014.

Gama Aviation disclosed architectural concepts for the new Sharjah fixed-base operations (FBO) at the end of last year. The project covers over 40,000 square metres at Sharjah International Airport and will include two aircraft hangars able to accommodate business aircraft up to Airbus ACJ & Boeing BBJ size (ACJ aircraft are based on the Airbus A320 family, while BBJ are based on Boeing 737 commercial aircraft frames).

The state-of-the-art terminal for business jet owners, passengers and crew members will include rest areas, lounges, Duty Free shops, passport control and customs.

The development will also include an aircraft fueling unit, an aircraft parking apron for business jets and ample car parking adjacent to the terminal.

Gama recently secured UAE General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) and European Aviation Safety Agency approvals to provide line maintenance for a wide range of business aircraft at its Sharjah FBO, including the Beechcraft King Air, Bombardier Challenger, Bombardier Global, Embraer Legacy , Gulfstream and Boeing Business Jets.

Gama Aviation’s Sharjah FBO saw a 45 percent increase in aircraft movements during the first four months of 2017, which the company attributes partly to its proximity to Downtown Dubai and Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC).

With no slot restrictions, plenty of parking, aircraft hangarage, security and customs clearance and almost immediate passes providing access to aircraft, the FBO is becoming a popular access point to business jet owners seeking to access Dubai and the Northern Emirates.

According to recent figures from Gama Aviation, the Middle East has a business aviation fleet of about 800 aircraft, with Saudi Arabia, Turkey and the United Arab Emirates accounting for 24 percent, 20 percent and 17 percent of the market respectively.



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New Private Jet Terminal For Sharjah Airport,Turkish Airlines Investments In Asia

Sharjah Airport Authority has signed an agreement with Gama Support Services to build and operate a new private jet terminal worth AED 110 million.

The new project will spread over more than 40,000 square metres and comprise two private jet hangars with a capacity of two large Boeing Business Jets each.

The facility will include resting areas and lounges, in addition to Duty Free shops and passport control and customs lanes. The project will also include an aircraft fuelling unit, aircraft parking apron for business jets and car parking spaces for terminal users and guests.

Gama Aviation is the sole service provider of ground services to the general aviation sector in Sharjah International Airport.

The agreements we have signed and the investment we are making here reflects our confidence in the prospective business of Sharjah economy, said Richard Lineveldt, general manager of Gama Support Services.

During the last few years, the general aviation market has witnessed growth in the number of business jets and private aircraft owners, and we expect this to continue on the short and long terms, he added.

Turkish Airlines chief is looking at buying stakes in airlines across India, China and the US. Speaking to reporters last month, the airline’s CEO Ilker Ayci mentioned he is looking at investing in equity stakes in airlines as a way to offset potential shocks from growing protectionism.

We have grown organically so far, but politicians are increasingly struggling for protectionism, Ayci was quoted to say. This is why we are investigating investment opportunities in other airlines with equity or as a non-equity partner.

This is a long-term strategy and it is too early to say whether it becomes a reality, he said.

Reports have mentioned Turkish Airlines is eyeing a stake in Italy’s troubled carrier Alitalia which is backed by Etihad. However, Ayci said he is averse to investing in weaker airlines.

Earlier this year Turkish Airlines signed an agreement with the government of Albania to create a joint venture and set up a new carrier to operate out of the country.

We will do our best, with all the accumulated experience we have as a company, to share it with our Albanian friends and brothers.

We are proceeding with great speed to take all the necessary steps for the realization of this project as soon as possible, Ayci during a press conference at the announcement.

UAE: Jannah Hotels And Resorts Announces Debut,Hilton Signes Management Agreement With Al Marwan Group

UAE-based luxury hotel operator and developer, Jannah Hotels and Resorts, has announced a new luxury mixed-use development on Al Khan Lagoon, Ras Al Khor, in Sharjah city.

According to the hotel group, the 57 storey property will include a high-end shopping mall, office space, hotel apartments and a new luxury hotel and spa to be called Jannah Al Khan Hotel & Spa.

Announced during Arabian Travel Market, the high-rise development will be the group’s first Sharjah property and is expected to be the tallest building in the city, opening in 2020.

The Jannah Al Khan Hotel & Spa will offer a host of world-class facilities, including a spa, state-of-the-art health club, indoor and outdoor swimming pools, park, children’s playground, plus numerous cafes and restaurants.

According to the developer, the hotel will also boast the largest royal suite in Sharjah, complete with a private pool, terrace with a private dining area, kitchen and large living areas. The hotel will have its own helipad.

Sharjah currently has a number of high profile new hotels and resorts under development, including a new US$100 million (AED 367m) art and culture themed 5-star luxury beachfront hotel and resort; and the US$32.8 million (AED 120.6m) five-star Al Khan Village Resort being developed by Omran Properties.

Meanwhile, Al Bait Hotel, a new 5-star hotel being built by Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq) in the Heart of Sharjah heritage area, is expected to open later this year.

The emirate is seeing growth across all hotel segments with a 200-room Novotel adjacent to Sharjah Expo, a Pullman Sharjah hotel, a Sheraton Four Points hotel and a Starwoood’s Aloft boutique hotel, all under development. Earlier this month, Hilton announced plans to open the 250-room DoubleTree by Hilton Sharjah Waterfront Hotel & Suites in 2020, located opposite to Sharjah’s Al Majaz Waterfront in the centre of the city.

Sharjah has become increasingly popular with overseas visitors with Sharjah International Airport handling 11 million passengers during 2016.

Hilton has signed a management agreement with Sharjah’s Al Marwan Group to open the emirate’s debut DoubleTree by Hilton property opposite Al Majaz Waterfront in the centre of the city.

The US$43 million (AED 158m) development will be called the DoubleTree by Hilton Sharjah Waterfront Hotel & Suites and will offer 254 suites and serviced apartments.

The new hotel, which is expected to open in 2020, will be Hilton’s second property in the emirate after the Hilton Sharjah on the nearby Corniche Road.

Sharjah offers visitors more than 100 hotels and hotel apartment properties and occupancy rates recently beat regional averages, growing by 5.5 percent during January compared to the same month in 2016 (according to global analyst STR).

Some of the leading hotel groups in the world operate properties in Sharjah, including Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group, GHM, Louvre Hotels Group, Premier Inn Hotels, Rotana Hotels and Resorts, Sheraton Hotels and Resorts, and Wyndham Worldwide

Sharjah currently has a variety of of new hotels and resorts under development, including the construction of a new US$100 million (AED 367m) art and culture themed 5-star luxury beachfront hotel and resort; a 4-star, 200 room Novotel located adjacent to Sharjah Expo; a 4-star Sheraton Four Points hotel; and an Aloft boutique hotel.

In addition, Al Bait Hotel, a new 5-star hotel being built by Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq) in the Heart of Sharjah, is expected to open later in 2017.

The new DoubleTree by Hilton Sharjah Waterfront Hotel & Suites will be built in a prime location opposite one of the city’s most popular tourism and leisure destinations, Al Majaz Waterfront.

The area is one of the Sharjah city’s busiest tourism locations and boasts a wide range of activities, from a splash park and mini golf course for families to quality dining, retail outlets and fountain displays.

Sharjah has become increasingly popular with overseas visitors with Sharjah International Airport handling 11 million passengers during 2016.

A number of large scale leisure and tourism developments are also underway including the restoration of Heart of Sharjah heritage area, a mixed-use development on Maryam Island and the upcoming five-star Al Khan Village Resort.

Sharjah Airport Passenger Traffic Goes Highest

Sharjah International Airport registered a 10 percent year-on-year increase in passengers, handling 11 million passengers from January to December 2016. The airport passed the 10 million passenger mark for the first time in 2015, showing 5.5 percent growth.

Since then, the airport has continued to show strong growth.

Airport passengers increased 12 percent during the first quarter of 2016, 11 percent during Q2 and 13 percent during Q3, reaching one million passengers per month for the first time in August 2016.

Aircraft movements at Sharjah International Airport increased by 6 percent to 75,900 scheduled and non-scheduled movements in 2016 compared with 71,426 in 2015.

Sharjah International Airport’s growth has been driven by its strategic location, the success of Sharjah’s in-bound tourism industry and the expansion of Sharjah-headquartered Air Arabia.

The airport’s ideal location, close to Sharjah city, Dubai city and the main highways connecting the country’s seven emirates, has made it a convenient hub for both business and leisure travelers.

Whilst Air Arabia hasn’t yet announced overall figures for 2016, the airline served over 2.27 million passengers during the first nine months of 2016, a 14 percent increase compared to the 2 million passengers during the same period of 2015.

The airline currently operates a fleet of 46 Airbus A320 aircraft offering flights to over 120 destinations in 33 countries from five hubs across the Middle East, Africa, Asia, and Europe.

Sharjah’s tourism industry has fared well during 2015 and 2016, despite global and regional economic pressures. Hotels and hotel apartments registered a 19 percent increase in room nights booked during the first nine months of 2016, totaling 2.94 million room nights, according to Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority (SCTDA).

The Authority’s tourism development strategy aims to attract more than 10 million tourists to the emirate by year 2021.

Meanwhile, Gama Aviation continues to expand its fixed base operation (FBO) at Sharjah International Airport. The global business aviation services company announced plans for its new, purpose-built Sharjah FBO, scheduled to open in mid-2018.

The company has seen a 12 percent increase in aircraft traffic handled by its Sharjah hub during the past year and 33 percent growth in managed aircraft.

In 2014, Sharjah airport opened a new super-jumbo capable AED 500 million (US$ 136m) airport runway, significantly expanding the airport’s capacity. More recently, the airport has introduced 16 smart gates to its arrival and departure halls, facilities for disabled passengers, a new automated baggage management system, plus a facilities for handling pharma and healthcare cargo.

The airport has also begun construction of an additional bridge for passengers.

Sharjah International Airport’s expansion and development falls in-line with its goal to serve 25 million passengers by the year 2025.

UAE: Air Arabia To Fly To Baku In March

Sharjah-headquartered Air Arabia, the largest low-cost carrier operator in the Middle East and North Africa, plans to launch a new service from Sharjah to Baku in Azarbajian next month, which is expected to be the airline’s first route launch of the year.

Beginning 23 March 2017, Air Arabic will operate four weekly flights from its main hub at Sharjah International Airport to Heydar Aliyev International Airport in Baku. The addition of the new route follows an agreement between Air Arabia, Azarbajian Airlines and Azarbajiani authorities aimed at promoting connections between Baku and Sharjah.

Located at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, Azerbaijan’s largest city is also the largest city on the Caspian Sea and the Caucasus region. Famed for its medieval walled old city and cultural status, Baku is the scientific, industrial and financial centre of Azerbaijan. The city recently received global attention after hosting the European Grand Prix (now renamed the Azerbaijan Grand Prix).

Air Arabia added 9 new routes to its global network in 2016 from its five operating hubs in the UAE, Morocco, Egypt and Jordan. The airline added new services from its main Sharjah hub to Sarajevo in Bosnia and Herzegovina and to Batumi in Georgia.

Reportedly, Air Arabia also has plans to launch a new service to Ahvaz in the southwest of Iran, subject to approvals from Ahvaz International Airport. Air Arabia already operates direct flights from Sharjah to 6 destinations in Iran; Abadan, Isfahan, Lar, Mashhad, Shiraz and Tehran.

Air Arabia currently serves over 120 routes from its five operational hubs.

UAE: Hamriyah Free Zone Authority Launches Sharjah Food Park

Hamriyah Free Zone Authority has launched ‘Sharjah Food Park’, a regional hub for the Middle East and North Africa’s multi-billion dollar food industry, dedicated to food import, export, storage, manufacture and packaging.

The new world class zone will be the region’s largest dedicated facility for food industries, covering a total area of 11 million square metres (118 million square feet), and offering warehousing, office space and labour accommodation.

Established in 1995, Hamriyah Free Zone is Sharjah’s largest free zone and the second largest industrial hub in the UAE.

The free zone houses over 6,500 enterprises from 157 countries, attracting foreign investment from more than 500 industry verticals in the key sectors such as oil and gas, petrochemicals, maritime, steel, construction and food products.

The free zone allows 100 percent foreign ownership, exemption from commercial levies, repatriation of capital and profit, no corporation or income tax and no import or export tax.

Hamriyah Free Zone is strategically located adjacent to Hamriyah deep water port, near the centre of Sharjah city, and close to Port Khalid.

The free zone has excellent road, sea and air connections, just 30 minutes drive from Sharjah International Airport, 40 minutes from Dubai International Airport and two hours drive to Sharjah’s east-coast port of Khor Fakkan.

Freight services transport food products from Sharjah to Africa, Asia, Eastern Europe, across the Middle East and further afield.

The Hamriyah Free Zone Authority is also now able to process licensing formalities for new tenants in less than two-hours. Licenses can be issued for commercial, industrial or service purposes following a simple three-step application process.

Commercial licenses can be issued for general trading or for specific trading in up to five activities, while industrial licenses can cover processing, assembly, packaging and manufacturing activities.

Service licenses can be issued for a number of activities and consultancy services.

The new Sharjah Food Park business centre will include a 100 executive office suites of between 15 square metres and 42 square metres in size.

Five different office lease packages will be available starting from AED 11,000 (US$ 2,998) through to AED 35,000 (US$ 9,537). Offices are equipped with the latest communication and internet facilities.

UAE: Sharjah Airport Expansion Approved

The Government of Sharjah has approved the US$400 million (AED 1.46b) budget for the expansion of Sharjah International Airport, according to MEED (Middle East Economic Digest), quoting Adel Abdullah Ali, Air Arabia’s Chief Executive Officer.

According to the airline CEO, the expansion project is expected to begin this summer and will increase airport capacity from 8 to 18 million passengers a year.

A master plan for the expansion of the airport was submitted by American engineering firm Bechtel in 2013, recommending a new terminal, construction of new roads around the airport, plus additional services such as a new hotel and a shopping mall.

In 2014, Sharjah International Airport opened a new AED 500 million (US$ 136m) airport runway, significantly expanding the airport’s aircraft capacity.

The new runway allows large and new-generation ICAO Code F aircraft such as the Airbus A380 and Boeings B747-8 Intercontinental and B747-8 freighter. The old runway now serves as a taxiway.

The airport handled 11 million passengers from January to December 2016, registering a 10 percent year-on-year increase on 2015. In January 2017, the airport handled 969,633 passengers, showing a 4 percent increase on January last year.

Sharjah International Airport’s growth has been driven by its strategic location, the success of Sharjah’s in-bound tourism industry and the expansion of Sharjah-headquartered Air Arabia.

The airport’s ideal location, close to Sharjah city, Dubai city and the main highways connecting the country’s seven emirates, has made it a convenient hub for both business and leisure travelers.

UAE: Sharjah Airport Passenger Traffic Up By 10%

Sharjah International Airport registered a 10 percent year-on-year increase in passengers, handling 11 million passengers from January to December 2016. The airport passed the 10 million passenger mark for the first time in 2015, showing 5.5 percent growth. Since then, the airport has continued to show strong growth.

Airport passengers increased 12 percent during the first quarter of 2016, 11 percent during Q2 and 13 percent during Q3, reaching one million passengers per month for the first time in August 2016. Aircraft movements at Sharjah International Airport increased by 6 percent to 75,900 scheduled and non-scheduled movements in 2016 compared with 71,426 in 2015.

Sharjah International Airport’s growth has been driven by its strategic location, the success of Sharjah’s in-bound tourism industry and the expansion of Sharjah-headquartered Air Arabia. The airport’s ideal location, close to Sharjah city, Dubai city and the main highways connecting the country’s seven emirates, has made it a convenient hub for both business and leisure travelers.

Whilst Air Arabia hasn’t yet announced overall figures for 2016, the airline served over 2.27 million passengers during the first nine months of 2016, a 14 percent increase compared to the 2 million passengers during the same period of 2015. The airline currently operates a fleet of 46 Airbus A320 aircraft offering flights to over 120 destinations in 33 countries from five hubs across the Middle East, Africa, Asia, and Europe.

Sharjah’s tourism industry has fared well during 2015 and 2016, despite global and regional economic pressures. Hotels and hotel apartments registered a 19 percent increase in room nights booked during the first nine months of 2016, totaling 2.94 million room nights, according to Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority (SCTDA). The Authority’s tourism development strategy aims to attract more than 10 million tourists to the emirate by year 2021.

Meanwhile, Gama Aviation continues to expand its fixed base operation (FBO) at Sharjah International Airport. The global business aviation services company announced plans for its new, purpose-built Sharjah FBO, scheduled to open in mid-2018. The company has seen a 12 percent increase in aircraft traffic handled by its Sharjah hub during the past year and 33 percent growth in managed aircraft.

In 2014, Sharjah airport opened a new super-jumbo capable AED 500 million (US$ 136m) airport runway, significantly expanding the airport’s capacity. More recently, the airport has introduced 16 smart gates to its arrival and departure halls, facilities for disabled passengers, a new automated baggage management system, plus a facilities for handling pharma and healthcare cargo. The airport has also begun construction of an additional bridge for passengers.

Sharjah International Airport’s expansion and development falls in-line with its goal to serve 25 million passengers by the year 2025.

UAE: Sharjah International Airport Exceeded 10 Million Passengers In 2016

Sharjah International Airport registered a 10 percent year-on-year increase in passengers, handling 11 million passengers from January to December 2016. The airport passed the 10 million passenger mark for the first time in 2015, showing 5.5 percent growth. Since then, the airport has continued to show strong growth.

Airport passengers increased 12 percent during the first quarter of 2016, 11 percent during Q2 and 13 percent during Q3, reaching one million passengers per month for the first time in August 2016. Aircraft movements at Sharjah International Airport increased by 6 percent to 75,900 scheduled and non-scheduled movements in 2016 compared with 71,426 in 2015.

Sharjah International Airport’s growth has been driven by its strategic location, the success of Sharjah’s in-bound tourism industry and the expansion of Sharjah-headquartered Air Arabia. The airport’s ideal location, close to Sharjah city, Dubai city and the main highways connecting the country’s seven emirates, has made it a convenient hub for both business and leisure travelers.

Whilst Air Arabia hasn’t yet announced overall figures for 2016, the airline served over 2.27 million passengers during the first nine months of 2016, a 14 percent increase compared to the 2 million passengers during the same period of 2015. The airline currently operates a fleet of 46 Airbus A320 aircraft offering flights to over 120 destinations in 33 countries from five hubs across the Middle East, Africa, Asia, and Europe.


Sharjah’s tourism industry has fared well during 2015 and 2016, despite global and regional economic pressures. Hotels and hotel apartments registered a 19 percent increase in room nights booked during the first nine months of 2016, totaling 2.94 million room nights, according to Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority (SCTDA). The Authority’s tourism development strategy aims to attract more than 10 million tourists to the emirate by year 2021.

Meanwhile, Gama Aviation continues to expand its fixed base operation (FBO) at Sharjah International Airport. The global business aviation services company announced plans for its new, purpose-built Sharjah FBO, scheduled to open in mid-2018. The company has seen a 12 percent increase in aircraft traffic handled by its Sharjah hub during the past year and 33 percent growth in managed aircraft.

In 2014, Sharjah airport opened a new super-jumbo capable AED 500 million (US$ 136m) airport runway, significantly expanding the airport’s capacity. More recently, the airport has introduced 16 smart gates to its arrival and departure halls, facilities for disabled passengers, a new automated baggage management system, plus a facilities for handling pharma and healthcare cargo. The airport has also begun construction of an additional bridge for passengers.

Sharjah International Airport’s expansion and development falls in-line with its goal to serve 25 million passengers by the year 2025.

UAE: Gama Aviation Reveals Sharjah Fixed-base Operations Concept

Global business aviation services company Gama Aviation has announced plans for its new purpose-built, integrated business aviation complex at Sharjah International Airport, scheduled to open in mid-2018. The company disclosed architectural concepts for its Sharjah fixed-base operations (FBO) at the Middle East and North Africa Business Aviation Association (MEBAA) Show held in Dubai this week. Gama has registered a 12 percent increase in aircraft traffic handled by its Sharjah hub during the past year and 33 percent growth in managed aircraft.

According to Gama Aviation, the Middle East has a business aviation fleet of about 800 aircraft, with Saudi Arabia, Turkey and the United Arab Emirates accounting for 24 percent, 20 percent and 17 percent of the market respectively. The business aviation leader announced that it planned to invest in constructing new facilities following the opening of its private terminal at Sharjah airport in 2014. The current Gama Aviation terminal offers world-class executive lounge and crew facilities, in close proximity to key destinations in Sharjah city and Dubai, such as Dubai International Financial District (DIFC).

Plans for the new integrated business aviation facility, include a 100 metre long (328 ft.) aircraft hangar, able to accommodate business aircraft up to Airbus ACJ & Boeing BBJ size (ACJ aircraft are based on the Airbus A320 family, while BBJ are based on Boeing 737 commercial aircraft frames). The Sharjah hub will also offer 20,000 square metres (215,000 sq. ft.) of external aircraft parking space and Gama has an option to build a second hangar. The complex will also offer approximately 150 square meters of commercial office space. Construction will commence shortly, according to Gama.

Gama recently secured UAE General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) and European Aviation Safety Agency approvals to provide line maintenance for a wide range of business aircraft, including the Beechcraft King Air, Bombardier Challenger, Bombardier Global, Embraer Legacy , Gulfstream and Boeing Business Jets. The company also introduced new rates for ‘Category Zero’ handling for its Sharjah FBO earlier this year, to encourage the region’s light aircraft users to use its facilities.

Gama Aviation began handling all business aviation services at Sharjah International Airport in early 2012 via a partnership with Sharjah Airport Authority and opened its own private aviation terminal in 2014. Investors in the Sharjah facility include Sharjah-headquartered Crescent Enterprises, Growthgate Capital and Sharjah’s Department of Civil Aviation.

UAE: Room Nights Hike To 19% In Sharjah Hotels

Sharjah hotels and hotel apartments registered a 19 percent increase in room nights booked during the first nine months of 2016, totalling 2.94 million room nights, according to Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority (SCTDA). The increase in total booked room nights comes in spite of the fact that occupancy rates have remained flat at 62 percent, suggesting that visitors may be remaining in Sharjah for longer stays.

Although the largest number of guests registered in Sharjah hotels are from the GCC states (360,000 Gulf nationals visiting during the first nine months of the year), the tourism authority’s international marketing seems to be paying off, with increases reported from several key markets. The SCTDA has been targeting markets identified as having high potential for growth in its strategic marketing plan, in order to attract 10 million tourist per annum by 2021.

According to SCTDA figures, China is now Sharjah’s fastest growing tourism market with 62,936 Chinese travelers visiting the emirate during the first nine months of this year: 75 percent increase compared with the equivalent period of 2015. This growth is consistent with the 78 percent increase in Chinese hotel guests registered during 2015. The SCDTA has recently stepped up marketing efforts in China, opening up a representative office, recruiting Chinese staff and adding a Chinese language website to Sharjah’s tourism portal.

Meanwhile, Sharjah saw a 12 percent growth in the number of Pakistani visitors and an 8.7 percent increase in visitors from Russia, being the first growth measured from the Russian market since the Russian currency fell in 2014.

Sharjah offers more than 100 hotels and hotel apartments, including properties managed by some of the leading five star hotel brands in the world. A wide range of new developments are currently underway, including the construction of a new US$100 million (AED 367m) art and culture themed 5-star luxury beachfront hotel and resort managed by global hotel operator Accor; a 4-star, 200 room Novotel located adjacent to Sharjah Expo; a 4-star Four Points hotel; and an Aloft boutique hotel. Last week, Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq) announced that the construction for its new 5-star hotel in the Heart of Sharjah – Al Bait Hotel – is now 50 percent completed.

According to Sharjah International Airport, 8.3 million passengers were handled by the airport during the first nine months of 2016.

Air Arabia Feels Increase In Passengers

Sharjah-headquartered Air Arabia PJSC (AIRARABI:DFM), the largest low-cost carrier operator in the Middle East and North Africa, has reported a 14 percent increase in passenger numbers, carrying 4.1 million passengers during the first six months of 2016, compared with 3.6 million during the same period of 2015. The airline also announced a 3.5 percent increase in net profit, compared with a 4 percent drop in net profit in H1 2015.

Despite regional economic uncertainties resulting from lower oil prices, the airlines turnover for the first six months of 2016 grew 5.5 percent, reaching AED 1.84 billion (US$ 0.5b), compared to AED 1.75 billion (US$ 0.48b) in the corresponding period last year.

Air Arabia had a strong start to 2016, checking-in more than 2.1 million passengers during the first quarter of the year, up 17 percent on the first quarter of 2015. In the second quarter of 2016, the airline flew over 2 million passengers, increasing 12 per cent on Q2 2015. The airline’s average seat load factor (passengers carried as a percentage of available seats) stood at 81 percent in the first quarter, 78 per cent in the second quarter and 79 percent overall during the first half of the year.

The budget carrier’s home base, Sharjah International Airport, registered a 12 percent increase in overall passenger traffic over the first six months of 2016, with a total of 5.35 million passengers passed through the airport from January to June 2016, compared to 4.79 million in the same period last year. Passenger numbers handled by Sharjah airport exceeded 10 million for the first time during 2015.

Air Arabia added five new international routes since the beginning of 2016, now operating flights to over 120 destinations in 33 countries across the Middle East, Africa, Asia, and Europe from its five international hubs in the UAE, Morocco, Egypt and Jordan. The airline was named ‘Best Low-cost Airline serving the Middle East’ at this year’s Business Traveller Middle East Awards.

Air India Express Makes More Routes To Sharjah

Air India Express, the Kochi-headquartered budget arm of Air India, is expected to add two new routes to Sharjah International Airport next month, bringing the total number of its routes between Sharjah and Indian destinations up to seven. The airline will introduce three non-stop flights per week each from Chandigarh (IXC), the state capital of Punjab and Haryana, and from Tiruchirapalli (TRZ) in Tamil Nadu state.

India is one of the United Arab Emirates’ leading trade partners, accounting for some 9.8 percent of the country’s total non-oil trade, buying 14.9 percent of the Emirates’ exports and 8.7 percent of its re-exports. The total volume of bilateral trade between India and the UAE is expected to increase from USD 60 billion in 2014 to USD 100 billion by the year 2020. India is also the largest single origin of investors for Sharjah’s Hamriyah Free Zone and Sharjah International Airport Free Zone (SAIF Zone).

Air India Express has been expanding its services to destinations in the UAE, including daily Mumbai-Dubai, Mumbai-Sharjah, New Delhi-Dubai and New Delhi-Abu Dhabi routes, which it added earlier this year. According to the airline, the number of its weekly flights between India and the UAE increased from 107 flights to 146 flights per week before the summer.

The low-cost airline currently operates five routes with a total of 15 weekly flights to Sharjah International Airport. Air India Express now flies direct to Sharjah from Kochi (COK), Kozhikode (CCJ), Mumbai (SAHAR), New Delhi (DEL), Thiruvananthapuram (TRV) and Varanasi.

India is well connected to Sharjah, with Sharjah-headquartered Air Arabia operating flights between Sharjah and 13 Indian destinations. Jet Airways, India’s second largest airline, operates direct daily flights on Sharjah-Kochi and Sharjah-Mangaluru routes.

Passenger numbers at Sharjah International Airport increased by 11.55 percent during the first half of this year, compared with the same period in 2015, with a total of 5.35 million passengers passed through the airport from January to June 2016. According to Sharjah Airport Authority statistics, the number of passengers passing through the airport increased by nearly 15 percent last month, compared to July 2015.

UAE: Sharjah Airport Experiences 12% More Passengers

Commercial passenger traffic at Sharjah International Airport increased by 11.55 percent during the first half of this year, compared with the same period in 2015, according to Sharjah Airport Authority. A total of 5.35 million passengers passed through the airport from January to June 2016, compared to 4.79 million in the same period last year.

Aircraft movements at Sharjah airport increased by 5.74 percent from 34,270 take-offs and landings during the first six months of 2015 to more than 36,237 during the same period of 2016. The freight handled for the same period of this year recorded 92,000 tons.

Sharjah International Airport’s passenger growth is underpinned by the ongoing expansion of Sharjah-headquartered Air Arabia, the largest low-cost carrier operator in the Middle East and North Africa. The airline has expanded its route network to more than 120 destinations, launching five new international routes since the beginning of 2016, including two new routes from its Sharjah hub.

Sharjah International Airport is already a hub for a number of international passenger and cargo airlines including Air Arabia, Air India, Air India Express, Jet Airways (India), Qatar Airways, SpiceJet (India) and Sri Lankan Airlines. Turkish airline AtlasGlobal launched a new daily service between Istanbul Atatürk International Airport and Sharjah International Airport earlier this year, while Jet Airways, India’s premier international airline, will add a new daily route from Mangaluru (Mangalore) in southern India to Sharjah from 7 August 2016.

Business aviation services company Gama Aviation has also expanded its fixed base operation (FBO) at Sharjah International Airport, establishing its own executive aviation terminal and investing in a new maintenance hangar. The company’s private aviation services in Sharjah are highly competitive with other hubs around the region.

Sharjah airport added a new super-jumbo capable AED 500 million (US$ 136m) airport runway in 2014, significantly expanding the airport’s capacity, in line with its goal of handling 25 million passengers by the year 2025. Total passenger numbers passing through the airport topped 10 million for the first time during 2015, growing at a rate of 5.5 percent over 2014.

INDIA: Jet Airways to launch daily Mangalore-Sharjah flights

Jet Airways, India’s premier international airline, has announced that it will launch a new daily route from Mangaluru (Mangalore) in southern India to Sharjah in the UAE from 7 August 2016. Mangaluru is the main port city of Karnataka, India’s twelfth largest state by population.

Jet Airways is India’s second largest airline operating flights to 73 destinations, including 22 international flights and 51 domestic flights. Beginning in August, the Indian carrier will fly daily from Mangaluru at 9.30am, arriving in Sharjah International Airport at 11.45am local time. Return flights will leave Sharjah at 12.45pm and reach Mangaluru at 5.55pm. Jet already operates daily direct flights from Kochi in the Indian state of Kerala to Sharjah.

India is well connected to Sharjah, with international low cost airline Air India Express operating flights to the emirate from six Indian destinations and Sharjah-headquartered Air Arabia operating flights between Sharjah and 13 key Indian destinations.

The UAE is a popular business and tourism destination for India, which currently ranks as the Emirates’ third largest trade partner after China and the USA. Indian investment in the UAE is estimated at about US$ 52 billion (AED 190b), with India being the largest single origin of investors for Sharjah’s Hamriyah Free Zone and Sharjah International Airport Free Zone (SAIF Zone). SAIF Zone organised an extensive marketing roadshow in India over the early part of this year to target Indian investors.

Sharjah International Airport, registered a 12 percent increase in overall passenger traffic during the first three months of 2016, with a record 2.7 million passengers being handled by the airport, compared with 2.4 million during the first quarter of 2015. Total passenger numbers passing through Sharjah airport topped 10 million for the first time during 2015.

UAE: Sharjah Airport Passengers Rise By 12%

Commercial passenger traffic at Sharjah International Airport increased by 11.55 percent during the first half of this year, compared with the same period in 2015, according to Sharjah Airport Authority. A total of 5.35 million passengers passed through the airport from January to June 2016, compared to 4.79 million in the same period last year.

Aircraft movements at Sharjah airport increased by 5.74 percent from 34,270 take-offs and landings during the first six months of 2015 to more than 36,237 during the same period of 2016. The freight handled for the same period of this year recorded 92,000 tons.

Sharjah International Airport’s passenger growth is underpinned by the ongoing expansion of Sharjah-headquartered Air Arabia, the largest low-cost carrier operator in the Middle East and North Africa. The airline has expanded its route network to more than 120 destinations, launching five new international routes since the beginning of 2016, including two new routes from its Sharjah hub.

Sharjah International Airport is already a hub for a number of international passenger and cargo airlines including Air Arabia, Air India, Air India Express, Jet Airways (India), Qatar Airways, SpiceJet (India) and Sri Lankan Airlines. Turkish airline AtlasGlobal launched a new daily service between Istanbul Atatürk International Airport and Sharjah International Airport earlier this year, while Jet Airways, India’s premier international airline, will add a new daily route from Mangaluru (Mangalore) in southern India to Sharjah from 7 August 2016.

Business aviation services company Gama Aviation has also expanded its fixed base operation (FBO) at Sharjah International Airport, establishing its own executive aviation terminal and investing in a new maintenance hangar. The company’s private aviation services in Sharjah are highly competitive with other hubs around the region.

Sharjah airport added a new super-jumbo capable AED 500 million (US$ 136m) airport runway in 2014, significantly expanding the airport’s capacity, in line with its goal of handling 25 million passengers by the year 2025. Total passenger numbers passing through the airport topped 10 million for the first time during 2015, growing at a rate of 5.5 percent over 2014.

UAE: Air Arabia Launches More Routes This Year

Sharjah-headquartered Air Arabia PJSC , the largest low-cost carrier operator in the Middle East and North Africa, has added five new international routes since the beginning of 2016. The airline now operates flights to over 120 destinations in 33 countries across the Middle East, Asia, Africa, Asia, and Europe from its five international hubs.

This month, Air Arabia began operating twice weekly flights from Sharjah to Batumi, the second largest city of Georgia on the Black Sea. The carrier launched a new route from Fez (Morocco) to Toulouse (France) during February 2016, followed by the opening of new routes from Sharjah to Sarajevo (Bosnia and Herzegovina) in March, plus new routes from Marrakesh (Morocco) to Pau (France) and from Amman (Jordan) to Riyadh (Saudi Arabia) in April.

Air Arabia began operations in October 2003 from its main hub at Sharjah International Airport in the UAE and now has additional international hubs at Amman’s Queen Alia International Airport in Jordan, Casablanca’s Mohammed V International Airport in Morocco, Alexandria’s Borg Al Arab International Airport in Egypt and Ras Al Khaimah International Airport in the UAE.

More than 7.6 million passengers flew with Air Arabia in 2015, a 12 percent increase on the previous year. The airline also had a strong start to 2016, carrying more than 2.1 million passengers between January and March 2016, up 17 percent on the same period last year.

The budget carrier’s home base, Sharjah International Airport, registered a 12 percent increase in overall passenger traffic during the first three months of 2016, with a record 2.7 million passengers being handled by the airport, compared with 2.4 million during the first quarter of 2015. Total passenger numbers passing through Sharjah airport topped 10 million for the first time during 2015.

TURKEY: AtlasGlobal Starts Daily Sharjah Service

Turkish airline AtlasGlobal has begun three-times weekly service between Istanbul Atatürk International Airport and Sharjah International Airport on Sundays, Wednesdays and Thursdays: the airline’s only route to the UAE. Majority owned by Turkish travel and tourism operator ETS Group, AtlasGlobal (formerly Atlasjet Airlines) now operates 37 domestic and international flights to Europe and the Near East including flights to Kuwait and Saudi Arabia.

AtlasGlobal’s A320 fleet operates the 3,013 kilometre sector between Istanbul and Sharjah, from its home base at Istanbul Atatürk International Airport and plans to make the new service a daily one. The airline is now the only carrier flying the route, although Sharjah-headquartered Air Arabia offers a daily service from Sharjah International Airport to Istanbul’s Sabiha Gökçen Airport.

Sharjah International Airport handled 10 million last year and is already a hub for a number of international passenger and cargo airlines including Air Arabia, Air India, Air India Express, Jet Airways (India), Qatar Airways, SpiceJet (India) and Sri Lankan Airlines. Air Arabia, the region’s largest low-cost carrier, serves 100 destinations in the Middle East, North Africa, the Indian subcontinent, Central Asia and Europe.

Sharjah opened a new super-jumbo capable AED 500 million (US$ 136m) airport runway in 2014, significantly expanding the airport’s capacity, in line with its goal of handling 25 million passengers by the year 2025. The airport also recently announced a new automated baggage management system, based on SITA’s baggage management and communication technology.

Sharjah International Airport will soon begin to levy a AED 35 (US$ 9.5) exit fee towards the infrastructure and expansion of the airport.