Sharjah International Airport (SHJ) is one of the most practical airports for passengers who wish to travel to Sharjah, Dubai, Ajman, and the Northern Emirates. Being located at a distance of approximately 13 km south of Sharjah and around 15 km from Dubai, the airport makes the journey easy for locals and foreigners alike.
SHJ functions as one of the major transit centers for regional and international travel, which includes the provision of services such as arrivals and departures, baggage services, lounges, parking, shopping and eating venues, prayer rooms, medical services, currency exchange services, and passenger facilities. Passengers can also get live flight information, including arrival and departure times, by using the flight information services provided on the airport’s website.
Whether you are departing from Sharjah, arriving in the UAE, picking up a passenger, or just transiting, SHJ has everything to make your airport experience smooth and hassle-free.
Airlines At Sharjah International Airport (SHJ)
There are several airlines flying at Sharjah International Airport, which makes it one of the busiest airports in the Middle East, South Asia, Africa, Europe, and other parts of the world. Popular airlines at SHJ include:
- Air Arabia
- Qatar Airways
- IndiGo
- Air India Express
- Pakistan International Airlines
- Fly Jinnah
- Flynas
- EgyptAir
- Biman Bangladesh Airlines
- US-Bangla Airlines
- Pegasus Airlines
- Kenya Airways
In addition to passenger airlines, cargo carriers like UPS Courier, Singapore Airlines Cargo, and Ethiopian Cargo operate out of SHJ. As airline schedules can vary according to seasons, it is advisable to check your flight details with your airline directly.
Baggage Claim At Sharjah International Airport
The location for bag collection at SHJ is inside the arrivals terminal post passport check. After passing through passport control, travelers should use the airport screens to locate the appropriate baggage claim belt for their flight. The bulk bags and any other luggage like strollers can normally be collected from the baggage claim area as well.
Tips on collecting your baggage at SHJ:
- Passengers should use the airport display screens to locate their baggage belts after immigration.
- Passengers can make use of the free baggage trolleys that are available in the arrivals terminal.
- Porters are available to assist those passengers who may need help, although they cost extra money.
- In case your baggage is lost, delayed, or even damaged, you should report to the Lost & Found office in the baggage claim area.
- Alternatively, you could contact the ground handling agent for your flight.
There are certain requirements that are imposed by SHJ on the checked baggage of departing travelers. Your checked baggage should have at least one flat surface, and baggage with lengths exceeding 90 cm, height exceeding 75 cm, and width exceeding 60 cm.
Sharjah International Airport LoungesÂ
For those who prefer a less stressful airport environment while waiting before taking off, there are several lounges available at Sharjah International Airport. These lounges at Sharjah International Airport include Al Diyafa Lounge and The Lounge, which provide passengers with a comfortable place to relax, work, eat, or wait before boarding. These lounges offer the following facilities:
- Seating
- Wi-Fi access
- Refreshments and food
- Quiet zones for relaxation
- Entertainment
- Spaces for families
- Assistance for premium passengers
- Eligible access or access fee
The Lounge
This is an up-to-date lounge that can be found at the center of the terminal building. This lounge accommodates over 232 passengers at once and has super-fast Wi-Fi connection, an all-day eating facility, a quiet zone, a refreshment facility, televisions, newspapers, magazines, and disabled access.
Al Diyafah Service
This service is for passengers who are seeking a premium traveling experience. It includes meet-and-greet service, porterage service, fast track service, passport control service, security check assistance, lounge access and transport from aircraft to terminal and vice-versa.
Sharjah International Airport MapsÂ
The maps provided for Sharjah International Airport will assist travelers in locating different parts of the airport, including the arrivals, departures, check-in counters, baggage reclaim, parking, lounges, duty-free shops, food and beverage areas, prayer rooms, and passenger service centers.
The airport is located about 13 km southeast of Sharjah and 15 km away from the city of Dubai, making it an easy destination for travelers traveling to the city of Sharjah, Dubai, Ajman, or other surrounding emirates.
Using the maps and the signs at SHJ airport, you will be able to locate:
- The check-in counters of airlines
- Immigration and security points
- Baggage claim points
- Arrivals and departure gates
- Parking facilities
- Duty-free shops
- Airport lounges
- Food and beverage areas
- Taxi pick-up points
Before visiting the airport, passengers are advised to review their flight details.
SHJ Airport Parking
Passengers are provided with short-term and long-term parking facilities in the parking lots of Sharjah International Airport that are near the terminal building. The parking lot is useful for travelers, visitors, and drop-off/pick-up passengers. These parking lots of the airport are useful for easy accessibility to the terminal building with payment services on parking machines and parking booths. The parking facilities offered by SHJ include:
- Short-term parking: Useful for quick drop-off, pick-up and short stays
- Long-term parking: Useful for passengers who leave their cars during travel
- Arrival parking: For meeting passengers arriving at the airport
- Departure parking: For departing passengers
The published parking rates are as follows:
- 1 hour: AED 16
- 2 hours: AED 27
- 3 hours: AED 37
- 4 hours: AED 48
- Long-term parking (from 4:01 hours to 24 hours): AED 95
- 2nd day onwards in long-term parking: AED 95 per day
The parking rates include VAT. However, passengers should be aware of the updated parking rates before travel.
Sharjah International Airport Shopping
Shops at Sharjah International Airport comprise duty-free shops, travel necessities, fragrances, cosmetics, jewelry, watches, confectioneries, gadgets, gifts, food items, and local products. The duty-free shops of SHJ are situated post immigration in Departures and post-baggage claim in Arrivals and cater to both outgoing and incoming passengers. Popular shops at SHJ include:
- Beauty and fragrances
- Watches and jewelry
- Electronics and technology
- Chocolates and confectioneries
- Gifts for travelers
- Local treats
- News and convenience items
- Fragrances and cosmetics
The duty-free shops of Sharjah Airport are operated by Dufry, a world leader in travel retailing. Retail shops at SHJ include Bijoux Terner, Jawhara Jewellery, Memoire Jewellery, Rasasi, Hudson News, and Bayara.
SHJ Airport Smoking AreasÂ
The Sharjah International Airport does not permit any smoking in enclosed public areas of the airport premises. The only place where smoking is allowed is the designated smoking rooms inside the terminal building. People smoking outside authorized smoking zones can be subjected to fines.
Some important points regarding smoking areas:
- Smoking is prohibited throughout the general terminal.
- Smoking is allowed only in the designated smoking rooms.
- Smoking in unauthorized smoking zones is considered an offense.
- Smoking is prohibited in all the planes.
- Allow yourself some time to reach your gate from the smoking room.
For people who want to have a smoke before the flight, they are advised to follow the signs of the airport leading to the closest designated smoking zone.
Sharjah International Airport (SHJ) Security Wait Times
Security wait times at Sharjah International Airport will depend on the schedules of flights, passenger traffic, check-in traffic, immigration traffic, baggage screening, among others. According to the airport, travelers should be advised to get to the airport at least three hours prior to their scheduled departure time, while check-in counters open at least two hours before departure.
| Travel Condition | Expected Traffic Levels in Airports | Suggested Course of Action |
|---|---|---|
| Regular international flight | Moderate | Arrive early and have all your passport, visa, boarding pass, and other documents organized. |
| During peak travel time or holiday season | High | Arrive at least 3 hours before departure and verify flight details with your airline. |
| E-ticket check-in | Faster than regular check-in | Proceed to the baggage drop and then continue to passport control and security check. |
| Traveling with kids | Might take longer | Have all the documents, baby food, and medicine ready at hand. |
| Hand luggage security check | Depends on the queue | Take out liquids, electronics, metallic things, coats, shoes, and belts as required. |
| Liquid items in hand luggage | Additional security check may be necessary | Liquid contents must not be more than 100 ml each in one transparent plastic bag measuring 20 x 20 cm. |
After immigration, passengers will be required to undergo a security check. For time-saving purposes, ensure you place your laptop, iPad, phone, key, coins, liquids, aerosols, gels, etc., in the tray separately during the check.
Conclusion
Sharjah International Airport (SHJ) is a useful and accessible airport for passengers traveling to and from Sharjah, Dubai, Ajman, and the Northern Emirates. The presence of multiple airline options, baggage collection services, lounges, parking facilities, duty-free shops, maps, smoking areas, and various passenger amenities makes it convenient to travel from and to SHJ.
If you are going to make an international trip, meet your incoming passenger, or need airport amenities before boarding the plane, Sharjah International Airport will provide all the necessary facilities for your comfort. Passengers need to be informed about the current state of flights, airline policies and procedures, arrive at the airport on time, and prepare their travel documents beforehand.
Frequently Asked Questions
The location of SHJ airport is about 13 km east of the south of Sharjah and around 15 km from central Dubai, making it easily accessible for travelers from Sharjah, Dubai, Ajman and the Northern Emirates.
Some of the airlines that operate from SHJ airport include Air Arabia, Qatar Airways, IndiGo, Pakistan International Airlines, Fly Jinnah, Air India Express, Flynas, EgyptAir, Biman Bangladesh Airlines, Pegasus, Kenya Airways and many more. Availability may vary; hence passengers should always confirm with their airlines.
Yes. Some of the available lounges at Sharjah International Airport include Al Diyafa Lounge and The Lounge.
Passengers are recommended to be at the airport at least three hours before their scheduled flight departure during peak traffic times. While most airlines’ check-in counters begin to operate at least two hours prior to the flight time, it would be wise to contact the airline concerned.
Smoking is allowed only within the designated smoking rooms available within the airport building. Smokers who smoke in any other location will face a fine.