Sharjah International Airport
Sharjah International Airport, or SHJ to the IATA and OMJS to the ICAO, is an international airport serving Sharjah in the United Arab Emirates. The third-largest Middle East airfreight hub in terms of cargo tonnage, SHJ is also a hub for Air Arabia. In 2015 there were 11,993,887 passengers served with 98,786 aircraft movements. The airport covers 3,800 acres, and there is one runway: 12/30, which is 13,320 by 197 feet (asphalt).
Airport history
SHJ originated in the 1970s when construction began, with the airport opening on December 31st, 1976. It replaced RAF Sharjah, which had formed in 1932 and was closer to the city. However, as the city kept expanding, it essentially swallowed up the old airport (for example, the old runway is now King Abdul Aziz Street in the city center). A Concorde 202 G-BBDG visited the airport on August 20th, 1977. The accompanying party, led by Sir Geoffrey Tuttle, was welcomed with gifts of watches and swords. SHJ was also used by the US Air Force 926th Tactical Fighter Group during Operation Desert Shield/Storm (flying A-10 Thunderbolt II ground attack aircraft), with 450 members stationed at the airport.
Airport location
The airport is located 8.2 miles east-southeast of Sharjah.
Airport facts
- The Air Arabia headquarters is in the Sharjah Freight Center at SHJ, an old cargo terminal.
- The Sharjah Airport Authority operates the airport.
- There are mosques in both the East and West Cargo Terminals 3 and 4.
- The Lounge at SHJ is a world-class, contemporary space including all-day dining, high-speed WiFi, a working area, shower facilities, and more.
- FBOs at SHJ include Gama Aviation, AN-Aviation Services, Continental Jet Services, and Global Aviation Services.
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Sharjah forecast