More commercial airlines take off from Sharjah International Airport in 2006

With the airport expansion well underway, the new Arrival's areas was the first unveiled surprise for passengers in August 2006, followed by the opening new Pear Area, where Arrivals and Departure's passengers can experience the open lounges concept for the first time at the Airport.

Sharjah International Airport is known for its high ranking freight services in the region; however its commercial strategy has taken huge strides with the increased movement of passengers and aircrafts over the year. The latest statistics show a total of 39,671 flights which is a 13.93% increase compared to November 2005.

Sharjah International Airport is also home to the Middle East's first Low cost carrier- Air Arabia- which saw its route portfolio expand tremendously in 2006 with new destinations such as Istanbul, Kabul, Mumbai, Jaipur, Nagpur, Kochi, Chennai Thiruvananthapuram, Kathmandu, Latakia and recently Armenia.

New commercial carriers inaugurated their flights during this year to serve both cargo and industries, besides the existing operators whom have either increased their frequencies or launched new destinations to cope with the growing regional and local market demand of passengers flying through Sharjah International Airport during 2006.

Seasonal operators resumed their winter schedules with new routes in their plans from Europe to Leisure hotspots in South Asia, Indian subcontinent and Far East. Sharjah International Airport with its new shape and style is considered the perfect stop point for these flights.

With so many new routes available to passengers for the first time, it comes as no surprise when the Sharjah International Airport saw passenger traffic increase by 36.33% compared to 2005. Record increase in travellers from Sharjah International Airport has seen flight frequency soar in so many commercial airlines making the airport a busy hub for passenger flights this year. The airport cross a 2 million mark in passenger traffic and the most recent totals in November show passenger movement has reached a figure totaling to 2,722,306.

The new retail landscape at the airport offers an increased variety in shopping as Sharjah Dufry outlets opened in more locations at the airport. Sharjah International Airport saw an increase in retail interest as more passengers participated in the promotion and explored the expanded retail outlets and extended product variety, with plans to introduce new retailers and branded F&B outlets.

Mr. Ali Salem Al Midfa, Director Sharjah Airport Authority, stated:

"Sharjah International Airport has seen an increase in the demand from commercial passengers over the recent years. To accommodate the increase in passenger traffic and aircraft movement the airport embarked on a massive expansion project. We have already seen the high flying results in 2006 with the usage of the new arrivals hall and aim to provide all travelers flying through the Sharjah International Airport with the best services and facilities that match international airport standards."