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| ICAO Code | OMSJ/SHJ |
| Last Validated | Apr 2010 |
| City | Sharjah |
| Position | 25°19'43"N 055°31'02"E |
| Runway(s) | 12/30 |
| Elevation | 111 ft |
One of the more attractive airports in the Middle East, especially now the selling of airside photo permits has resumed. This was suspended on 19 June 2005, a situation that lasted until late 2009. For details look at the airport's website: select Airport Guide and then Photography from the main menu. Be aware, the charge for the pass was 1000 AED (about 175 euros) per person per day in April 2010!
Sharjah's aprons continue to be packed with mainly Soviet-built transport aircraft and companies flying to the world's more obscure destinations. However, dark times are ahead for the Soviet Transports. Apart from a slow but steady increase of the share of (semi-) modern western airliners in Sharjah traffic, a total ban on the An-12 was issued by UAE authorities, effective 1 March 2010. A similar draconic measure is possible for the Il-76. This means a large part of the, often foreign, operators based here loose their last practical option for a home port.
Fuel stops are made by freighters from Europe and the Far East as well as a small number of long-haul passenger jets. AirArabia is the sole scheduled carrier based here with services throughout the Middle East plus its bordering countries. Without access to the field, the options for spotters are very limited. Be aware, plane spotting is neither understood nor appreciated in Arab countries!
All structures lie south of the single runway that measures more than 4000m. The field is surrounded by a wall that is very effective in discouraging viewers and those who still try can easily get into trouble. The SAIF Zone on the map is the Sharjah Airport International Free Zone, a no-hassle business hub greatly influencing the activities on the airfield. Starting at the terminal and moving west, the first apron handles passengers flights and normally hosts a number of IL-76s in the other corner. The next and largest apron is active in cargo handling and past that is the police helicopter base. The last three aprons are used for maintenance and storage, getting less active to the end where some frames are derelict.
The airport is just outside the city of Sharjah (Ash Shariqah) and has its own exit on the highway that leads eastbound into the desert and eventually to Fujairah. To the southwest, Dubai airport is just 20km away by road. Parking is available right in front of the stylish passenger terminal. Naturally, flying in is also an option.
At spot 2 approach or departure photos are possible for the brave. This take-off by IL-76 ER-IBN against a dusty sky however was shot on the field.
Photography on the airport by permit has resumed late in 2009, but scenes like the above are becoming rare. (Erik Sleutelberg)
| 118.600 | Tower |
| 124.900 / 127.900 | Dubai Approach |
| 125.450 | Dubai Departure |
| 122.400 | ATIS |
| AirArabia | A320 |
| AVE | B737 |
| Heavylift International | DC-8-63 |
| Intal Avia | B737 Il-18 |
| Police Air Element | AB212, AB412 Bell 206 BK117 Bo105 |
| RUS Aviation | A300 An-12 Il-76 Tu-204 |
| Sharjah Ruler's Flight | A319CJ |
| United Gulf Express | various, chartered |
| Sharjah Int'l Airport | Official website |
| SAIF Zone | Information on the free trade zone. |
| Abu Dhabi - Al Dhafra AB | |
| Abu Dhabi - Bateen AB | |
| Abu Dhabi - Intl | |
| Al Ain | |
| Dubai | |
| Dubai - Minhad AB | |
| Fujairah | |
| Ras al Khaimah | |
| Ras al Khaimah - Downtown Heliport | |
| Sharjah | |
| Umm al Quwain - CLOSED |
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