SHARJAH International Airport has embarked on a major expansion project costing Dhs227 million, according to Sharjah Airport Authority Director-General Dr Ghanem Al Hajri.
The new facilities would enable the airport to cater to eight million passengers when completed. The expansion will be undertaken without affecting operations, he said.
The project will be executed by the Bin Laden Group and will be financed by Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank (ADCB).
The work will commence on Jan 1, 2005 for completion in 2006.
"There will be no disruption of operations at the airport as work will commence from outside. We are taking every precaution not to inconvenience the airport users during the expansion", he said.
Once completed, the airport will feature a new check-in area, departure and arrival lounges, holding lounges, a bigger duty-free area, coffee shops and food court, seating area as well as prayer areas for males and females.
The number of airline offices will increase from 16 to 40 and the check-in counter will increase to 40 in addition to one VIP and one oversize counter.