United Arab Emirates · Sharjah
Sharjah International Airport (SHJ) Online Check-in
UAE's third-largest airport and Air Arabia's main hub. Single terminal serving heavy Indian subcontinent + Middle East low-cost traffic. 30 km from Dubai but separate operation.
Now at Sharjah International Airport
- Security wait (today, avg) 18 min
- Disruption No reported disruption
- Weather impact Clear, 14 °C
Quick information
Airlines we cover at Sharjah International Airport
Sharjah International Airport hosts about 25 airlines in total. We have terminal-specific check-in pages for the 1 listed below. Pick yours to see counters, bag-drop, and online check-in details.
How to check in for a flight from Sharjah International Airport
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Check in online before you leave home
Most airlines open online check-in 24–48 hours before departure. It saves time at the airport and avoids airport-counter fees on low-cost carriers.
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Arrive at the right terminal
SHJ has 1 terminal(s). Check your airline's terminal in the table above before you set off.
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Drop off checked baggage
Counters typically open 2 hours before departure and close 40 minutes before. Use self-service bag-drop kiosks to save time.
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Pass security
Liquids must be in a single transparent bag, max 100 ml each. Laptops and large electronics out of bags. Submit your security wait time below to help others.
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Reach your gate on time
Most airlines close the gate 20 minutes before departure. Allow 5–15 minutes to walk from security to the gate.
Tips for Sharjah International Airport
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SHJ is not DXB — different airport entirely
Many travelers think Sharjah is part of Dubai's airport system. SHJ is 30 km away from DXB. Air Arabia is here, NOT at DXB. Check booking carefully.
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Cheap public bus to Dubai
Public bus E306 from Sharjah to Dubai's Al Ghubaiba bus station: AED 12 (~$3.30), 60–90 min depending on traffic. Runs frequently 06:00–22:00.
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Indian community travel hub
SHJ has heavy Indian subcontinent low-cost traffic. Saturdays/Sundays + holiday seasons (Diwali, Eid) see massive crowds. Allow 3+ hours during peak.
Popular destinations from Sharjah International Airport
Frequently asked questions
Is Sharjah Airport the same as Dubai Airport?
No — Sharjah (SHJ) and Dubai (DXB) are different airports, 30 km apart. Different airlines (Air Arabia at SHJ; Emirates + flydubai at DXB). Different ground transport.
How do I get from Sharjah to Dubai?
Public bus E306 to Al Ghubaiba in Dubai: AED 12, 60–90 min. Taxi: AED 80–100. Some accommodations offer free shuttle to/from SHJ for guests.
Why is SHJ a major Indian gateway?
Sharjah has lower airport fees than Dubai, attracting Indian + Pakistani LCC operations. Air Arabia, IndiGo, SpiceJet, Akasa Air all heavy at SHJ. Dubai's high fees made DXB premium-only for Indian routes.
Official sources
The check-in details on this page are sourced from each airline's website. For terminal layout, opening hours, and ground-side services, see the Sharjah International Airport official site below.
- Wikipedia: Sharjah International Airport — Editorial overview, history, statistics.
- FlightRadar24: SHJ live data — Live flight arrivals, departures, and delays.
- gov.uk travel advice — Up-to-date entry requirements and security guidance for United Arab Emirates.