Sharjah Airport: Crucial Travel Advisory for New Year Weekend Passengers

MONDAY, December 29, 2025 | DELHI | Posted Time: 11:59 AM, Updated Time: 11:59 AM

Sharjah Airport on Sunday issued a vital advisory for all travelers ahead of the busy New Year weekend. Authorities have strongly urged passengers to arrive at the terminal at least three hours before their scheduled flight departure. This move is intended to ensure a smooth and stress-free travel experience during one of the busiest peak seasons of the year. With the winter holidays and a long four-day weekend approaching, the airport expects a massive surge in passenger numbers. Therefore, arriving early is the best way to avoid long queues and potential delays at security and check-in counters.

Heavy Traffic and Long Weekend Plans

The upcoming New Year celebration creates a perfect opportunity for a long break in the UAE. Since Sharjah follows a Friday-Saturday-Sunday weekend and January 1, 2026 (Thursday) is a public holiday, residents are looking at an extended four-day holiday. Consequently, thousands of families are planning to travel abroad or return home for the celebrations. Sharjah Airport is preparing for a significant rise in daily flight activity to accommodate this demand. Similar trends are being seen across other emirates, with Dubai International Airport also expecting over 10 million passengers by the end of the year.

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Smart Services to Save Your Time

To handle the crowd effectively, Sharjah Airport has introduced several high-tech solutions. Passengers flying with Air Arabia are encouraged to use the “City Check-in” service available across various locations. This allows travelers to complete their check-in procedures and drop off luggage well in advance. Upon reaching the airport, they can proceed directly to passport control. Furthermore, the airport offers self-check-in kiosks and smart gates to reduce processing times. These facilities are designed to make the journey seamless for everyone during this peak period.

Enhanced Facilities and Staffing

The management at Sharjah Airport has confirmed its full readiness for the winter rush. They have increased the number of staff across all operational areas, including check-in, security, and baggage handling. This ensures faster processing for both arriving and departing travelers. For those looking for extra comfort, the airport recently opened the new Al Diyafah Lounge at the main departure entrance. Additionally, services like the “Hala Service” and fast-track options remain available for those who want a more premium experience.

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Important Holiday Reminders

As the New Year approaches, the UAE government has announced that January 1, 2026, will be a federal public holiday. Following this, Friday, January 2, will be a remote-work day for many federal government employees. This means the travel rush at Sharjah Airport will likely continue until the first week of January. Travelers are advised to check their flight status regularly before leaving for the airport. Besides arriving early, having all travel documents and visas ready will help in moving through the airport faster.

Travel Tips for Sharjah Airport Passengers:

• Arrive Early: Reach the terminal at least 3 hours before your flight to avoid the holiday rush.
• City Check-in: Air Arabia passengers should use city check-in centers to save time at the terminal.
• Smart Gates: Use the smart gates for faster passport control processing.
• Self-Service: Utilize self-check-in kiosks and baggage drop-off points in the departure area.
• Stay Comfortable: Visit the new Al Diyafah Lounge for premium hospitality before your flight.
• Staff Assistance: Look for additional ground staff deployed to help passengers during peak hours.
• Plan Ahead: Expect heavy traffic on the roads leading to the airport during the New Year weekend.

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