⚠️ Reference & Statistical Notice: Data presented on RunwayFacts is compiled from public domain aviation registries for technical comparison and research. Not for flight planning or real-time operational aviation use.
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Data source: OurAirports (2026-09-01 Snapshot) · Methodology & Verification →

Sharjah International Airport

Sharjah, Sharjah Emirate (United Arab Emirates)
IATA: SHJ ICAO: OMSJ
Longest Active Runway
13,320 ft
4,060 meters
Field Elevation
111 ft
34 m MSL
Runway Inventory
1 active
Lighted / Paved
Coordinates & Class
25.3286°, 55.5172°
LARGE AIRPORT
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Multi-Universe Rankings & Statistical Standing

Ranking Universes Guide →
RunwayFacts Published Dataset
#45 of 650
In curated primary commercial index
Global Commercial Universe
#80 of 7558
Top 1.0% percentile worldwide
National Standing (United Arab Emirates)
#4 in AE
#4 of 12 in full national registry
vs Large Airport Median
+33.2%
Compared to 10,000 ft baseline
💡 Statistical Statement: Sharjah International Airport's longest active runway measures 13,320 ft (4,060 m). Within RunwayFacts' published index of 650 aerodromes, it ranks #45. Across the broader global dataset of 7558 commercial facilities, it ranks #80 worldwide (Top 1.0%) and #4 nationally in United Arab Emirates.
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Editorial Aerodrome Deep Dive: Sharjah International Airport (SHJ)

Curated Aerodrome Profile

Sharjah International Airport is the historic cradle of civil aviation in the Arabian Gulf. Its 13,320 ft runway is engineered to full Code 4F super-heavy standards, allowing massive cargo freighters (including Antonov An-124s) and passenger airliners to operate at maximum gross takeoff weights in searing summer heat. SHJ provides essential operational redundancy and low-cost connectivity for the northern Emirates.

Runway Layout & Magnetic Alignments
Single paved Runway 12/30 (13,320 ft / 4,060 m).
Expansion Milestones & Predecessor Facilities
Founded in 1932 as an Imperial Airways flying boat and staging post. Relocated to its current inland site in 1977; pioneered the Middle East's low-cost aviation revolution as the primary hub of Air Arabia.
Regional Differentiation & Cluster Role
Positioned just 10 NM northeast of Dubai International (DXB), serving as a low-cost passenger hub and massive international air cargo alternative.
Data Nuances & Operational Quirks
Integrated tightly into the congested Emirates Terminal Maneuvering Area (TMA), coordinating approach tracks closely with adjacent DXB traffic.
📚 Official Aerodrome Sourcing: UAE General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) · United Arab Emirates Aeronautical Information Publication (UAE AIP)
Verification Methodology →

🔬 Operational & Aerodrome Engineering Comparative Analysis

Comparative aviation metrics evaluated against regional and global physical operational criteria.
ICAO Code 4E / 4F Super-Heavy
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Elevation & Atmospheric Density

Lowland / Coastal Basin Aerodrome

Sharjah International Airport operates at a surveyed field elevation of 111 ft (34 m MSL) in Sharjah. Situated in low-lying coastal terrain, the aerodrome benefits from dense ambient atmospheric pressure, maximizing turbine engine thrust and wing lift efficiency across all departure vectors.

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Regional Density & Alternates (100 NM)

8 Qualifying Aerodromes in Vicinity

Positioned just 10 NM northeast of Dubai International (DXB), serving as a low-cost passenger hub and massive international air cargo alternative. Within a 100 NM radius, the facility coordinates airspace flows with 8 qualifying commercial aerodromes, with Dubai International Airport (DXB) located 9.2 NM away.

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Fleet Compatibility & Ground Roll

Primary Runway: 13,320 ft (4,060 m)

Sharjah International Airport's active flight strips comprise 12/30 (13,320 ft). With a longest active threshold of 13,320 ft (4,060 m), the aerodrome satisfies unrestricted long-haul takeoff and landing distance requirements for heavy twin-aisle and four-engine widebodies (ICAO Code 4E/4F).

🛫 Physical Runway Inventory & Surface Engineering

Runway Designator Length (ft / m) Width (ft / m) Surface Material Lighting Status
12/30 13,320 ft (4060m) 197 ft (60m) Asphalt (ASP) ✅ Lighted ✅ Active

🧭 Comparative Aerodromes (100 NM Radius, ≥5,000 ft Paved)

Great-circle Haversine spatial proximity matching for commercial facilities with paved runway capacity within 100 NM.

Aerodrome Name IATA Distance Longest Runway Lighting
Dubai International Airport (Dubai) DXB 9.2 NM (17 km) 14,590 ft ✅ Lighted
Ras Al Khaimah International Airport (Ras Al Khaimah) RKT 28.5 NM (52.8 km) 12,336 ft ✅ Lighted
Al Maktoum International Airport (Dubai(Jebel Ali)) DWC 32.3 NM (59.8 km) 14,764 ft ✅ Lighted
Fujairah International Airport (Fujairah) FJR 46 NM (85.2 km) 10,007 ft ✅ Lighted
Al Ain International Airport (Al Ain) AAN 64.3 NM (119.1 km) 13,123 ft ✅ Lighted
Zayed International Airport (Abu Dhabi) AUH 71.2 NM (131.9 km) 13,471 ft ✅ Lighted
Suhar International Airport (Suhar) OHS 82.7 NM (153.2 km) 13,173 ft ✅ Lighted
Qeshm International Airport (Qeshm(Dayrestan)) GSM 88.1 NM (163.2 km) 13,864 ft ✅ Lighted

🛡️ Data Provenance & Verification Metadata

Source Dataset: OurAirports Open Aviation Database
Snapshot Version: 2026-09-01
Dataset Integrity: Cryptographic SHA-256 Checksum Verified & Fail-Closed Schema Inspected
Source Verification: Source-reported registry data
Read Complete Methodology & Verification Protocol → GET /api/airport/shj.json ↗