Fujairah airport to expand further

Rapid economic growth in Fujairah means its airport must continue its expansion, airport officials said.

"Our emirate is rapidly developing, and its infrastructure must be upgraded to keep up with the changes. This includes Fujairah International Airport," said Khalid Al Maz-roui, the airport's general manager.

The airport aims to steadily expand its capacity to handle both passengers and cargo, Al Mazroui said.

"The first phase of the expansion will be finished by mid-June," Al Mazroui said. The airport is looking at 2015 for the second stage, which includes a new terminal.

The current expansion started in March 2004, airport officials said. The objective of the expansion is to give the airport a new look, to provide it with more modern facilities and to ensure more comfort, accessability and efficiency for passengers.

As part of the expansion plan, the airport has built two large annexes allowing it to handle three flights at the same time.

It will add nine new passenger check-in counters, up from the current three check-in counters. Passengers arriving from other destinations will be welcomed by friendly staff members stationed at six arrival counters, airport officials said.

"The airport will have three main entrances, including one new gate for cargo shipments. We will have three departure lounges, including lounges for business and first class passengers," said Al Maz-roui. The airport will be able to handle more than 1,000 passengers at a time.

The airport's duty free shopping areas will grow ten times their current size. Security features will also be updated. They will include a network of detectors installed throughout the boarding area. Airport staff will have to pass a fingerprint scan each time they enter the building as an additional security measure.

"We are aiming to increase passenger convenience. We have added two baggage belts to make it easier for arriving passengers to collect their luggage," Al Mazroui said.

These convenience-enhancing measures will extend to building additional facilities for disabled people, airport officials said.

"The airport will charge aircraft landing and parking fees that are competitive with prevailing rates in the region. We want to maximise access and flexibility for all customers," Al Mazroui said.

The airport recently completed a 16-kilometre security perimeter, airport officials said.