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Expansion project revealed as airport sees big growth in passenger numbers, air traffic.
Sharjah International Airport chiefs plan to build a new $354 million terminal to meet the growth in demand from passengers, it was revealed on Tuesday.
Due to the growth in passenger numbers using the airport, Sharjah Airport Authority has been forced to look at ways to meet the demand.
In comments published by UAE daily Gulf News on Tuesday, Ali Salem al-Midfa, director of Sharjah Airport Authority, said the plan of the new terminal was under development and it would take two years to be operational.
"Factoring in the increase in construction prices, we are not sure of the final investment figures as the consultants are still working on it. But it will be double the amount that we have spent on the current terminal," Midfa said.
No further details are known about the size of the terminal plan.
In 2006, 3.4 million passengers used the airport and the number grew to 4.5 million in 2007.
"We are expecting to reach 5.5 million at the end of this year. This increase is in line with [the growth of] other airlines operating out of Sharjah International Airport," Midfa told the paper.
There are currently 29 airlines operating through the airport, including commercial and cargo flights.
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