Sharjah Airport hasa single terminalserving all flights.

So, when transferring with Air Arabia, you do not need to move between buildings. It is more important to check whether both flights are under the same booking code (PNR) or whether you booked them separately.

The arrivals hall and check-in counters are on the ground floor. The departures and transit areas are on the first floor. If you are merely transferring, do not go to the airport exit or the standard check-in counters.

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Connecting flights

• Where to go on arrival: Follow the signs for ‘Transfer’, not ‘Arrivals’ or ‘Exit’.
• Security check: You always go through security when transferring. I’ve gone through here several times with a standard bottle and a can of drink.
• Passport control:If you do not need to check in, you do not go through UAE passport control whilst transferring
• Checked-in luggage: For connecting flights on a single booking, your luggage is usually automatically transferred to your final destination.

Generally speaking, I like Sharjah for transfers – in my opinion, it’s the easiest transfer airport of all the major ones on the Arabian Peninsula. Everything is extremely close by.

Is an hour enough for a transfer?

Yes, it is. On my journey from Prague to Bangkok, the actual walk between gates took about 5 to 15 minutes. Waiting to disembark, going through security and boarding the next flight take up additional time.

• Both flights under the same booking: Air Arabia is responsible for the connecting flight. The one-hour connection time it advertises should be sufficient. If you’re short on time, head straight to security and the gate.
• Two separate PNRs: Even with two Air Arabia flights, these are separate bookings. The airline is not responsible if you miss the second flight. You may also need time to collect your luggage and check in again. Allow yourself a few hours’ buffer.

I describe what my connection and both flights were like in my review of Air Arabia’s Prague–Sharjah–Bangkok route.

What to do if you have a long wait?

• Get something to eat: The widest selection of restaurants and shops is in the central departure hall. There are fewer facilities at the more remote gates.
• Visit the lounge: The The Lounge is open 24 hours a day. I used my Revolut Ultra membership to gain access; I was pleasantly surprised by the food. Entry is permitted no earlier than 3 hours before departure, and you can stay for a maximum of 3 hours. You can find out more in my review of The Lounge.
• Staying overnight before departure or after arrival: Centro Sharjah is located near the airport, outside the transit zone. You can find further options in the guide to hotels near Sharjah Airport.

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Where are you heading next?

• To Bangkok: Check Thailand’s entry requirements before you travel. Once you arrive, transport from the airport and choosing accommodation will be helpful.
• To Phuket: Take a look at the beaches we visited on the island.
• To Malaysia: We’ve put together a guide to transport from Kuala Lumpur Airport.
• To Sharjah or Dubai: Take a look at transport from Sharjah Airport and where to stay in Dubai.

You can find further advice in our airport and destination guides.