Fujairah International Airport goes on an expansion spree

Airports in the Northern Emirate have taken up the development plans by storm, basically to increase their operations through investments. Fujairah International Airport (FIA) has planned for major expansion in order to increase its cargo and passenger traffic. Strategically located on the East coast of the Emirate with its 100,000 square feet cargo complex, the Airport is ideal for freighter operators who wish to use the Airport for transit, sea-air operations or as a Regional Hub. It serves as a major Hub for sea-air cargo that has Open Skies Policy, luring several airlines and cargo operators from the Far East.

Anthony D’souza Marketing Manager Fujairah International Airport (FIA)

With the acquisition of additional land, the area of Fujairah International Airport would increase considerably. The construction work is in progress and is scheduled to be completed by October 2004.

"With the expansion of the airport, we would be increasing the number of check-in counters to ensure faster and smoother check-in services. Passengers traveling to Fujairah International Airport will then enjoy facilities of International standards to ensure comfort to First and Executive Class passengers. Separate lounges would be provided at Departure and Transit levels. The Duty Free shop would be a one-stop shoppers’ paradise to the passengers. A multi-cuisine restaurant with its bigger floor space would cater to the varied palette of the passengers," said Anthony D’souza, the new Marketing Manager of Fujairah International Airport, who has several years of experience in cargo and passenger handling.

D’souza further stated, "Our

participation at various International exhibitions/ conferences has provided an impetus to the growth of our aviation industry in Fujairah. We propose to attend several exhibitions, seminars, conferences in the near future in order to showcase our infrastructure and activities of the aviation, maritime and free zone."

"The `Dubai Air Show – 2003’ has provided us with a platform to market our product, thereby, giving us an excellent opportunity to meet potential customers and service providers. Promoting the Fujairah International Airport, sea port and the free zone in unison to various aviation companies is of prime importance at this show as it gives us an opportunity to develop our product and meet with International Standards," noted D’souza.

“There has been a steady growth in passenger and cargo traffic from Fujairah International Airport according to statistics available. The growth in cargo and passenger traffic displayed positive signs with an increase in revenue by 30%. This rapid growth is due to the excellent infrastructure, easy customs facilitation and quick and efficient services offered at Fujairah International Airport.

Most of our cargo movements are to Moscow CIS countries and Africa. Besides general cargo, we also have a lot of livestock movement in and out of Fujairah," mentioned D’souza.

Vivian Simmons, Marketing Coordinator, Fujairah International Airport, explains, "Be it customs or immigration facilities, we have a very customer-friendly environment offering individual attention and unsurpassed services to our customers."

"The location of Fujairah International Airport is ideally situated in the Gulf region, and hence the International community is taking advantage of moving their cargo from our airport to Iraq. Considering the opportunities, facilities and benefits made available to the International airlines and cargo operators, we are flooded with enquiries from across the globe for permissions to land in Fujairah for transit, transfer and refueling facilities,” pointed D’souza.

“The current upsurge of passengers / cargo traffic has given us an impetus to expand Fujairah International Airport at a fast and immediate pace as it is becoming a one-stop shop and a Popular Hub in the Northern Emirate," concluded D’souza.