FUJAIRAH International Airport, built in 1987, has been expanded and upgraded to accommodate increased passenger and cargo business.
Before the investment programme, which is now nearing completion, FIA was struggling to cope with passenger numbers.
The passenger terminal building has been increased in size, a mezzanine floor has been added, with a much larger duty free shop, the number of check-in desks increased by a factor of four and the passenger lounge expanded to accommodate up to 1,200 people.
The arrival baggage collection area has also been increased in size.
The idea is that FIA can comfortably accommodate six aircraft and their passengers at the same time.
Further improvements are on the way. A new security system will use fingerprint scanning technology to allow staff to move from the terminal to apron or parking ramp. The airport boundary has been extended by about 16 km and two gates one of which will be dedicated to cargo traffic are being installed, both equipped with CCTV and enhanced security systems.
There are also plans to double the aircraft parking area from its current capacity of 15.
FIA currently handles around 13,000 passengers a year, on an average of 34 flights a day, as well as 36,000 tons of cargo.
More than 80% of aircraft movements are for cargo traffic and this should receive a significant boost with the opening of a highway between Dubai and Fujairah.
