Gama Aviation has opened a new Business Aviation Centre at Sharjah International Airport, adding a VVIP terminal, large hangar capacity, and integrated services to support growing private aviation demand in the UAE.
Gama Aviation has formally opened its purpose-built Business Aviation Centre (BAC) at Sharjah International Airport, marking a significant expansion of business aviation infrastructure in the United Arab Emirates. The facility, which has already handled its inaugural aircraft, is now operational and preparing for an official opening later this year.
The new centre reflects a long-term strategic bet on Sharjah as an alternative hub for private aviation, particularly as business jet activity is expected to shift away from Dubai International Airport in the coming years.
A major infrastructure addition for Sharjah
The BAC represents a substantial upgrade to Sharjah International Airport’s private aviation capabilities. At its core is a VVIP terminal designed to serve a wide spectrum of clients, from private individuals to heads of state. The terminal includes exclusive lounges, relaxation suites, an observation bar, and hospitality standards positioned to rival five-star hotels.
Alongside passenger facilities, the centre has been designed with operational efficiency in mind. Dedicated amenities for flight crews include rest suites, 24-hour dining, briefing rooms, and priority parking adjacent to the terminal—features aimed at supporting round-the-clock operations.
Hangar capacity and integrated operations
A key component of the new development is a 12,000-square-metre, three-bay hangar, offering secure parking, aircraft storage, and line maintenance. The hangar’s wide-span doors and direct apron access allow it to accommodate multiple large-cabin aircraft while maintaining controlled access and high security standards.
Operationally, the BAC is structured to reduce aircraft downtime. Self-manoeuvring apron space, dedicated fuelling, ground-support equipment, and integrated maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) infrastructure are intended to streamline arrivals and departures, enabling faster turnarounds for operators.
For aircraft owners and charter operators, this combination of facilities positions Sharjah as a viable base rather than just a technical stop.
A 12-year partnership comes to fruition
According to Marwan Khalek, the opening of the BAC is the culmination of a 12-year partnership with the Sharjah Airport Authority aimed at developing private aviation at the airport.
Khalek said the facility was designed to set new benchmarks for both client comfort and operational performance, with particular attention to the needs of aircraft owners and operators. He emphasized Sharjah’s strategic role as a gateway not only to the emirate itself, but also to Dubai and the Northern Emirates.
Gama Aviation has operated at Sharjah International Airport since 2014, during which time it has consistently promoted the airport’s advantages for business aviation, citing steady year-on-year growth in activity.
Positioning Sharjah as a DXB alternative
The timing of the new centre is notable. With long-term plans to end business aviation operations at Dubai International Airport (DXB), operators are increasingly evaluating alternative bases within the UAE. Sharjah International Airport, with its proximity to Dubai and less congested airspace, is emerging as a strong contender.
The BAC strengthens that proposition by offering infrastructure comparable to established business aviation hubs, while benefiting from Sharjah’s geographic position and operational flexibility.
Focus on speed and reliability
From an operational perspective, the centre has been designed around what operators value most: speed, predictability, and minimal friction. Tom Murphy said the goal was to ensure a seamless flow from terminal entry to airside, keeping aircraft moving while maintaining a high standard of comfort for passengers.
That emphasis reflects broader trends in business aviation, where efficiency and reliability increasingly outweigh sheer luxury, particularly for corporate and charter operators managing tight schedules.
A signal for regional business aviation growth
The opening of the Business Aviation Centre underscores confidence in the long-term growth of private aviation in the region. As airspace congestion, regulatory changes, and infrastructure constraints reshape traditional hubs, secondary airports with dedicated facilities are gaining importance.
For Sharjah, the BAC is more than a single project—it is a statement of intent to become a leading destination for business aviation traffic in the UAE. For Gama Aviation, it reinforces a strategy built on early positioning, infrastructure investment, and close alignment with airport authorities.
With the facility now open to traffic, the industry will be watching closely to see whether Sharjah can translate this investment into sustained growth—and establish itself as a permanent fixture on the Middle East’s business aviation map.
