Sharjah Airport's New Gama Aviation FBO is 95% Complete; Will it Challenge Dubai?

Ujjwal Sukhwani
By Ujjwal SukhwaniPublished Jan 27, 2026 at 06:41 PM UTC, 3 min read

Aviation News Editor & Industry Analyst delivering clear coverage for a worldwide audience.

Sharjah Airport's New Gama Aviation FBO is 95% Complete; Will it Challenge Dubai?

Sharjah Airport Authority and Gama Aviation announced 95% completion of the new Business Aviation Centre FBO, positioning Sharjah as a major regional private jet hub.

Key Takeaways

  • Construction of the Gama Private & Business Aviation Centre at Sharjah Airport is 95% complete, on track for an early 2026 debut.
  • The facility includes a 130,000 square-foot air-conditioned hangar and a VIP terminal with dedicated customs/immigration services.
  • Sharjah Airport reported a 26.4% increase in private aircraft movements in Q1 2025, highlighting strong regional demand.
  • The FBO's strategic advantage is offering no slot restrictions and uncongested airspace, appealing to business jet operators seeking efficiency.

The joint project between Sharjah Airport Authority and Gama Aviation is nearing completion. They announced the new Gama Private & Business Aviation Centre is 95% finished. This major milestone strengthens the Emirate's competitive position. It aims to boost the UAE private aviation sector on the global map.

The facility is a dedicated Fixed Base Operator (FBO). It will offer a fully integrated operational ecosystem. This specialized environment will elevate the private aviation experience. The center provides comprehensive services for private jet operators.

Project Scope and Features

The new facility is known as the Business Aviation Centre (BAC). It represents a significant advancement in the partnership. The investment is reported to be around $65 million. It is scheduled for an early 2026 debut.

World-Class Infrastructure

The complex includes a two-story, 21,500 square-foot terminal. It features dedicated customs and immigration services. Passengers will enjoy stunning VIP lounges and private suites.

A massive 130,000 square-foot hangar is also part of the design. This hangar is fully air-conditioned. It will be one of the largest dedicated to business jets regionally. The facility will also support Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) operations.

Strategic Market Position

Sharjah International Airport (SHJ) is becoming a key strategic hub. It offers a strong alternative to more congested regional airports. Crucially, SHJ has no slot restrictions for private jets. The uncongested airspace allows for greater operational flexibility. This is a major advantage for Middle East business jet market operators.

Ali Salim Al Midfa, Chairman of Sharjah Airport Authority, emphasized this vision. He noted the collaboration meets growing aspirations of operators. The goal is to position Sharjah as a leading hub for private aviation.

Tom Murphy, Managing Director of FBO Services at Gama Aviation, concurred. He highlighted the world-class infrastructure. It is designed to meet the evolving requirements of this growing sector.

Driving Private Aircraft Movements Growth

The development coincides with strong sector growth. Sharjah Airport reported exceptional growth in Q1 2025. Private aircraft movements increased by 26.4% year-over-year. Passenger traffic through private aviation also rose by 20%.

This new Sharjah International Airport FBO will capitalize on this demand. The GCC private jet market is projected to grow significantly. It is expected to reach $1.26 billion by 2030. The facility supports the UAE's Vision 2030 framework. It delivers world-class aviation infrastructure. All operations are licensed by the UAE GCAA.

The new center is set to redefine the regional private aviation experience.

Trusted commercial aviation news and airline industry reporting are available at flying.flights.

Ujjwal Sukhwani

Written by Ujjwal Sukhwani

Aviation News Editor & Industry Analyst delivering clear coverage for a worldwide audience. Covers flight operations, safety regulations, and market trends with expert analysis.

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