Sharjah Airport First Airport in the UAE to Obtain International Health Accreditation Certificate

Sharjah Airport has achieved a new global accomplishment by obtaining the Airport Health Accreditation (AHA) certificate from the Airports Council International (ACI), becoming the first airport in the UAE to do so, and the seventh in the Middle East. This certification recognises the achievements of Sharjah Airport as an international hub which provides a safe experience for its travellers in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The accreditation was awarded to Sharjah Airport following a thorough evaluation of the health and safety measures in place, including the cleaning and disinfection of facilities, social distancing measures, and security inspections.

His Excellency Ali Salem Al Midfa, Chairman of Sharjah Airport Authority, said, “Obtaining this accreditation from the Airports Council International is a reflection of the relentless efforts being made by Sharjah Airport to maintain public health and safety. We are applying the highest level of health procedures and measures in accordance with the directives of ACI and His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan Bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council, Ruler of Sharjah, and His Highness Sheikh Sultan bin Muhammad bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Crown Prince and Deputy Ruler of Sharjah and Chairman of the Executive Council to address the COVID-19 pandemic.”

His Excellency added, “The health and safety of all travellers, customers, and employees, is our number one priority in all operations. Since the start of these exceptional circumstances, Sharjah Airport has developed an integrated plan in cooperation with partners from the operating authorities, to ensure that we are adhering to the highest standards. We thank and applaud the aviation sector and international bodies, including the Airports Council International, for laying out these guidelines and measures with the aim to protect all members of society.”

For his part, Stefano Baronci, Director General, ACI Asia-Pacific, said, “I would like to congratulate Sharjah Airport for meeting the highest level of expectations of travellers and customers, and becoming the first airport in the United Arab Emirates to receive the Airport Health Accreditation certification from ACI.

He added, “Sharjah airport’s obtaining this international accreditation is further evidence that the airport’s team has succeeded in implementing health standards and measures that ensure safe travel through the airport. This accreditation also confirms that Sharjah Airport is making all efforts to preserve the health and safety of travellers, customers, and employees in various facilities and departments. ”

Sharjah Airport has implemented many measures to limit the spread of coronavirus, as part of its integrated plan to strengthen preventive measures. The airport has intensified sterilization operations, including within the departures and arrivals halls and public facilities, in addition to sterilizing floors, barriers, walls, check-in counters, passenger bridges, waiting chairs, passport counters, security inspection devices, conveyor belts, luggage trolleys, and toilets.

It is noteworthy that the Airport Health Accreditation program (AHA) focuses on commitment to the health and well-being of passengers, customers, and employees. The program looks toward the quality of airport health procedures in the wake of COVID-19, such as cleaning and sterilization practices, and the promotion of social distancing. The program began in July 2020.