In pictures: Sharjah airport is now ready to welcome UAE residents home

Safety measures, thermal scanners and social distancing procedures are all now in place

Sharjah Airport is ready to receive UAE residents that are still overseas.

The airport announced on Tuesday, June 2 that it had completed all its preparations, implementing precautionary measures that aim to safeguard passengers landing at Sharjah International Airport.

Protective screens have been put at key points throughout the airport to protect passengers and staff. Thermal scanners and sanitisation units have also been installed and airport signage has been updated to inform travellers of the social distancing measures in place. Some seats and waiting areas have been sealed off and floor markers dictate how close travellers should stand to one another.

We will continue our efforts to welcome more residents and families back to the comfort and safety of their homes

"Along with our partners and other entities, the airport has completed all the necessary preparations to receive residents who have been stranded abroad during the COVID-19 pandemic," said His Excellency Ali Salem Al Midfa, Chairman of Sharjah Airport Authority.

Flights in and of the UAE are mostly suspended at the moment, however there are key inbound and outbound flights from select destinations, cargo flights and repatriation services still running. Many residents have been unable to return to the UAE since passenger flights were suspended in March.

UAE residents that travelled overseas and want to return need to receive approval from the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship before they can book a flight.

As Sharjah International Airport prepares to welcome approved residents back home, HE Al Midfa said that he was delighted to be able to assist returning residents in reuniting with their families.

"We can only imagine how difficult it must have been to stay away from their loved ones. We will continue our efforts to welcome more residents and families back to the comfort and safety of their homes," added the chairman.

A series of meetings were held by airport officials on the required safety measures as dictated by the National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority.

Staff from Sharjah Airport Authority are now carrying out daily cleansing procedures, including continuous sterilisation of airport facilities, aircraft, freight planes and entrance and departure areas.

Air Arabia, which uses Sharjah International Airport as its home base, has repatriated several passengers out of the UAE and brought Emiratis home from overseas.