When Sharjah’s first flight touched down - 90 years ago

The Imperial Airways jet made a stop in October 1932 as part of a trip from Gwadar airport to the UK

The Hanno, the first plane to land in Sharjah, touches down from Gwadar on October 5, 1932. All photos by: Kenneth Mackay / Dr Sultan Al Qasimi Centre for Gulf Studies - Al Darah, unless otherwise specified

Sheikh Sultan bin Saqr Al Qasimi stands under one of the wings of the Hanno after the plane made its arrival.

As well as becoming the UAE's first airport, Al Mahatta was also home to the nation's first hotel, featuring a guesthouse for travellers and crew on an overnight stopover. The location also featured a meteorological centre, a cinema, telegraph and postal services and a control tower. Pictured here under construction in September 1932.

This image shows the construction of the foundations of Al Mahatta's rest house in August 1932.

Workers carry a palm trunk into the rest house during building work in September 1932.

The rest house next to the airport was completed in April 1933.

An extension was added to the rest house in 1939 as a result of increased personnel during the Second World War. This image shows the landing of a Hannibal class plane in 1933. The runway was converted into a road, now known as King Abdul Aziz Street, in the 1960s, while the airstrip remained in use until the Sharjah International Airport opened in 1977. Photo: Flight Magazine

Long an important stop on the trade routes between Europe and Asia, the UAE has become one of the world’s leading aviation centres.

Home to the busiest international airport in the world and several of the most-flown international airline routes, it also benefits from its geographical location – with more than two thirds of the world’s population less than an eight-hour flight away.

And while most people today will fly to Dubai International Airport, since the early days, it was the emirate of Sharjah that played a pivotal role in the country’s aviation scene.

The eastern emirate welcomed its first flight in October 1932.

It was 90 years ago that Imperial Airways touched down in Sharjah with its Hannibal Class Handley Page HP42 airliner, nicknamed Hanno.

Imperial Airways' Hannibal class Handley Page HP42 passenger plane Hanno. Getty Images

Landing in the country on October 5, the four-engined biplane was typical of the passenger aircraft of those days.

Characterised by its size and capability of flying relatively long distances, the aircraft allowed Imperial Airways – the forerunner of British Airways – to operate international fights between the UK, India and Australia.

The first of these flights landed at Sharjah Airport when the emirates was part of the Trucial States.

Surrounded by an armed guard provided by the Sheikh of Sharjah, the flight touched down to refuel. This stop helped to connect the East and the West, with pilots able to refuel and continue flying towards India or the UK on routes that took about five days to complete.

Sharjah’s role in the country’s aviation scene cannot be underestimated. The city was a significant stopover on Imperial Airways' routes until the airline ceased operations in 1939.

As well as being home to Al Mahatta, the UAE’s first airport, Sharjah was also where the nation's first hotel opened. With only nine bedrooms and water supplied by donkey caravan, the BOAC Rest House was also home to the country’s first cinema.

The BOAC Rest House was the first hotel in the country, opening at a Sharjah airfield in 1932. Wam

Air Arabia was also formed in Sharjah, when in 2003 it became the country’s first low-cost airline.

And while neighbouring Dubai is today the country's big player when it comes to aviation, it was Abu Dhabi that welcomed the country’s first flight – with the arrival of an international flight on June 19, 1929.

A brief history of Air Arabia – in pictures

In 2018, Air Arabia celebrated its 15th anniversary by launching its new brand identity. Photo: Air Arabia

Air Arabia was founded by a decree issued by Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, the Ruler of Sharjah.

Air Arabia jets featuring the airline's previous branding. Photo: Flickr

Air Arabia was the first budget airline in the Middle East and North Africa.

Air Arabia office at Sharjah International Airport.

Air Arabia crew members in the airline's previous uniforms.

In 2010, Air Arabia made its inaugural flight from Alexandria to Abu Dhabi.

An Air Arabia A320 featuring the airline's previous logo.

An Air Arabia narrowbody in flight.

A traveller checks in at Air Arabia counters at Ras Al Khaimah International Airport. Photo: Shereen El Gazzar

Air Arabia is the UAE's only listed airline.

Air Arabia launched a new uniform as part of its 18-year anniversary celebrations.

Air Arabia Abu Dhabi plans to have 20 jets by 2025.

Inside the airline's training hub.

Air Arabia Abu Dhabi landed in Oman for the first time in 2020.

Air Arabia's aircraft and staff uniforms have changed over the years.

Air Arabia crew members.

The no-frills airline now flies to 170 destinations from hubs in the UAE, Morocco and Egypt.