Abu Dhabi Airports Company (ADAC) has invited firms to bid by 17 September for the runway and air traffic control tower package for Fujairah International airport, in the UAE’s northern emirate.

MEED earlier reported that the prequalification process for the contract was under way.

It is understood the airport’s original expansion plan includes extending the existing runway by 900 metres to the east, to address safety concerns due to the airport’s proximity to the Hajar mountains.

The existing runway at the airport is 45 metres wide and 3.75 kilometres long, with three turning loops and a taxiway.

The current scope includes the construction of a new taxiway and the installation of airfield lighting and navigational aid systems (Navaids), in addition to a new runway.

A team of US-headquartered Ghafari and Spain’s Prointec is undertaking the project design for the package.

A team comprising UAE-based PMDC and Spain’s Ineco is the project management consultant.

In 2014, ADAC signed a memorandum of cooperation with Fujairah International airport to create an airport development masterplan.

The project aims to increase the emirate’s air traffic volumes and support its economic expansion strategy.

Mountains account for more than 80 per cent of the emirate’s 1,500-square-kilometre land area and its airport is the only of the UAE’s five international airports to be located on the coast of the Gulf of Oman.