The Sharjah Airport Authority has awarded US-based Parsons a project management services contract for the planning, design, construction, and commissioning of the Sharjah International airport’s expansion.

The budget for the expansion of the airport, understood to be around AED1.5bn ($400m), has been recently approved.

The project will include numerous facilities as well as the expansion of the passenger terminal building and the widening of roads to and from the airport. The planned expansion will take the airport capacity from 8 to 25 million passengers annually.

Parsons’ role will include oversight of the expansion work as well as the preparation of the tender documents.

Sharjah International airport processed more than 11 million passengers in 2016, a rise of 10.5 per cent over the previous year.

“Due to its strategic location, the Sharjah International Airport is an important stop for both airlines and cargo shipping,” Parsons said in a statement. “The Sharjah International airport expansion programme will dramatically improve travel options to and from Sharjah, as well as promote economic growth and job creation,” said Gary Adams, Parsons Group president.

The US’ Bechtel and UK’s EY were previously appointed as consultant and financial advisor, respectively, for a masterplan that includes increasing the airport’s passenger capacity to up to 25 million passengers annually by 2025.