Sharjah Airport continues to set new records in travel, aviation and cargo

The Sharjah Airport Authority (SAA) announced record-breaking results for Sharjah Airport operations in 2024, continuing its upward trajectory in passenger, aviation, and cargo performance. These achievements underscore Sharjah’s success in solidifying its position as a premier destination for travel, tourism, and economic ventures.

Among the highlights of this exceptional performance, Sharjah International Airport welcomed a total of 17,101,725 passengers in 2024, marking an impressive 11.4 per cent increase compared to 15,356,212 passengers in 2023. Additionally, the total number of flights rose to 107,760 flights, representing a 9.5 per cent growth compared to 98,433 flights in 2023.

Cargo handling also saw unprecedented growth, with volumes increasing by a remarkable 38.6 per cent, reaching 195,909 tonnes compared to 141,358 tonnes in 2023. Furthermore, the airport handled 14,035 tonnes through sea-air cargo operations, reinforcing its role as a key logistics hub.

Ali Salim Al Midfa, Chairman of Sharjah Airport Authority, emphasised that these record-breaking results reflect the airport’s status as a global hub for air transport and logistics. He attributed this success to Sharjah Airport’s commitment to providing top-tier services and pioneering travel experiences aligned with its strategic plan to accommodate 25 million passengers annually by 2027.

Al Midfa added that the SAA continues to prioritise enhancing airport facilities, streamlining operations, and promoting sustainability in alignment with the UAE’s aviation sector goals. This includes expanding partnerships with airlines and launching new travel destinations to meet the needs of passengers.

A Testament to Sharjah’s Tourism and Economic Growth

Sheikh Faisal Bin Saoud Al Qassimi, Director of Sharjah Airport Authority, highlighted the airport’s passenger growth as a reflection of Sharjah’s remarkable advancements in tourism, economic development, and investment. These achievements are supported by state-of-the-art infrastructure, progressive governance, and robust legislative frameworks.

Seven New Destinations in 2024

Sharjah Airport expanded its network of new flight routes for passengers in 2024 by adding seven direct destinations to various global capitals and cities. Air Arabia launched direct flights from Sharjah Airport to Warsaw and Krakow in Poland, Athens in Greece, Vienna in Austria, and Malé, the capital of the Maldives. Additionally, Fly Oya introduced direct flights to and from Tripoli, Libya.

In 2024, the number of international airlines operating through Sharjah Airport increased, connecting passengers to over 100 global destinations. Six new airlines began operating flights via Sharjah Airport, including Fly Jinnah from Pakistan, UR Airlines from Iraq, Fly Oya from Libya, AJet from Turkey, Flynas from Saudi Arabia, and Iraqi Airways.

Sharjah Airport significantly enhanced its air cargo efficiency, attracting new airlines. Kenya Airways began cargo operations from Kenya, Somalia, and Tanzania, while UPS initiated weekly routes connecting the Far East, Sharjah, and Europe. Tanzania Airlines launched regular flights from Dar es Salaam through Kenya to Sharjah, and Qatar Airways Cargo inaugurated cargo routes between Doha and Sharjah.

Meanwhile Sharjah Airport has announced the launch of Iraqi Airways’ inaugural flight, marking its addition to the list of airlines operating to and from Sharjah in the United Arab Emirates.

The announcement came during a special reception for the inaugural flight, attended by Ali Salim Al Midfa, Chairman of the Sharjah Airport Authority (SAA); Dr Tahreer Mutasher Majeed, Dubai Office and Finance Manager at Iraqi Airways; Mohamed Al-Dabbagh, Representative of Iraqi Airways in Sharjah; Khalid Walid Al Mansoori, Director of External Promotion at the Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority, along with a number of officials and executives from both sides. The first flight, arriving from Baghdad International Airport to Sharjah Airport, marked the start of a new route that will operate three weekly flights on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, using Boeing B737 aircraft.

Ali Salim Al Midfa, Chairman of the Sharjah Airport Authority (SAA), emphasized that the addition of Iraqi Airways to the airport’s growing network enhances its international connectivity, linking Sharjah to over 100 destinations worldwide. This move strengthens Sharjah Airport’s competitive position, attracting tourists, business passengers, and investors while boosting passenger traffic and air cargo movement between Sharjah and Baghdad.

Al Midfa added: “We remain committed to continually improving our aviation and travel services in line with our strategic plans to increase total passenger traffic to 25 million annually by the end of 2027.”