Sharjah Airport welcomes over 17.1 million passengers in 2024

In 2024, Sharjah International Airport handled 17,101,725 passengers, an 11.4% increase compared to 15,356,212 in 2023. The Sharjah Airport Authority (SAA) recently announced that the total number of flights also rose to 107,760, a 9.5% increase from 98,433 in 2023.

Commenting on these significant achievements, Ali Salim Al Midfa, Chairman of the Sharjah Airport Authority, emphasized that these record-breaking results reflect the airport's position as a global hub for air transport and logistics. He attributed this success to Sharjah Airport's commitment to providing first-class services and pioneering travel experiences, which aligns with its strategic plan to accommodate 25 million passengers annually by 2027.

In 2024, Sharjah Airport expanded its passenger route network by adding seven new direct routes to 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 Male, the capital of the Maldives. Additionally, Fly Oya launched direct flights to and from Tripoli in Libya.

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

Sheikh Faisal bin Saoud Al Qassimi, Director of Sharjah Airport Authority, highlighted that the growth in airport passengers reflects Sharjah's significant progress in tourism, economic development, and investment. These achievements are attributed to advanced infrastructure, progressive management, and a sound legislative framework.

Sharjah Airport also experienced unprecedented growth in cargo handling, reaching 195,909 tons, a 38.6% increase compared to 141,358 tons in 2023. The airport also handled 14,035 tons of cargo through sea-air transport, solidifying its role as a key logistics hub.

Last year, Sharjah Airport significantly improved air cargo efficiency, attracting new airlines. Kenya Airways launched cargo operations from Kenya, Somalia, and Tanzania, while UPS launched weekly routes connecting the Far East, Sharjah, and Europe. Tanzania Airlines also launched scheduled flights from Dar es Salaam via Kenya to Sharjah, and Qatar Airways Cargo launched a cargo route between Doha and Sharjah.

Al Midfa added that the Sharjah Airport Authority continues to prioritize enhancing airport facilities, streamlining operations, and promoting sustainability, in line with the goals of the UAE aviation sector. This includes expanding partnerships with airlines and introducing new travel destinations to meet passenger demand.

The Sharjah Airport Authority showcased its innovative services and new projects at several important events, including the ITB Berlin in March 2024, the World Travel Market in London, and the Arabian Travel Market in Dubai in May 2024. These participations have solidified Sharjah's position as a key player in the global tourism industry.

Last year, the Sharjah Airport Authority also conducted important international visits to learn about industry innovations. In April 2024, a delegation led by His Excellency Ali Salim Al Midfa participated in the Passenger Terminal Conference 2024 in Frankfurt, Germany. Additionally, an engineering team visited Italy to review the progress of the new passenger terminal and central utilities expansion at Sharjah Airport.

To enhance passenger services, the Sharjah Airport Authority signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Sharjah Police to streamline services and security measures. Furthermore, it procured 67 advanced X-ray security screening systems to strengthen airport security.