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

The Sharjah Airport Authority (SAA) has announced exceptional results for Sharjah Airport operations in 2024, maintaining its upward momentum in passenger, aviation, and cargo performance. These achievements emphasize Sharjah’s success in establishing itself as a premier destination for travel, tourism, and economic ventures.

Significantly, Sharjah International Airport welcomed a total of 17,101,725 passengers in 2024, reflecting an impressive 11.4 percent rise from the 15,356,212 passengers recorded in 2023. There was also a notable increase in the total number of flights, with 107,760 flights representing a 9.5 percent growth from 98,433 flights in 2023.

Cargo handling experienced unprecedented growth, with volumes increasing by 38.6 percent to reach 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, pointed out that these record-setting results highlight the airport's global hub status for air transportation and logistics. He attributed this success to Sharjah Airport’s commitment to delivering excellent services and creating leading travel experiences, aligned with its strategic plan to welcome 25 million passengers annually by 2027.

Al Midfa also mentioned that the SAA remains focused on enhancing airport facilities, improving operational efficiency, and promoting sustainability as part of the UAE’s aviation sector objectives. This includes expanding partnerships with airlines and launching new travel destinations to meet passenger needs.

A Reflection of Sharjah’s Tourism and Economic Progress

Sheikh Faisal Bin Saoud Al Qassimi, Director of Sharjah Airport Authority, highlighted that the growth in passenger numbers mirrors Sharjah’s outstanding advancements in tourism, economic development, and investment. These accomplishments are supported by cutting-edge infrastructure, modern governance, and strong legislative frameworks.

Introduction of Seven New Destinations in 2024

In 2024, Sharjah Airport expanded its network by adding seven direct destinations to major international cities. Air Arabia introduced 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 launched direct flights to Tripoli, Libya.

Moreover, the number of international airlines operating through Sharjah Airport increased, enabling connections to over 100 global destinations. Six new airlines began operations, 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 has significantly boosted its air cargo efficiency by attracting new carriers. Kenya Airways initiated cargo operations from Kenya, Somalia, and Tanzania, while UPS began weekly routes linking the Far East, Sharjah, and Europe. Tanzania Airlines launched regular flights from Dar es Salaam via Kenya to Sharjah, and Qatar Airways Cargo opened routes between Doha and Sharjah.

Additionally, Sharjah Airport celebrated the launch of Iraqi Airways’ inaugural flight, marking its addition to the list of airlines operating in and out of Sharjah, strengthening its connectivity in the region and beyond.