Sharjah Airport Achieves Record Passenger Numbers With Over 17.1 Million Travellers In 2024

Sharjah International Airport experienced significant growth in 2024, welcoming 17,101,725 passengers. This marked an 11.4% increase from the previous year's 15,356,212 passengers. The number of flights also rose to 107,760, reflecting a 9.5% increase compared to 2023's total of 98,433 flights. Cargo handling saw a substantial rise of 38.6%, reaching 195,909 tonnes compared to the prior year's 141,358 tonnes.

Ali Salim Al Midfa, Chairman of Sharjah Airport Authority (SAA), highlighted that these achievements underscore the airport's global standing in air transport and logistics. He credited this success to the airport's dedication to offering exceptional services and innovative travel experiences. This aligns with its strategic plan to accommodate 25 million passengers annually by 2027.

The airport expanded its network by adding seven direct routes in 2024. Air Arabia launched flights from Sharjah to Warsaw and Krakow in Poland, Athens in Greece, Vienna in Austria, and Malé in the Maldives. Fly Oya introduced direct flights connecting Tripoli, Libya with Sharjah.

Sheikh Faisal bin Saoud Al Qassimi, Director of SAA, noted that passenger growth mirrors Sharjah's progress in tourism and economic development. These advancements are supported by modern infrastructure and strong legislative frameworks.

Increased international airline operations at Sharjah Airport connected passengers to over 100 destinations worldwide. Six new airlines began operations: Fly Jinnah from Pakistan, UR Airlines from Iraq, Fly Oya from Libya, AJet from Türkiye, Flynas from Saudi Arabia, and Iraqi Airways.

The airport enhanced its cargo efficiency by attracting new airlines for freight services. Kenya Airways started cargo operations from Kenya, Somalia, and Tanzania. UPS initiated weekly routes linking the Far East with Sharjah and Europe.

Sustainability and Strategic Initiatives

Al Midfa emphasised SAA's focus on improving facilities and promoting sustainability in line with UAE aviation goals. This involves expanding airline partnerships and introducing new travel destinations to meet passenger needs.

Tanzania Airlines launched regular flights from Dar es Salaam through Kenya to Sharjah. Qatar Airways Cargo began routes between Doha and Sharjah as part of their cargo operations expansion.

The airport played a role in food security initiatives by facilitating the import of cattle for Mleiha Dairy Farm project. It managed the arrival of 2,200 cattle through 13 dedicated flights for the Department of Agriculture and Livestock.

Sharjah Airport's achievements reflect its commitment to growth and innovation within the aviation sector while supporting regional economic development efforts.

With inputs from WAM