Sharjah Airport Achieves 19.4 Million Passengers In 2025 While Expanding Cargo And Networks

Sharjah International Airport recorded its highest annual performance in 2025, with strong growth across passengers, flights, and cargo. The airport handled 19.48 million travellers, up from 17.1 million in 2024 and 15.36 million in 2023. This 13.9% increase confirmed Sharjah Airport’s role as a major transport hub, supporting tourism, trade, and logistics across the UAE and wider region.

Flight movements also rose sharply in 2025, reaching 116,657 operations, compared with 107,760 flights in 2024 and 98,433 in 2023. This 8.3% increase reflected expanded airline partnerships, higher tourism flows into the emirate, and greater operational capacity. The results supported Sharjah’s wider economic objectives, especially in sectors linked to travel, logistics, and regional connectivity.

Passenger, flight, and cargo data together showed a broad upward trend over three consecutive years. Growth covered both passenger services and freight activities, including air cargo and sea-air cargo solutions. This balanced performance strengthened Sharjah Airport’s network of destinations, partnerships, and institutional accreditations. It also reinforced the airport’s status as a strategic node for air transport and logistics linking Asia, Africa, the Middle East, and Europe.

Sharjah Airport’s cargo operations continued their steady rise during 2025, with total handled freight reaching 204,323 tonnes. This compared with 195,909 tonnes in 2024 and 141,358 tonnes in 2023. Sea-air cargo volumes also grew, from 12,566 tonnes in 2023 to 14,035 tonnes in 2024, then 16,770 tonnes in 2025. These figures highlighted increasing demand for multimodal logistics routes through Sharjah.

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The expanding air cargo segment supported integrated supply chains and cross-border trade flows serving regional and international markets. Strong demand for air freight and sea-air cargo services was backed by closer cooperation with major global cargo carriers operating through Sharjah Airport. This strengthened Sharjah’s position within global supply chains and added further weight to its logistics offering in the Middle East.

Route development remained a central theme in 2025, as Sharjah Airport extended its flight network to additional continents. New direct services linked Sharjah to major capitals and large urban centres, helping airlines tap fresh tourism and business demand. Network expansion also aligned with the emirate’s strategy to attract visitors and support investors using Sharjah as a regional base.

Air Arabia added several new routes from Sharjah in 2025. These included Krabi in Thailand, Munich in Germany, Prague in the Czech Republic, Warsaw Modlin in Poland, Vienna in Austria, Addis Ababa in Ethiopia, Sochi in Russia, and Damascus in Syria. Air Arabia also announced London in the United Kingdom as a new destination, with flights starting in March.

Sharjah Airport increased its reach into Iran as well, adding services to Ahvaz, Qeshm, and Bandar Abbas in 2025. Four new international airlines joined the airport during the same year: SalamAir from Oman, Caspian Airlines from Iran, Fly Sham from Syria, and Ethiopian Airlines. These additions helped extend connectivity to more than 100 global destinations.

Sharjah Airport 2025 results, services, and digital upgrades

Sharjah Airport introduced new passenger services in 2025 designed to shorten processing times and streamline journeys. A home check-in service allowed departing travellers to complete formalities before reaching the terminal, then proceed straight to passport control. A hospitality service also assisted passengers on arrival or departure, with access to a hospitality lounge at the entrance of the recently opened Departures Building.

The airport enhanced its digital backbone by rolling out advanced 5G+ network coverage in partnership with du. This deployment made Sharjah Airport the first airport in the UAE to offer 5G+ connectivity. The network upgrade aimed to improve passenger experience through faster, more reliable connections, while also supporting operational systems and future smart airport applications.

Smart systems and digital solutions supported every stage of the journey, from check-in to boarding. A smart information desk provided interactive services and dedicated support for people of determination. The airport’s medical centre received comprehensive upgrades and modern equipment to increase readiness. A dedicated in-airport hotel offered accommodation for transit passengers needing short rest periods between connections.

Sharjah Airport 2025 results and inclusive government services

Sharjah Airport maintained a focus on inclusive services for different passenger groups. The "Hala" service offered personalised reception, assistance, and guidance for the elderly and people of determination. This service reflected the airport’s commitment to accessible travel, aligning with broader UAE efforts to ensure that infrastructure and public services meet diverse user needs.

Government services at Sharjah Airport expanded during 2025, particularly for UAE citizens. In cooperation with the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs, citizens gained the option to renew passports at the airport around the clock. This 24/7 facility simplified procedures, reduced the need for separate visits to government offices, and used the airport as a convenient service point.

Ali Salem Al Midfa, Chairman of the Sharjah Airport Authority, said that the 2025 results reflect the success of the airport’s long-term strategy and its ongoing commitment to operational excellence. This has been evident in the continuous rise in passenger numbers and cargo volumes, in line with the Authority’s goals to enhance capacity, elevate service quality, and support Sharjah’s economic and tourism ambitions.

According to Ali Salem Al Midfa, continued investment in infrastructure, digital systems, and sustainability projects remains central to Sharjah Airport’s growth. The Chairman highlighted that expanding partnerships with airlines and logistics companies supports higher traffic volumes. This approach is intended to ensure that performance gains remain consistent while maintaining reliable operations and service standards across all airport activities.

For his part, Sheikh Faisal bin Saud Al Qasimi, Director of the Sharjah Airport Authority, said that the 2025 results reflect the airport’s advanced role in supporting travel and business movement, strengthening Sharjah’s position as a key destination on the regional and international market map. He noted that this growth is underpinned by an integrated ecosystem that includes advanced infrastructure, effective operational governance, and a supportive regulatory environment, enabling the airport to meet rising demand efficiently while maintaining high levels of service quality and reliability.

The 2025 performance at Sharjah Airport showed consistent gains across passengers, flights, and cargo, supported by network expansion, new airlines, and upgraded services. Digital initiatives, infrastructure investment, and inclusive facilities worked together to support travellers and cargo clients. These combined efforts strengthened Sharjah’s airport platform as a key contributor to economic activity and connectivity within the UAE and across wider markets.

With inputs from WAM