emirates7 - The Sharjah Airport Authority (SAA) has reported record-breaking performance in 2024, demonstrating remarkable growth in passenger numbers, aviation activities, and cargo operations. These achievements highlight Sharjah’s growing reputation as a premier hub for travel, tourism, and economic initiatives.
Over 17.1 Million Passengers in 2024
Sharjah International Airport welcomed 17,101,725 passengers in 2024, reflecting an 11.4% increase compared to 15,356,212 passengers in 2023. Flight operations also grew by 9.5%, with 107,760 flights recorded compared to 98,433 flights in the previous year.
Unprecedented Growth in Cargo Handling
Cargo volumes at Sharjah Airport surged by 38.6%, reaching 195,909 tons compared to 141,358 tons in 2023. The airport also handled 14,035 tons of sea-air cargo, reinforcing its position as a vital logistics hub.
Sharjah Airport: A Global Air Transport and Logistics Hub
H.E. Ali Salim Al Midfa, Chairman of SAA, attributed these milestones to the airport’s dedication to providing world-class services and innovative travel experiences. He emphasized that these efforts align with Sharjah Airport’s strategic plan to handle 25 million passengers annually by 2027. Al Midfa also underscored the importance of enhancing facilities, streamlining operations, and fostering sustainability in line with the UAE’s aviation sector goals.
Reflecting Sharjah’s Tourism and Economic Growth
Sheikh Faisal Bin Saoud Al Qassimi, Director of SAA, noted that the airport's growth mirrors Sharjah's advancements in tourism, economic development, and investment. These successes are bolstered by modern infrastructure, progressive governance, and strong legislative frameworks.
Expanded Destinations and Airlines in 2024
Sharjah Airport introduced seven new direct flight destinations, including Warsaw and Krakow in Poland, Athens in Greece, Vienna in Austria, Malé in the Maldives, and Tripoli, Libya. Additionally, six international airlines, including Fly Jinnah, UR Airlines, Fly Oya, AJet, Flynas, and Iraqi Airways, began operations at the airport, expanding its global connectivity to over 100 destinations.
Enhancing Air Cargo Operations
The airport’s air cargo capabilities were further strengthened with the addition of new airline partners. Kenya Airways began routes from Kenya, Somalia, and Tanzania; UPS initiated weekly flights linking the Far East, Sharjah, and Europe; Tanzania Airlines introduced regular flights via Kenya; and Qatar Airways Cargo launched a route between Doha and Sharjah.
Supporting Food Security Initiatives
In alignment with Sharjah's strategic food security goals, the airport facilitated the import of 2,200 cattle across 13 specialized flights for the Mleiha Dairy Farm project, managed by the Department of Agriculture and Livestock.
Participation in Key Events and Strategic Visits
SAA showcased its services and projects at major events like ITB Berlin, the World Travel Market in London, and the Arabian Travel Market in Dubai. It also participated in the Passenger Terminal Conference 2024 in Frankfurt and conducted site visits to Italy to monitor the progress of the airport’s new passenger terminal and central utility facility expansion.
Strengthening Partnerships and Security
To enhance traveler experiences, SAA signed an MoU with Sharjah Police to streamline services and security. It also invested in 67 advanced X-ray security systems to boost airport safety.
Commitment to Sustainability and Certifications
Sharjah Airport maintained its focus on sustainability and excellence, renewing certifications such as ISO 30301 for document and records management, and Integrated Management System (IMS) standards, including ISO 9001, ISO 14001, and ISO 45001. The airport also renewed its Customer Service Charter certifications (ISO 10001, ISO 10002, and ISO 10003), ensuring efficient service delivery and effective complaint resolution.
Community Engagement Initiatives
SAA honored graduates from the second edition of the "Promising Generations" program in collaboration with Sharjah Research, Technology, and Innovation Park. Additionally, it celebrated winners of the “Because We Care” initiative, aimed at enhancing customer feedback and travel experiences.
These achievements position Sharjah International Airport as a model of excellence in the aviation and logistics sectors while contributing to Sharjah’s vision of sustainable development and global connectivity.
Over 17.1 Million Passengers in 2024
Sharjah International Airport welcomed 17,101,725 passengers in 2024, reflecting an 11.4% increase compared to 15,356,212 passengers in 2023. Flight operations also grew by 9.5%, with 107,760 flights recorded compared to 98,433 flights in the previous year.
Unprecedented Growth in Cargo Handling
Cargo volumes at Sharjah Airport surged by 38.6%, reaching 195,909 tons compared to 141,358 tons in 2023. The airport also handled 14,035 tons of sea-air cargo, reinforcing its position as a vital logistics hub.
Sharjah Airport: A Global Air Transport and Logistics Hub
H.E. Ali Salim Al Midfa, Chairman of SAA, attributed these milestones to the airport’s dedication to providing world-class services and innovative travel experiences. He emphasized that these efforts align with Sharjah Airport’s strategic plan to handle 25 million passengers annually by 2027. Al Midfa also underscored the importance of enhancing facilities, streamlining operations, and fostering sustainability in line with the UAE’s aviation sector goals.
Reflecting Sharjah’s Tourism and Economic Growth
Sheikh Faisal Bin Saoud Al Qassimi, Director of SAA, noted that the airport's growth mirrors Sharjah's advancements in tourism, economic development, and investment. These successes are bolstered by modern infrastructure, progressive governance, and strong legislative frameworks.
Expanded Destinations and Airlines in 2024
Sharjah Airport introduced seven new direct flight destinations, including Warsaw and Krakow in Poland, Athens in Greece, Vienna in Austria, Malé in the Maldives, and Tripoli, Libya. Additionally, six international airlines, including Fly Jinnah, UR Airlines, Fly Oya, AJet, Flynas, and Iraqi Airways, began operations at the airport, expanding its global connectivity to over 100 destinations.
Enhancing Air Cargo Operations
The airport’s air cargo capabilities were further strengthened with the addition of new airline partners. Kenya Airways began routes from Kenya, Somalia, and Tanzania; UPS initiated weekly flights linking the Far East, Sharjah, and Europe; Tanzania Airlines introduced regular flights via Kenya; and Qatar Airways Cargo launched a route between Doha and Sharjah.
Supporting Food Security Initiatives
In alignment with Sharjah's strategic food security goals, the airport facilitated the import of 2,200 cattle across 13 specialized flights for the Mleiha Dairy Farm project, managed by the Department of Agriculture and Livestock.
Participation in Key Events and Strategic Visits
SAA showcased its services and projects at major events like ITB Berlin, the World Travel Market in London, and the Arabian Travel Market in Dubai. It also participated in the Passenger Terminal Conference 2024 in Frankfurt and conducted site visits to Italy to monitor the progress of the airport’s new passenger terminal and central utility facility expansion.
Strengthening Partnerships and Security
To enhance traveler experiences, SAA signed an MoU with Sharjah Police to streamline services and security. It also invested in 67 advanced X-ray security systems to boost airport safety.
Commitment to Sustainability and Certifications
Sharjah Airport maintained its focus on sustainability and excellence, renewing certifications such as ISO 30301 for document and records management, and Integrated Management System (IMS) standards, including ISO 9001, ISO 14001, and ISO 45001. The airport also renewed its Customer Service Charter certifications (ISO 10001, ISO 10002, and ISO 10003), ensuring efficient service delivery and effective complaint resolution.
Community Engagement Initiatives
SAA honored graduates from the second edition of the "Promising Generations" program in collaboration with Sharjah Research, Technology, and Innovation Park. Additionally, it celebrated winners of the “Because We Care” initiative, aimed at enhancing customer feedback and travel experiences.
These achievements position Sharjah International Airport as a model of excellence in the aviation and logistics sectors while contributing to Sharjah’s vision of sustainable development and global connectivity.