Sharjah: Sharjah International Airport handled over 17.1 million passengers in 2024, an 11.4 per cent increase from 2023, airport authorities announced Monday.
Passenger traffic climbed to 17,101,725, up from 15.3 million in 2023, while flights grew 9.5 per cent to 107,760. Moreover, Sharjah Airport expanded its network last year, introducing seven new destinations, including Warsaw, Krakow, Athens, Vienna, Malé, and Tripoli, through Sharjah’s flag carrier Air Arabia and Fly Oya. The statement explained that the addition of six international airlines, including flynas, Fly Jinnah, and Iraqi Airways, brought the airport’s connectivity to over 100 destinations globally, enhancing its position as a regional gateway.
Ali Salim Al Midfa, Chairman of Sharjah Airport Authority, said that these record-breaking results reflect the airport’s status as a global hub for air transport and logistics. He attributed this success to Sharjah Airport’s commitment to providing top-tier services and pioneering travel experiences aligned with its strategic plan to accommodate 25 million passengers annually by 2027.
Al Midfa added that the SAA continues to prioritize enhancing airport facilities, streamlining operations, and promoting sustainability in alignment with the UAE’s aviation sector goals. “This includes expanding partnerships with airlines and launching new travel destinations to meet the needs of passengers,” he said.
Faisal Bin Saoud Al Qassimi, Director of the SAA, also highlighted the airport’s role in driving Sharjah’s tourism and economic growth, supported by advanced infrastructure and robust governance.
Cargo operations
Cargo volumes witnessed an astounding 38.6 per cent growth, reaching 195,909 tons in 2024 compared to 141,358 tons in 2023. The airport handled 14,035 tons through sea-air cargo operations, reinforcing its role as a key logistics hub.
Sharjah Airport significantly enhanced its air cargo efficiency, attracting new airlines. Kenya Airways began cargo operations from Kenya, Somalia, and Tanzania, while UPS initiated weekly routes connecting the Far East, Sharjah, and Europe. The statement said that Tanzania Airlines launched regular flights from Dar es Salaam through Kenya to Sharjah, and Qatar Airways Cargo inaugurated cargo routes between Doha and Sharjah.
