Sharjah: The Sharjah Airport Authority (SAA) announced that Sharjah International Airport welcomed a total of 17,101,725 passengers in 2024, marking an 11.4% increase compared to 15,356,212 passengers in 2023. Additionally, the total number of flights rose to 107,760, reflecting a 9.5% growth compared to 98,433 flights in the previous year.
According to Emirates News Agency, cargo handling also witnessed significant growth, with volumes increasing by 38.6% to reach 195,909 tonnes, compared to 141,358 tonnes in 2023. The airport further handled 14,035 tonnes through sea-air cargo operations, solidifying its role as a key logistics hub. Ali Salim Al Midfa, Chairman of Sharjah Airport Authority, highlighted these record-breaking results as a testament to the airport’s status as a global hub for air transport and logistics. He attributed the success to Sharjah Airport’s commitment to providing premier services and innovative travel experiences, aligned with its strategic plan to accommodate 25 million passengers annually by 2027.
Al Midfa noted that the SAA continues to focus on enhancing airport facilities, streamlining operations, and promoting sustainability in line with the UAE’s aviation sector goals. This includes expanding partnerships with airlines and introducing new travel destinations to meet passenger needs. Sheikh Faisal bin Saoud Al Qassimi, Director of Sharjah Airport Authority, emphasized the airport’s passenger growth as a reflection of Sharjah’s progress in tourism, economic development, and investment, supported by advanced infrastructure, forward-thinking governance, and robust legislative frameworks.
In 2024, Sharjah Airport expanded its network by adding seven direct destinations to various capitals and cities. Air Arabia initiated direct flights from Sharjah to Warsaw and Krakow in Poland, Athens in Greece, Vienna in Austria, and Mal© in the Maldives. Additionally, Fly Oya launched direct flights to and from Tripoli, Libya. The number of international airlines operating through Sharjah Airport increased, connecting passengers 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 Trkiye, Flynas from Saudi Arabia, and Iraqi Airways.
Sharjah Airport also improved its air cargo efficiency, attracting new airlines. Kenya Airways commenced cargo operations from Kenya, Somalia, and Tanzania, while UPS started weekly routes connecting the Far East, Sharjah, and Europe. Tanzania Airlines launched regular flights from Dar es Salaam through Kenya to Sharjah, and Qatar Airways Cargo inaugurated cargo routes between Doha and Sharjah.
In support of Sharjah’s strategic food security initiatives, the airport facilitated the import of 2,200 cattle in 13 dedicated flights for the Department of Agriculture and Livestock’s Mleiha Dairy Farm project.
