Sharjah International Airport (SIA) has reported significant growth in 2024, with notable increases in passenger numbers, flights, and cargo operations. According to the Sharjah Airport Authority (SAA), the airport welcomed 17,101,725 passengers, marking an 11.4 per cent rise compared to 15,356,212 passengers in 2023. This growth highlights the airport’s growing role as a key regional air travel hub.
In addition to the increase in passenger traffic, Sharjah Airport also experienced a rise in flight operations. In 2024, the airport handled 107,760 flights, representing a 9.5 per cent increase from 98,433 flights the previous year. Cargo operations saw impressive growth of 38.6 per cent, with the airport handling 195,909 tonnes of cargo in 2024, compared to 141,358 tonnes in 2023. Notably, 14,035 tonnes of this cargo were handled through sea-air operations, further emphasizing the airport’s growing significance in international trade logistics.
Ali Salim Al Midfa, Chairman of the Sharjah Airport Authority, credited the airport’s growth to ongoing investments in services and infrastructure, with a focus on future goals, such as accommodating 25 million passengers annually by 2027. “These results underline the airport’s position as a key hub for air transport and logistics, as we continue to enhance our facilities and operations,” Al Midfa said.
In 2024, the airport expanded its international network by adding seven new direct destinations, including Warsaw, Krakow, Athens, Vienna, and Male. Fly Oya also introduced flights to Tripoli, Libya, further diversifying the airport’s offerings. The number of international airlines operating through Sharjah Airport grew, with six new carriers joining the network, including Fly Jinnah from Pakistan and UR Airlines from Iraq.
Sharjah Airport’s cargo operations were further bolstered by partnerships with airlines such as Kenya Airways, UPS, and Qatar Airways Cargo, which launched new routes to and from the airport. Additionally, the airport supported local food security initiatives by facilitating the import of 2,200 cattle for the Mleiha Dairy Farm project.
Sheikh Faisal bin Saoud Al Qassimi, Director of the Sharjah Airport Authority, stated that the airport’s growth reflects broader development in Sharjah, driven by enhanced infrastructure and governance.
With continued growth in 2024, Sharjah International Airport is well-positioned for sustained success and expansion in the global aviation and logistics sectors.
(With (ANI/WAM) Inputs)