Sharjah Airport soars to new heights with record 17.1 million passengers in 2024
The facility continues to achieve milestones in travel, aviation, and cargo operations
Sharjah International Airport achieved remarkable milestones in 2024, solidifying its reputation as a global hub for travel, aviation, and logistics. With an impressive 17,101,725 passengers passing through its gates, the airport recorded an 11.4 percent increase from 15,356,212 passengers in 2023.
The total number of flights also saw a significant rise, reaching 107,760 flights in 2024, a 9.5 percent growth compared to 98,433 in the previous year. This exponential growth highlights Sharjah Airport's appeal to travellers and its expanding network of destinations.
Cargo operations
Sharjah Airport’s cargo sector achieved unprecedented growth, reinforcing its role as a leading logistics hub in the region. The total cargo volume handled in 2024 surged by an impressive 38.6 percent, reaching 195,909 tonnes compared to 141,358 tonnes in 2023. Sea-air cargo operations contributed 14,035 tonnes to the total, showcasing the airport’s ability to integrate multimodal transport systems efficiently.
These achievements underscore Sharjah Airport's strategic importance in global trade and supply chains, with dedicated efforts to attract new cargo carriers. Notably, Kenya Airways initiated cargo services connecting Kenya, Somalia, and Tanzania, while UPS introduced weekly routes linking the Far East, Sharjah, and Europe. Qatar Airways Cargo also launched operations between Doha and Sharjah, enhancing the airport’s connectivity.
Seven new destinations
The airport’s passenger growth was further bolstered by the addition of seven new destinations in 2024. Air Arabia introduced direct flights to Warsaw and Krakow in Poland, Athens in Greece, Vienna in Austria, and Malé in the Maldives.
In 2024, six international airlines began operating through Sharjah Airport, strengthening its global outreach. These include Fly Jinnah from Pakistan, UR Airlines from Iraq, Fly Oya from Libya, AJet from Turkey, Flynas from Saudi Arabia, and Iraqi Airways. With these additions, the airport now connects passengers to over 100 destinations worldwide, further enhancing its status as a preferred transit hub.
Infrastructure and security
To ensure a seamless and secure travel experience, Sharjah Airport implemented significant upgrades to its infrastructure and security systems. A key Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed with Sharjah Police to streamline operational and security measures. Furthermore, the airport procured 67 advanced X-ray security systems, reflecting its commitment to prioritising passenger safety while enhancing operational efficiency.
Operational excellence
Sharjah Airport reaffirmed its dedication to sustainability and excellence by achieving several prestigious certifications in 2024. The airport was accredited as a “Child- and Family-Friendly Destination” by the Sharjah Child-Friendly Office. Additionally, it renewed ISO certifications for integrated management systems, including ISO 9001 (Quality), ISO 14001 (Environmental Management), and ISO 45001 (Occupational Health and Safety). These accolades highlight the SAA’s focus on maintaining high standards across all facets of its operations.
The airport also successfully renewed its certifications for Document and Records Management (ISO 30301) and Customer Service Charters (ISO 10002, ISO 10001, and ISO 10003), demonstrating its unwavering commitment to operational transparency and customer satisfaction. These achievements are part of a broader strategy to align with global best practices in aviation.
Food Security projects
In line with Sharjah’s food security initiatives, the airport facilitated the import of 2,200 cattle across 13 dedicated flights. These efforts supported the Department of Agriculture and Livestock’s Mleiha Dairy Farm project, showcasing Sharjah Airport’s role in addressing critical regional priorities.
Global participation
Sharjah Airport Authority actively represented the emirate on international platforms in 2024. It showcased its innovative projects and services at leading events, including ITB Berlin in March, the Arabian Travel Market in Dubai, and the World Travel Market in London. These participations not only enhanced Sharjah’s global profile but also fostered collaborations with industry leaders.
Partnerships and innovation
Sharjah Airport’s commitment to innovation was evident in its strategic partnerships and visits. In April 2024, a delegation led by Ali Salim Al Midfa, Chairman of the SAA, attended the Passenger Terminal Conference in Frankfurt, Germany. An engineering team also visited Italy to oversee progress on the airport’s new passenger terminal and central utility facility expansion, further underscoring its forward-looking approach.
Community engagement
As part of its social responsibility, the SAA continued to prioritise community engagement. The authority honoured graduates of the second edition of the “Promising Generations” programme, conducted in collaboration with the Sharjah Research, Technology, and Innovation Park. It also recognised winners of the “Because We Care” initiative, aimed at gathering customer feedback to enhance travel experiences.
Vision for the future
Sharjah Airport Authority’s strategic plan aims to accommodate 25 million passengers annually by 2027. With continued investments in infrastructure, service quality, and sustainability, the airport is poised to remain a leader in the global aviation industry, reflecting Sharjah’s dynamic growth in tourism, trade, and economic development.