Tag Archives: Sharjah Airport

Sharjah Airport received the first flight of Fly Jinnah, a leading low-cost carrier in Pakistan operated jointly by Lakson Group of Pakistan and Air Arabia Group of UAE. The new carrier was welcomed during a ceremony held in the presence of H.E. Ali Salim Al Midfa, Chairman of Sharjah Airport Authority, H.E. Faisal Niaz Tirmizi, Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan to the UAE, Adel Al Ali, Group Chief Executive Officer, Air Arabia, Iqbal Ali Lakhani, Chairman of Fly Jinnah, and a group of representatives from the Authority, Air Arabia, and the Pakistani airline. It will operate on the route between Islamabad and Sharjah with two daily flights. The move comes in line with Sharjah Airport’s continuous efforts to deliver a wide array of services to its partners while catering to the needs of operators and passengers alike and ensuring a smooth operation. Sharjah Airport is currently expanding its range of flight options and destinations it offers with an aim to bolster the confidence of passengers. Furthermore, by providing exceptional services and travel procedures along with leveraging the airport’s ideal location and ongoing expansion efforts to boost capacity, it seeks to ensure a seamless and satisfying travel experience. The airport is also actively pursuing strategies to attract more airlines and foster new partnerships to introduce new routes and elevate its services by integrating cutting-edge technologies.

Sharjah Airport received Air Cairo airline’s first flight, which started operating its scheduled flights to and from Sharjah Airport. This strategic move comes to reinforce the network of destinations in line with the surging demand for passenger and cargo flights and address passengers’ requirements efficiently and with high quality. The Egyptian carrier will operate six flights weekly with Airbus A320 aircraft, which includes four flights to and from Cairo International Airport on Mondays, Thursdays, Fridays and Sundays. It will also have one weekly flight to and from Sohag International Airport on Saturdays and one weekly flight to and from Assiut International Airport on Tuesdays. The new destinations are a valuable addition to the existing network, which reflects the relentless efforts of the Sharjah Airport Authority to improve the airport’s position as a preferred hub for air transport and widen its network of international destinations. The move will contribute significantly to raising the status of Sharjah as an economic and tourist hub on the global level.  

Sharjah Airport experienced a remarkable presence in passenger traffic with over 4 million in the third quarter of 2023, recording a rise of over 12 percent compared to the same period last year. In addition, air traffic during the period reached 26,000, owing to the advancements made in the airport’s services and ongoing development activities in accordance with its strategic vision. The Authority aims to strengthen the airport’s position as a leading hub for aviation and travel on a regional and international scale. Furthermore, the volume of freight handled during the period reached around 35,000 tons, apart from more than 3,000 tons of sea-air freight, reflecting the Authority’s commitment to boost efficiency and the capacity to quickly respond to freight operations that need particular attention, such as handling, shipping and storage. To provide quick and simple access to services for passengers and guarantee a distinguished travel experience, Sharjah Airport Authority is continuing its expansion project. Moreover, the Authority is providing all essential facilities to both regional and international airlines, increasing the number of destinations covered by the airport and participating in global and regional aviation exhibitions to reinforce Sharjah Airport’s position at both regional and global levels.

Sharjah Airport experienced a remarkable growth in the previous year achieving the Authority’s primary objectives of revamping the Emirate’s tourism sector as well as elevating the airport’s status as one of the top five airports in the region. Passenger traffic witnessed a growth rate of 84.73 per cent, increasing the numbers to nearly 13 million passengers in 2022, as opposed to 7 million passengers in 2021. Meanwhile, aircraft movement experienced an increase of 51.69 per cent to 87,495 flights in 2022, as compared to 57,679 by the end of 2021. Moreover, around 170,544 tonnes of freight were handled through the Sharjah Airport in 2022, indicating an increase of 21.20 percent from around 140,717 tonnes in 2021. His Excellency Ali Salim Al Midfa, Chairman of Sharjah Airport Authority, said: “The growth and achievements recorded in the previous year reflects our commitment to meeting evolving passenger expectations through our enhanced customer services. This marks a significant step in our journey towards excellence and leadership, which is in line with the visions and aspirations of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah and are as a result of the close supervision of H.H. Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Crown Prince and Deputy Ruler of Sharjah and Chairman of the Sharjah Executive Council. The remarkable results resonate our strategic goals of reviving the travel industry in the Emirate of Sharjah, together with our ambitions to offer elevated levels of services. To satisfy the rising demand of the travel and air freight sectors, we further aim at raising our investments in expanding the airport’s capacity and enhancing the network of tourism …

Sharjah Airport has witnessed a 142.74% rise in the passenger traffic during the first half of 2022, accounting for approximately 6 million travelers. This substantial growth from 2,449 million travelers in H1 2021 illustrates the confidence that customers have in the service and assistance provided by the airport. Additionally, the airport saw a considerable growth in the number of flights, with a total of 41,189 aircrafts operating in H1 compared to 21,709 in the same period of last year, registering an increase of 89.73%. Between January and June, Sharjah Airport handled over 96,000 tons of cargo, accounting for an increase of 50.39%, compared to 63,844 tons the previous year. H.E Ali Salim Al Midfa, Chairman of Sharjah Airport Authority, said: “The considerable growth in the number of travelers using our airport solidifies the Emirate of Sharjah as a preferred destination for travel and business. The figures also represent the confidence and trust that a large number of travelers place in Sharjah Airport. Our continuous efforts to offer leading innovative services and gaining the satisfaction of passengers guarantee a safe and distinguished travel experience. This is mainly achieved in collaboration with our strategic partners, the various stakeholder and service providers at Sharjah Airport, as well as the key role of the airline community, including Air Arabia, the UAE national carrier based in Sharjah Airport, who has successfully recommenced their operations to various destinations in their network, which has resulted in the growing number of passengers in the Airport.” “As part of our efforts to position Sharjah Airport as one of the best airports in the region, Sharjah Airport Authority is eager to invest in smart services and solutions that meet the …

Sharjah Airport has announced its readiness to handle the increased frequency of passengers to and from the Emirate of Sharjah during the peak summer season, while ensuring the highest levels of precautionary measures to ensure a safe and convenient travel experience. Sharjah Airport, in coordination with all partners, has prepared to deal with the growing number of passengers, following a prior strategy to streamline travel procedures and ensure passenger safety. This is accomplished by promoting smart services like self-check-in services and smart gates, that make travel procedures easy, and are driven by the latest technologies and innovations. Due to the increased demand for travel during the summer and the Eid al-Adha holidays, Sharjah Airport has advised passengers to arrive at the airport three hours before the departure of their flights to ensure a safe and smooth travel experience. Prior to heavy rush during the summer season, the airport emphasized the importance of using smart services to complete self-check-in, which allow travelers to complete all their travel transactions quickly, reduce their waiting time, and enhance their travel experience at Sharjah Airport. Travelers at Sharjah Airport can take advantage of self-check-in services by printing their boarding passes from self-travel devices, as well as printing and attaching labels to their luggage before delivering it to the self-delivery platform. The airport also provides automated verification of boarding passes through an automated verification system for pre-printed or digital passes. In addition, the smart information desk at Sharjah Airport provides passengers with the opportunity to communicate with the information department at the airport through voice and video calls, which also includes assistance for people with special needs. As part of the service, the desk also offers …

Over three million passengers travelled in the first quarter of 2022 through Sharjah Airport, witnessing an increase of 119.2 per cent as compared to 1.3 million passengers in the same period last year. The aircraft movement for the same term also marked an increase in the number of flights by 89 per cent with 21,336 flights, compared to 11,279 flights last year. In terms of cargo movement, the airport recorded more than 39,566 tons during the first three months of this year, highlighting an increase of 26.39 per cent compared to last year, with 14.457 thousand tons in March alone. H.E Ali Salim Al Midfa, Chairman of the Sharjah International Airport Authority, said: “The ease of international travel restrictions as well as the gradual recovery from Covid-19, allowed airlines to resume their previously suspended flights, resulting in improved growth rates. This is also in line with the Sharjah Airport’s commitment to providing the highest levels of safety and security for customers during the pandemic, making traveling from and to the city of Sharjah a safe and enjoyable experience.” “Sharjah Airport has been successful in gaining the trust of passengers due to its expansion and innovative strategies, as well as promoting its partnerships by attracting new airline and cargo companies. This approach fits with our vision of being one of the best five airports in the region, promising an exceptional travel experience and leading services,” His Excellency added. Furthermore, the Sharjah Airport continued to provide customers with the most innovative and modern services, while ensuring their safety and security, during the first quarter of this year. In addition, the airport recently received the ‘Best Airport in the Middle East’ award in …

Sharjah Airport recently received Air Peace’s inaugural flight from Lagos. The Nigerian airline’s first international airport outside Africa, Sharjah Airport offers the advantages of Sharjah’s geographic location and the level of service that the Airport provides to airlines and travellers. The fact that Air Peace chose Sharjah Airport underlines the importance of the growing travel market and tourism and economic activity in the Emirate of Sharjah. The company has appointed Sharjah Airport Travel Agency (SATA) as its exclusive agent in the UAE market. After the plane landed, it was received by a number of officials from the airport’s management and a delegation from Sharjah Commerce & Tourism Development Authority and Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry. The passengers and crew were welcomed with authentic UAE hospitality. HE Ali Salim Al Midfa, Chairman of Sharjah Airport Authority, said, “We welcome the arrival of Nigeria’s Air Peace, which operates flights from Sharjah Airport as a hub and destination.” His Excellency emphasised that the airport is keen to provide the best services and facilities to Air Peace and all airlines operating from Sharjah Airport to ensure their success and enable them to provide services to passengers efficiently. Allen Onyema, Air Peace’s Chairman and CEO, said, “We thank the officials of Sharjah Airport Authority and the employees at the airport for the great support they have provided to Air Peace and for facilitating all procedures necessary to start operating flights to Sharjah.”  

Sharjah Airport Authority has launched an awareness campaign to introduce their Smart Gates to travellers. The campaign, which will run till the end of August, aims to provide travellers with the required information to understand how to register and use the Smart Gates and will also highlight the importance of this facility for passengers to save time and enjoy a new travel experience. The Smart Gates, which were installed in collaboration with the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs in Sharjah, have been highly praised since they were first rolled out in October 2016. The authority announced that over 850,000 passengers have passed through the 16 Smart Gates installed at the departure and arrival terminals in Sharjah International Airport until now. Travellers can now get through passport control within 20 seconds, reflecting the pioneering services provided by the authority as part of its continuous efforts to contribute to the development of the aviation sector in the UAE.

The Government of Sharjah has approved a $400 million (AED 1.46b) budget for the expansion of Sharjah International Airport, according to MEED (Middle East Economic Digest), quoting Adel Abdullah Ali, Air Arabia’s Chief Executive Officer. According to the airline CEO, the expansion project is expected to begin this summer and will increase airport capacity from 8 to 18 million passengers a year. A master plan for the expansion of the airport was submitted by American engineering firm Bechtel in 2013, recommending a new terminal, construction of new roads around the airport, plus additional services such as a new hotel and a shopping mall. In 2014, Sharjah International Airport opened a new AED 500 million (US$ 136m) airport runway, significantly expanding the airport’s aircraft capacity. The new runway allows large and new-generation ICAO Code F aircraft such as the Airbus A380 and Boeings B747-8 Intercontinental and B747-8 freighter. The old runway now serves as a taxiway. The airport handled 11 million passengers from January to December 2016, registering a 10 percent year-on-year increase on 2015. In January 2017, the airport handled 969,633 passengers, showing a 4 percent increase on January last year. Sharjah International Airport’s growth has been driven by its strategic location, the success of Sharjah’s in-bound tourism industry and the expansion of Sharjah-headquartered Air Arabia. The airport’s ideal location, close to Sharjah city, Dubai city and the main highways connecting the country’s seven emirates, has made it a convenient hub for both business and leisure travelers.