Wednesday January 21st, 2026
In 2025, Sharjah Airport achieved the following milestones:
• Expanded its route network to strengthen connectivity to more than 100 global destinations
• Welcomed four new international airlines to its growing network
• Introduced new services to streamline procedures and enhance the passenger experience
• Renewed international accreditations, reflecting its commitment to sustainability and service excellence
• Maintained a strong global presence at leading international travel and aviation exhibitions
The Sharjah Airport Authority (SAA) has announced record-breaking results for Sharjah International Airport in 2025, welcoming 19.48 million passengers, up from 17.1 million in 2024 and 15.36 million in 2023, marking a strong 13.9 per cent year-on-year increase.
Sharjah Airport continued its upward trajectory across passenger traffic, aircraft movements and air cargo volumes, driven by the expansion of its destination network, stronger partnerships and a growing portfolio of international accreditations. These milestones further reinforce the airport’s position as a leading hub for air transport and logistics.
Aircraft movements also reached a new high, with 116,657 flights recorded in 2025, compared to 107,760 in 2024 and 98,433 in 2023, representing an 8.3% increase. The growth underscores the airport’s expanding role in regional and international connectivity and reflects sustained momentum supported by network expansion, rising tourism demand and enhanced operational capacity.
Air Cargo Growth
Air cargo operations at Sharjah Airport also continue strong momentum, with total handled volumes reaching 204,323 tonnes in 2025, compared to 195,909 tonnes in 2024 and 141,358 tonnes in 2023, reflecting an upward trajectory in the performance of this vital sector.
Sea Freight
Sea freight services through Sharjah Airport recorded steady growth over the past three years, with handling volumes reaching 12,566 tonnes in 2023 and 14,035 tonnes in 2024, before rising to 16,770 tonnes in 2025. This upward trend reflects growing demand for this logistics corridor and its role in supporting trade flows and strengthening the integration of global supply chains.
The sustained growth highlights Sharjah Airport’s expanding capabilities as a logistics gateway linking Asia, Africa, the Middle East and Europe. The increase was supported by continued demand for integrated air freight solutions, sea-air cargo operations and partnerships with leading international cargo carriers, reinforcing Sharjah’s strategic position within global supply chains.
Long-Term Strategy
His Excellency Ali Salim Al Midfa, Chairman of Sharjah Airport Authority, said the 2025 results reflect the success of the airport’s long-term strategy and its strong commitment to operational excellence. He noted that the steady rise in passenger and cargo volumes aligns with Sharjah Airport’s goals to increase capacity, enhance service quality and support the emirate’s broader economic and tourism ambitions.
H.E. Al Midfa added that continued investment in infrastructure, digital systems and sustainability initiatives remains central to the airport’s growth agenda, alongside strengthening partnerships with airlines and logistics operators.
Supporting Economic Growth
His Excellency Sheikh Faisal bin Saud Al Qasimi, Director of Sharjah Airport Authority, said the exceptional performance in 2025 reflects the growing role the airport continues to play in supporting travel and business activity, further strengthening Sharjah’s position as a key hub in regional and international markets.
H.E. Sheikh Faisal Al Qasimi noted that the airport’s growth is underpinned by advanced infrastructure, efficient governance and a supportive regulatory environment, enabling Sharjah Airport to meet rising demand efficiently while maintaining high operational and service standards.
New Destinations
In this context, Sharjah Airport continued to expand its flight network in 2025 by adding new direct routes to major global capitals and cities. Air Arabia launched direct flights from Sharjah Airport to Krabi in Thailand, Munich in Germany, Prague in the Czech Republic, Warsaw Modlin in Poland, Vienna in Austria, Addis Ababa in Ethiopia and Sochi in Russia.
In addition, Air Arabia recently announced the launch of direct flights from Sharjah Airport to London in the United Kingdom, scheduled to commence in March 2026. Sharjah Airport also expanded its network in 2025 with the addition of new destinations in Iran, including Ahvaz, Qeshm and Bandar Abbas, further strengthening regional connectivity.
Expanding Air Connectivity
In 2025, four new international airlines joined Sharjah Airport’s network, including Oman’s SalamAir, Iran’s Caspian Airlines, Syria’s Fly Cham and Ethiopian Airlines. This expansion connected passengers to more than 100 global destinations and further strengthened the airport’s air connectivity network.
High-Quality Services
In 2025, Sharjah Airport introduced a set of new services as part of its efforts to deliver a more efficient and time-saving travel experience. Among these is the home check-in service, which allows departing travellers to complete their procedures before arriving at the airport and proceed directly to passport control, significantly reducing processing times.
The airport also introduced enhanced hospitality services that enable passengers to complete travel procedures upon arrival or prior to departure, allowing them to relax in a dedicated hospitality lounge located at the entrance of the departures terminal. Recently inaugurated, the facility enables passengers to complete check-in procedures and obtain boarding passes in a comfortable and streamlined environment.
These efforts also included the addition of temporary departure gates during peak periods, as well as the opening of an additional arrival terminal featuring dedicated visa-change facilities and comfortable waiting areas.
Smart Systems
Sharjah Airport is leveraging smart systems and digital solutions to streamline the travel journey from check-in to boarding, enhancing ease of movement and operational safety. The airport has also launched a Smart Information Desk that offers interactive digital services and tailored support for passengers with special needs.
As part of its digital transformation efforts, Sharjah Airport announced the launch of an advanced 5G+ network, becoming the first airport in the UAE to implement this technology. Developed in collaboration with du, the initiative enhances user experience by providing high-speed, reliable connectivity across airport facilities.
Medical Centre
The medical centre at Sharjah Airport has undergone comprehensive upgrades and has been equipped with modern facilities to enhance its readiness. In addition, the airport now offers comfortable accommodation options for transit passengers through a dedicated in-terminal hotel, catering to short stopovers and providing a restful environment for connecting travellers.
The airport’s ‘Hala’ service also delivers a seamless travel experience, including meet-and-greet assistance, escort services and personalised support for elderly passengers and people of determination, reflecting its commitment to inclusive and comprehensive passenger care. The medical centre has also been equipped with advanced medical facilities to further enhance its operational readiness.
Passport Renewal
In terms of government services, UAE citizens can now renew their passports around the clock at Sharjah Airport, in partnership with the General Directorate of Identity and Foreigners Affairs, a move that helps streamline procedures and save time.
Active Participations
Sharjah Airport Authority showcased its innovative services and new projects at several prominent regional and global events, including ITB Berlin 2025, Air Cargo Europe 2025, Passenger Terminal Expo 2025, World Travel Market (WTM) London 2025 and the Arabian Travel Market (ATM) Dubai 2025. These participations reinforced Sharjah’s position as a key player in the global travel and tourism sector. These engagements also supported the promotion of Sharjah Airport’s future projects and service ecosystem, strengthening its visibility as a dynamic and globally connected aviation hub.
Accreditations and Awards
Sharjah Airport renewed its Level 3+ (Neutrality) accreditation under the Airports Council International’s Airport Carbon Accreditation Programme, making it the only carbon-neutral airport in the GCC. It also renewed its Airport Customer Experience (ACE) Accreditation – Level 2 from Airports Council International, recognising its structured approach to managing passenger satisfaction and enhancing the overall travel experience.
The Sharjah Airport Authority was awarded the Sharjah Excellence Award for Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) for 2024, marking a significant milestone that adds to its strong track record of achievements. The award reflects SAA’s unwavering commitment to the values of generosity, excellence and sustainability, as well as its role as a leading institution adopting a holistic approach to serving people, society and the environment.
Community Partnerships and Initiatives
As part of its efforts to enhance the visitor experience, Sharjah Airport Authority signed a cooperation agreement with e& UAE to provide arriving passengers with a free SIM card, enabling immediate internet access upon arrival, along with 10GB of complimentary data valid for 24 hours.
As part of its broader community engagement efforts, the SAA, in collaboration with Kalimat Group, launched a bilingual children’s book in Arabic and English titled “Fasten Your Seatbelts”, designed to introduce young readers to the travel experience at Sharjah Airport in a simplified and interactive way. The authority also honoured 17 winners under its “Because We Care” programme, one of its initiatives aimed at engaging customers in the development and enhancement of the overall travel experience.
Sponsorship
Throughout 2025, Sharjah Airport Authority continued to fulfil its social responsibility role by sponsoring and supporting a wide range of sporting, cultural and community events across the emirate. This forms part of its commitment to supporting Sharjah’s cultural and sporting landscape, strengthening its position as a leading destination for diverse events, and embedding the values of social responsibility by backing initiatives that enhance quality of life and foster community cohesion.
Enhancing Services
Sharjah Airport Authority continues to enhance the passenger experience, boost cargo efficiency and improve its environmental performance, supporting Sharjah’s economic diversification and strengthening the UAE’s aviation sector. These ongoing efforts reflect Sharjah Airport Authority’s commitment to continuous improvement, supporting Sharjah’s economic diversification and reinforcing the UAE’s position as a leading global aviation centre.
