The Sharjah Airport Authority recently announced that the number of passengers traveling through Sharjah Airport exceeded 15.3 million passengers in 2023. That is compared to 13.1 million passengers in 2022, marking a growth rate of more than 17.4 percent. Aircraft traffic also increased to record more than 98,000 flights compared to 87,000 flights in 2022, an increase of more than 12 percent. Meanwhile, the total volume of freight handled through Sharjah Airport during 2023 reached more than 141,000 tons.
This came during the announcement of the Sharjah Airport Authority’s results at the annual meeting of the airport’s senior management. The meeting was held at Buhais Geology Park in Al Madam, Sharjah.
These results confirm the emirate’s position on the global travel map and the quality of services the airport provides to travelers and companies alike.
New destinations
Sharjah Airport Authority is keen to meet the increasing demand and enhance the airport’s operational capacity. Therefore, it added seven new destinations for passenger flights during 2023. The destinations include Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia, Kazan and Samara in Russia, Lar in Iran, Indore in India, and Bangkok and Phuket in Thailand. Moreover, it added three new destinations for air cargo which include Houston in the U.S., Kigali in Rwanda, and Nasik in India.
H.E. Ali Salim Al Midfa, chairman of Sharjah Airport Authority, said: “These positive results indicate Sharjah Airport’s reputation and its remarkable potential in offering efficient and top-notch services. The authority is looking forward to continue these results, which will aid in positioning the airport as a preferred destination for both travel and cargo in the region.”
“We will continue our expansion and development efforts in line with our aim to enhance the infrastructure and services provided, especially in the realm of self-travel to meet the expectations of the airline community, keeping our focus on offering distinctive travel experience for all passengers while expanding the airport’s network and connectivity.” Al Midfa added.
Providing the best services
For his part, H.E. Sheikh Faisal bin Saoud AlQassimi, director of Sharjah Airport Authority said: “The notable rise in the number of passengers traveling through Sharjah Airport comes as the result of the authority’s unwavering commitment to deliver top-notch services and stay in line with recent technological developments, thus ensuring a fast and comfortable travel experience that positions the airport as a preferred travel hub. Furthermore, we confirm our ongoing efforts to elevate the reputation of the airport on a global level, especially in light of our active participation in international forums, robust partnerships, and collaboration to build the business ecosystem and diversify the options for customers.”
Sharjah Airport is connected to over 100 destinations in 62 countries through 33 international airlines. India ranked first among the most prominent international travel destinations in terms of the number of passengers, reaching over 3.4 million. Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia came second with a total number of passengers exceeding 1.5 million. Then came Pakistan with about 1.2 million passengers.
Moreover, the three most preferred cities in 2023 were Doha, Dhaka, and Cairo. Qatar’s capital, Doha, recorded a total number of passengers exceeding 723,000, a 95 percent growth compared to 2022. Dhaka came second with more than 633,000 passengers. Meanwhile, Cairo ranked third with about 488,000 passengers.
Global and local initiatives
Sharjah Airport Authority has strengthened its presence at global and local events such as:
- World Travel Market in Dubai
- The 10th edition of the Air Cargo Africa exhibition in South Africa
- Air Cargo Europe 2023 in Munich
Through its participation, it sought to promote its distinguished services and increase confidence in the airport as a preferred choice for travel. Sharjah Airport focuses on the sustainable development of infrastructure, taking into account environmental sustainability standards. Moreover, it provides pioneering services to satisfy its customer base.
On the list of the most prominent programs launched by the authority is the second edition of the Promising Generations Initiative, which aims to support the young generation in designing innovative solutions for the airport. Moreover, it helps them incorporate these ideas through appropriate tools and guidance.
Notable achievements in 2023
2023 brought notable achievements in the fields of sustainability, health, and safety for Sharjah International Airport. The airport won several local and international awards and accreditations confirming the excellence and efficiency of its operations. The airport received accreditation as an age-sensitive institution from the Sharjah Age-Friendly City Program. Moreover, it received the 2022-2023 Future Leaders Award from BEEAH Group, in recognition of its efforts to support sustainability and address environmental challenges.
In health, the airport achieved a 100 percent rating in the assessment of the basic capabilities of the International Health Regulations at GCC entry points. Additionally, the airport renewed the ISO 9001, ISO 14001, and ISO 45001 certifications. Moreover, it renewed the ISO 10001, ISO 10002, and ISO 10003 Customer Service Charter specifications. Those specifications enhance efficiency, compliance, and customer satisfaction through effective customer service procedures, complaint processing, and dispute resolution.
In the field of safety, the airport received the readiness of public health and safety accreditation from the Airports Council International (ACI). This comes after it adopted the customer experience at airports – Level II, which emphasizes its excellence in developing a strategic approach to serving customers and improving passenger experiences. These awards and accreditations reflect the airport’s efforts to achieve Sharjah’s vision of providing high-quality services to travelers.
Read: IATA: Global air travel regains momentum at 99% of pre-covid level
Expansion project
The Sharjah Airport Authority continues to work on the expansion project, which is expected to be completed during 2027. Through this initiative, the airport will be able to enhance its passenger handling capacity. Moreover, it aims to continue providing a distinguished travel experience and pioneering services to customers.
In early Jan 2024, under the directives of H.H. Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, and in the presence of H.H Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed bin Sultan Al Qasimi, the Crown Prince, Deputy Ruler and Chairman of Sharjah Executive Council, and H.H Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Deputy Ruler of Sharjah, the cornerstone of the New Passenger Terminal Expansion Project was laid at Sharjah Airport. It is the largest package of a series of expansion projects with a total cost of AED2.4 billion.
The terminal expansion will increase the airport’s capacity to 20 million passengers. It will separate arrivals from departures and raise the number of self-check-in and self-travel devices. Furthermore, it will establish new roads and entrances, parking lots, and other expansion and development operations. Hence, it aims to enhance the quality of its services and to elevate the travel experience of all passengers through Sharjah Airport.
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