Sharjah Airport hits all-time high with 19.48m passengers in 2025

Sharjah Airport recorded its strongest performance on record in 2025, with passenger numbers, flight movements and cargo volumes all posting solid year-on-year growth, reinforcing the emirate’s role as a regional aviation and logistics hub.

The Sharjah Airport Authority announced that Sharjah International Airport welcomed 19.48m passengers in 2025, up from 17.1m in 2024 and 15.36m in 2023, representing growth of 13.9 per cent.

The performance reflects sustained momentum across passenger traffic, aviation activity and air cargo operations, alongside expansion in destination networks, partnerships and institutional accreditations.

Total flight movements rose to 116,657 flights in 2025, compared with 107,760 flights in 2024 and 98,433 flights in 2023, marking growth of 8.3 per cent.

Sharjah Airport passenger stats take flight

The increase underscores Sharjah Airport’s expanding regional and international connectivity, driven by network growth, rising tourism demand and enhanced operational capacity.

Air cargo operations continued their upward trajectory, with 204,323 tonnes handled in 2025, compared with 195,909 tonnes in 2024 and 141,358 tonnes in 2023.

Sea-air cargo activity also recorded steady growth over the past three years, with volumes reaching 12,566 tonnes in 2023, 14,035 tonnes in 2024, and 16,770 tonnes in 2025.

The Authority said this reflects rising demand for integrated logistics routes and the airport’s growing role in supporting trade flows and global supply chains linking Asia, Africa, the Middle East and Europe.

Ali Salem Al Midfa, Chairman of the Sharjah Airport Authority, said that the 2025 results reflect the success of the airport’s long-term strategy and its continued focus on operational excellence.

He said this was evident in the sustained increase in passenger numbers and cargo volumes, aligned with the Authority’s objectives to expand capacity, enhance service quality and support Sharjah’s economic and tourism ambitions.

He added that ongoing investment in infrastructure, digital systems and sustainability initiatives remains central to the airport’s growth, alongside expanding partnerships with airlines and logistics operators.

Sheikh Faisal bin Saud Al Qasimi, Director of the Sharjah Airport Authority, said the 2025 performance highlights the airport’s advanced role in supporting travel and business movement and strengthening Sharjah’s position on the regional and international aviation map.

He said this growth is supported by an integrated ecosystem encompassing advanced infrastructure, effective operational governance and a supportive regulatory environment, enabling the airport to meet rising demand efficiently while maintaining high levels of service quality and reliability.

New destinations

Sharjah Airport continued to expand its flight network in 2025, adding direct services to major global cities.

Air Arabia launched direct flights from Sharjah to Krabi, Munich, Prague, Warsaw Modlin, Vienna, Addis Ababa, Sochi and Damascus, and announced the addition of London to its network starting next March.

New destinations were also added in 2025 to Ahvaz, Qeshm and Bandar Abbas in Iran.

Four new international airlines joined the airport during the year: SalamAir, Caspian Airlines, Fly Sham, and Ethiopian Airlines, further strengthening connectivity to more than 100 global destinations.

In 2025, Sharjah Airport introduced a range of new passenger services aimed at reducing travel time and improving convenience. These include a home check-in service, allowing passengers to complete procedures before arriving at the airport and proceed directly to passport control.

A new hospitality service was also launched, enabling passengers to complete check-in and receive boarding passes while relaxing in a hospitality lounge at the entrance of the recently opened Departures Building.

The airport also announced the rollout of 5G+ network coverage, becoming the first airport in the UAE to offer the service in cooperation with du, enhancing connectivity for passengers and airport users.

Smart systems and digital solutions are now deployed across the passenger journey, from check-in to boarding, alongside a smart information desk providing interactive services and dedicated support for people of determination.

The airport’s medical centre has also undergone comprehensive upgrades, while a dedicated in-airport hotel continues to provide accommodation for transit passengers.

The Hala service offers personalised reception and assistance for elderly passengers and people of determination, reinforcing the airport’s focus on inclusive travel.

On the government services front, UAE citizens can now renew their passports 24/7 at Sharjah Airport in partnership with the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs, simplifying procedures and saving time.