Sharjah Airport sets new record as passenger numbers top 19.4 million in 2025
New airlines and destinations strengthen the emirate’s global aviation footprint
DUBAI – The Sharjah International Airport recorded its strongest performance to date in 2025, welcoming more than 19.4 million passengers and marking a significant milestone in its continued expansion.
The Sharjah Airport Authority announced that passenger traffic reached 19.48 million during the year, up from 17.1 million in 2024 and 15.36 million in 2023. The year-on-year increase of 13.9 per cent reflects sustained growth across passenger movement, aviation activity, and cargo operations.
The authority said the performance demonstrates balanced growth across its operations, reinforcing Sharjah’s position within global air transport and logistics networks.
Passenger growth
Flight activity at Sharjah International Airport continued to rise in line with passenger demand. The total number of flights reached 116,657 in 2025, compared to 107,760 flights in 2024 and 98,433 flights in 2023, representing an increase of 8.3 percent over the previous year. The steady growth reflects increased airline capacity, new route launches, and rising tourism and business travel through the emirate.
Passenger growth has been driven by a combination of regional and long-haul connectivity, with Sharjah serving as a strategic gateway linking Asia, Africa, the Middle East, and Europe. The airport’s expanding route network has also played a central role in supporting Sharjah’s tourism sector and broader economic activity.
Cargo expansion
Air cargo operations at Sharjah Airport also posted solid growth in 2025, highlighting the airport’s importance as a logistics and freight hub. Total handled cargo reached 204,323 tonnes during the year, compared to 195,909 tonnes in 2024 and 141,358 tonnes in 2023. The figures reflect continued demand for air freight services and strengthened cooperation with global cargo operators.
Sea-air cargo operations recorded sustained growth over the past three years, further strengthening Sharjah’s logistics offering. Handled volumes increased from 12,566 tonnes in 2023 to 14,035 tonnes in 2024, before rising to 16,770 tonnes in 2025. The growth points to increasing reliance on integrated logistics solutions that combine sea and air transport to support trade flows and supply chain efficiency.
The Sharjah Airport Authority said this upward trend confirms the airport’s expanding capabilities as a strategic logistics hub, backed by growing demand for flexible cargo solutions and enhanced partnerships with international freight companies.
Ali Salem Al Midfa, Chairman of the Sharjah Airport Authority, said the 2025 results reflect the success of the airport’s long-term development strategy and its continued focus on operational excellence. He noted that rising passenger numbers and cargo volumes align with the authority’s objectives to expand capacity, improve service quality, and contribute to 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 plans, alongside efforts to deepen partnerships with airlines and logistics operators.
Network expansion
Sharjah Airport continued to expand its flight network in 2025, adding new direct destinations and welcoming additional international airlines. Air Arabia launched direct services from Sharjah to several major cities, including Krabi in Thailand, Munich in Germany, Prague in the Czech Republic, Warsaw Modlin in Poland, Vienna in Austria, Addis Ababa in Ethiopia, Sochi in Russia, and Damascus in Syria. The airline also announced the addition of London to its network, with flights scheduled to begin next March.
New destinations were also introduced to Ahvaz, Qeshm, and Bandar Abbas in Iran, further enhancing regional connectivity. In addition, four new international carriers joined Sharjah Airport in 2025: SalamAir from Oman, Caspian Airlines from Iran, Fly Sham from Syria, and Ethiopian Airlines. These additions strengthened connectivity to more than 100 global destinations and supported the continued expansion of the airport’s air network.
Sheikh Faisal bin Saud Al Qasimi, Director of the Sharjah Airport Authority, said the 2025 performance reflects the airport’s growing role in facilitating travel and business movement. He noted that Sharjah’s position as a competitive destination on the regional and international aviation map has been reinforced by an integrated ecosystem combining advanced infrastructure, effective governance, and a supportive regulatory environment.
Service enhancements
Alongside network growth, Sharjah Airport introduced a range of new services in 2025 aimed at improving efficiency and enhancing the passenger experience. A home check-in service was launched, allowing departing passengers to complete travel procedures before arriving at the airport and proceed directly to passport control upon arrival, significantly reducing processing time.
The airport also introduced a hospitality service that facilitates travel procedures on arrival or before departure. Passengers can complete check-in and receive boarding passes while relaxing in the hospitality lounge located at the entrance of the newly opened Departures Building.
In a technological first for the country, Sharjah Airport rolled out advanced 5G+ network coverage in cooperation with du, becoming the first airport in the UAE to offer the service. The upgrade provides faster and more reliable connectivity, supporting digital services and enhancing the overall user experience.
The airport continues to deploy smart systems and digital solutions to streamline travel from check-in to boarding, improve mobility, and enhance operational safety. A smart information desk offering interactive digital services has also been introduced, alongside dedicated support for people of determination.
Additional improvements include comprehensive upgrades to the airport’s medical centre, the provision of comfortable in-airport accommodation for transit passengers, and the “Hala” service, which offers personalised assistance for elderly travellers and people of determination.
On the government services front, UAE citizens can now renew their passports around the clock at Sharjah Airport through a partnership with the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs, further simplifying procedures and saving time for travellers.