Sharjah on the charge...

The authority’s development strategy aims to strengthen Sharjah Airport’s leading position and achieve sustainable growth in the aviation and cargo sectors.

Sharjah Airport passenger traffic soared by more than 24 per cent in the first half of 2023. The airport also achieved substantial growth in cargo operations. It handled more than 70,000 tonnes of cargo, including 6,000 tonnes of sea-air cargo.

These figures highlight the airport’s vital role in facilitating trade and logistics operations, thereby strengthening its position as a reliable and efficient cargo hub in the region.

Salim Al Midfa, chairman of Sharjah Airport Authority, said that the current achievements depict the efforts of the Authority “to exceed expectations of passengers and enhance their traveling experience, as well as elevate Sharjah Airport’s status to become one of the top five regional airports that offer an exceptional travel experience.”

Six new flight and three cargo destinations have been added to Sharjah’s network to meet growing demand from around the world. The new destinations include Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia, Ufa City and Samara City in Russia, Lar in Iran, Indore in India, and Bangkok in Thailand. The newly-added air cargo destinations are Houston in the U.S., Kigali in Rwanda, and Nashik in India. This move is in line with the authority’s aim of boosting commercial ties and contributing to the economic expansion of Sharjah and the UAE as well as improving connection with the world through sustainable growth, enhancing the infrastructure and service offerings.

“We are constantly extending Sharjah Airport’s network in order to deliver exceptional customer experiences in accordance with best international standards. We are optimistic that the addition of more destinations will provide us with more travel and logistics opportunities,” he said.

Sharjah Airport will be extended to increase its capacity from eight to 20m people per year within the next two years. The new infrastructure, estimated at roughly US$410m, will provide state-of-the-art facilities, streamlined check-in and registration procedures and cutting-edge technologies.

The project involves the construction of a new building and a terminal for arrivals. The airport’s exterior will mirror the wing of a plane, resulting in an open book shape structure. New aircraft hardstands, with 12 remote aircraft hardstand apron pads, will be created and connected to the existing building, while the roads leading to the airport will be developed.

The expansion also includes the renovation of the existing building and construction of a new departures terminal, two passport control areas to ease passenger flow, a new VIP lounge and a new ground support equipment (GSE) vehicle maintenance facility.

Sharjah Airport launched an exciting summer campaign under the slogan ‘Summer at Sharjah Airport’, focusing on providing passengers with enhanced and seamless travel experiences, with special attention to enriching the journey for children.

Sharjah Airport is pursuing its sustainability vision three years after obtaining the ACI level 3+ neutrality accreditation for successfully managing its carbon imprint.

Sharjah Taxi, a part of Osool Transport Solutions, started testing its first electric vehicles at Sharjah International Airport last June. The fleet of limousines leads the route towards environmentally-friendly transportation, with the ultimate goal of achieving carbon-free public transportation by 2050.

Sharjah Taxi is actively expanding the number of electric charging stations across the emirate to cater for various electric vehicles, ensuring compatibility and convenience for users. The company also plans to explore new vehicle models for optimal economic and environmental outcomes.

Sharjah is adding new chapters to its history as a vital trading hub and important sheikhdom in the 18th century under the Al Qasimi dynasty.

Aviation is clearly a growth lever for its economy, which grew by 5.2 per cent in 2022, and Sharjah Airport is indisputably a major airfreight hub in cargo tonnage in the Middle East and global powerhouse for air connectivity.