Sharjah International Airport (SIA) received over 11.3 million passengers and 77,600 flights in 2017.

These figures were released during a senior management meeting held last Monday in Sharjah, UAE. Besides the airport's achievements in total flights and passenger growth, including freight volume, future plans and programmes were also discussed.

Passenger traffic increased by 327,000 passengers, as compared to last year. This increase was attributed to the geographical location of SIA and the continuous enhancement of its services and facilities, including the availability of the Smart Gates.

The airport recorded 77,627 aircraft flights, which was supported by the addition of new airlines and their access to new destinations, as well as the expansion of tankers operating at SIA.

The meeting also discussed the performance of the air freight sector, which reported figures of more than 148,312 tons, with the sea/air freight volume reaching to about 10,606 tons despite the regional and global challenges facing the sector.

Commenting on these accomplishments, Ali Salim Al Midfa, chairman of Sharjah Airport Authority, said: “SIA’s success last year was achieved thanks to the directives and leadership of HH Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, and the close coordination of HH Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed bin Sultan Al Qasimi, the Crown Prince and Deputy Ruler of Sharjah and Chairman of Sharjah Executive Council, resulting in various plans and programs to enhance customer satisfaction by upgrading the services and facilities provided by SIA.”

“The results of 2017 indicate the continued growth in passenger traffic, aircraft movements and cargo operations. These are indicators for the potential of SIA and the civil aviation sector in general towards achieving economic and tourism growth of the Emirate of Sharjah.  We thank our staff, strategic partners from the government and private sectors for their valuable efforts in achieving these results.”

Sheikh Faisal bin Saoud Al Qassimi, director of Sharjah Airport Authority, said: “The positive indicators achieved by SIA in the number of passengers and aircraft movements during the past year reflect the efforts by all parties working at the airport. They have contributed to the global positioning of SIA as one of the best airports in the region.”

Sheikh Faisal added: “Sharjah International Airport was able to gain the confidence of a wide range of passengers, customers, airlines and air cargo companies. We are pleased with these results, driving us to continue our work and explore other avenues to contribute to the sustainable development of  Sharjah and the UAE.” - TradeArabia News Service