The Sharjah Airport Authority will take part in Arabian Travel Market 2026 to engage with global industry partners and display its operational achievements, according to a statement distributed by the Emirates News Agency. Organisers from RX Global have positioned the 33rd edition of the exhibition, running from September 14 to 17 at the Dubai World Trade Centre, as a key gathering for discussing innovation under the Travel 2040 theme. The authority’s presence aligns with its strategy to strengthen connectivity and support the emirate’s tourism objectives through targeted international exposure. SAA officials indicated that the platform allows direct interaction with airlines, tourism boards and technology providers to explore collaborative opportunities.
Sharjah Airport Authority figures show the airport welcomed 19.48 million passengers in 2025, marking a 13.9 percent increase from 17.1 million in 2024. Aircraft movements reached 116,657 flights during the year, an 8.3 percent rise compared with the prior period, the authority reported. Air cargo volumes grew to 204,323 tonnes, while sea freight through the facility climbed to 16,770 tonnes, both reflecting sustained demand according to the same data set. These results build on growth seen since 2023 when passenger numbers stood at 15.36 million.
Four new international airlines joined the Sharjah network in 2025, the authority stated, including SalamAir from Oman, Caspian Airlines from Iran, Fly Sham from Syria and Ethiopian Airlines. Air Arabia added multiple direct routes to destinations such as 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 low-cost carrier also plans to launch flights to London starting in March 2026, further broadening access to key markets. The additions have expanded Sharjah’s reach to more than 100 global destinations.
A terminal expansion project valued at AED1.24 billion commenced in January 2024 and is scheduled for completion next year, according to Sharjah Airport Authority updates. The development aims to increase annual passenger capacity to 20 million as part of efforts to position the airport among the region’s top five facilities. Infrastructure upgrades have included enhanced passenger facilities and digital systems that improve service efficiency. The authority has also renewed several international accreditations that underscore its focus on sustainability and operational standards.
Arabian Travel Market 2026 will feature more than 80 destination participants and over 300 hosted buyers from 40 countries, event organisers reported. Dedicated conference sessions will address artificial intelligence, destination resilience, digital transformation and sustainable growth strategies across the travel sector. The Sharjah Airport Authority intends to leverage these discussions to share insights from its own initiatives in terminal management and environmental compliance. Participation in previous editions of the exhibition has helped forge partnerships that contributed to the airport’s recent traffic gains.
UAE aviation overall demonstrated robust performance in 2025 with multiple airports recording double-digit growth in passengers and cargo, according to data compiled by the Qatar Civil Aviation Authority and Aviation Week analyses. The Sharjah Airport Authority has maintained investments in infrastructure, digital tools and sustainability measures to support long-term objectives tied to the emirate’s economic diversification. Ali Salim Al Midfa, chairman of the authority, has linked these efforts to broader ambitions in tourism and trade facilitation. The upcoming exhibition appearance represents the latest step in maintaining a strong global presence at leading aviation and travel forums.
