Sharjah International Airport sees 22% passenger surge

Sharjah International Airport (SIA) recorded an impressive 5.28 million passengers in 2008, up by 22.11 per cent compared to 2007 during which it registered 4.32 million passengers.

According to the statistical report released by the Sharjah International Airport, aircraft traffic increased by 18.81 per cent to 60,965 flights against 51,314 in 2007.

Meanwhile, cargo handling rose by 2. 86 per cent to 5.8 million tonnes in 2008 against 4.5 million tonnes in 2007. Sea-air cargo handling soared 10.43 per cent to 488,000 tonnes against 442,000 tonnes in 2007.

Dr Ghanem Al Hajiri, Director-General of the Sharjah Airport Authority, said that "such impressive records reflect distinguished position of the Sharjah International Airport as one of the pioneer airports in the region, as well as its ability to deal with the latest developments in the aviation industry efficiently". He said the airport has succeeded in wooing cargo firms and passenger aviation companies, a move that shows the strength of the national economy, citing the success of Air Arabia.

Follow Emirates 24|7 on Google News.