Sharjah International posts 36 percent growth in 2006

Sharjah International Airport’s year-end summary for 2006 shows tremendous achievements in the commercial sector. With airport expansion well underway, the new arrivals area was the first surprise for passengers when it was unveiled in August 2006, followed by the opening of the new Pear Area, which showcases the open lounge concept for the first time at the airport.

Sharjah International Airport is known throughout the region for its freight services, but its commercial strategy is hitting its stride with increased movement of passengers and aircraft over the year. The latest statistics show a total of 39,671 flights for November, a 13.93 percent increase compared to November 2005.

Sharjah is also home to the Middle East’s first low cost carrier - Air Arabia - which expanded its route portfolio in 2006 with new destinations such as Istanbul, Kabul, Mumbai, Jaipur, Nagpur, Kochi, Chennai Thiruvananthapuram, Kathmandu, Latakia and Armenia.

Other new commercial carriers inaugurated flights over the year, in addition to existing operators who either increased frequencies or launched new destinations to cater to the growing regional and local market demand.

Seasonal operators resumed winter schedules with new routes planned from Europe to leisure hotspots in South Asia, the Indian Subcontinent and East Asia. Sharjah is considered an ideal stopping point for these flights.

With so many new routes available for the first time, it’s no surprise that Sharjah saw passenger traffic increase by 36.33 percent over 2005. A record increase in travelers from Sharjah has seen flight frequencies soar for many commercial airlines. The airport crossed the symbolic 2 million mark in passenger traffic and the most recent totals in November show passenger movement reaching 2,722,306.

Sharjah also offers increased retail variety, with Dufry outlets opening in more locations. Sharjah notes that more passengers are participating in current promotions and exploring the expanded retail outlets and broader product range. The airport plans to introduce new retailers and branded F&B outlets.

“Sharjah International Airport has seen an increase in the demand from commercial passengers over the recent years,” said Ali Salem Al Midfa, director, Sharjah Airport Authority. “To accommodate the increase in passenger traffic and aircraft movement the airport embarked on a massive expansion project. We have already seen the high flying results in 2006 with the usage of the new arrivals hall and aim to provide all travelers flying through the Sharjah International Airport with the best services and facilities that match international airport standards.”

Source: Gulf-Africa Duty Free; BI-ME.com