Sharjah International Airport achieved a 2 percent growth in passenger traffic during the first quarter of 2017, which reflects increased passenger satisfaction in the quality services provided by the airport.

The total number of passengers that passed through Sharjah International Airport in the first quarter of 2017 grew to 2.741 million, up from 2.687 million passengers during the corresponding period in 2016.

Aircraft movements also increased to 18,569 in the first quarter of 2017, a 2.85 percent growth compared with 18,054 recorded during the first quarter of 2016.

Ali Salim Al Midfa, Chairman of the Sharjah Airport Authority, said, "The figures from Q1, 2017 show the sheer scale of growth and activity being recorded in the Emirate of Sharjah with regards to both tourist traffic and business activity. The indicators bode well for more growth by the airport ahead of the year’s end, with the continuous support of H.H. Dr. Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, and H.H. Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Crown Prince and Deputy Ruler of Sharjah and Chairman of the Sharjah Executive Council."

"The increase in passenger traffic in the first quarter of the year was driven by the growth in the number of passengers in January, during which the airport handled 969,633 passengers, a 4.31 percent growth compared with the figures for the same period in 2016. The airport served 827,369 and 944,038 passengers in February and March respectively, and we are happy with this growth that serves various sectors in the Emirate of Sharjah and the UAE," Al Midfa added.

Al Midfa noted that aircraft movements in January increased by 5.07 percent to 6,487 movements, reaching 5,622 and 6,460 movements in February and March, respectively. "This reflects the steady pace of growth in terms of aircraft movements and passenger traffic, thanks to the flexible policy adopted by the airport and the facilities given to airlines and passengers," he further added.

"The growth rate was achieved by the airport to cater to a similar growth in the travel and tourism industry in the emirate and the UAE.

This will help achieve Sharjah Tourism Vision 2021, which aims to attract more than 10 million tourists by 2021," Al Midfa clarified.

The Sharjah Airport Authority expects more growth by the airport this year as it attracts new airlines while current airlines continue to expand by adding new destinations, making a valuable addition to the aviation industry in the emirate.