SCC Committee visits Sharjah Airport Authority
The visit aimed to gain a closer look at the operational status, strategic plans, and future projects being implemented by the Authority, considering the airport as Sharjah's gateway to the world and a vital artery in the economy, transportation, and tourism sector.
The visit, which took place on Thursday, saw an extensive meeting between the committee delegation headed by Rashid Abdullah bin Howaiden, committee's chairman, and attended by committee members Her Excellency Dr. Fatima Khalifa Al Muqrab, Amer Mohammed Al Zarouni, Engineer Nabil bin Butti Al Muhairi, Abdullah Taresh Al Ketbi, Tariq Murad Mirza Al Balushi, and Mohammed Abdullah Al Balushi.
The visit included Council members Engineer Jamila Al Fandi Al Shamsi, Jassim Mohammed Al Hanawi Al Naqbi, Saeed Matar bin Hamed Al Tunaiji, and Sultan Matar bin Dalmouk Al Suwaidi, in addition to the committee's secretary, Saif bin Suwaif Al Ketbi, and media expert Dr. Islam Al Shiwi.
They were received by Ali Salem Al Midfa, Chairman of the Authority, and Sheikh Faisal bin Saud Al Qasimi, Director of the Authority, along with department heads and specialists, including Dr. Ahmed Al Adhab Al Hamoudi, Director of Customer Service; Mohammed Rashid Al Sharif, Commercial; Sarah Al Midfa, Finance; Engineer Amna Al Owais, Projects; Engineer Aisha Al Muhairi, Information Technology; Lamia Al Sarrah, Assistant Director of Strategic Planning and Performance; and Halima Al Hosani, Chairman's Office.
17 million passengers in 2024
The meeting reviewed the airport's most notable technical and operational achievements.
During the meeting, the Authority gave a detailed presentation on the airport's growing capacity, with the number of passengers increasing to more than 17 million last year.
This strategic plan is aimed at doubling numbers in the coming years. This is achieved thanks to expansion projects that have included the modernisation of the main building, the expansion of ground services facilities, and the activation of smart gates to help expedite entry and exit procedures.
This reflects the airport's progress in meeting standards of excellence in the civil aviation sector.
Diversifying international destinations
The authority's officials also reviewed its efforts to diversify international destinations in cooperation with Air Arabia and other airlines, such as Fly Baghdad and Flynas, in light of the significant growth in air cargo. This reflects the airport's importance as a logistical and strategic hub that strengthens the emirate's economy.
The authority confirmed that the Emiratisation policy is proceeding steadily, with the continued attraction and qualification of national talent, and the development of the training and permanent employment system, in cooperation with security and military authorities.
Expanding the passenger terminal
For its part, the authority discussed the infrastructure projects currently being implemented, including the expansion of the passenger terminal, increasing the number of check-in counters, creating additional aircraft parking spaces, and the opening of a new building for the engineering and maintenance department.
Promoting tourism and trade in Sharjah
The visit also addressed several issues related to improving the passenger experience, expanding facilities surrounding the airport, continuing to develop the duty-free market, and cooperating with government agencies to promote tourism and trade in the Emirate of Sharjah, thus enhancing the airport's position as a hub for attracting travelers from within and outside the country. During the meeting, the Authority affirmed its readiness to address emergency crises and unstable weather conditions through proactive plans and integrated emergency strategies, in accordance with the highest international standards adopted in this vital sector.
At the conclusion of the visit, the committee members expressed their appreciation for the significant efforts made by Sharjah Airport Authority, commending its continued commitment to enhancing operational efficiency and achieving integration with other institutions in the emirate. This is in line with the aspirations of the wise leadership of His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, and His Highness Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Crown Prince, Deputy Ruler of Sharjah and Chairman of the Executive Council.
His Excellency Rashid bin Howaiden, Chairman of the Committee, emphasised that this visit is part of a series of preparatory meetings to discuss the Authority's policy during a general session of SCC. He noted that Sharjah International Airport represents one of the most prominent contributors to the emirate's comprehensive development and a civilised showcase that reflects its progress and development.
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