Latest news with #AliSalimAlMidfa
Zawya
17-07-2025
- Business
- Zawya
9.1mln passengers travel through Sharjah Airport in H1 2025
SHARJAH: Sharjah Airport recorded strong operational growth during the first half of 2025, with the number of passengers rising to 9,110,397, an increase of 10% compared to the same period in 2024, which saw 8,313,811 passengers. Aircraft movements also increased by 4.3%, reaching 54,953 compared to 52,695 movements during the first half of last year. Cargo handling operations registered a record growth of 6.36%, with total volumes reaching 102,427 tonnes. These results reflect the airport's operational flexibility and efficiency in accommodating the continued growth in regional and international travel and cargo movement. Ali Salim Al Midfa, Chairman of Sharjah Airport Authority, affirmed that these positive results are the outcome of continued investments aimed at meeting the expectations of all passengers in collaboration with various strategic partners. The goal remains to position Sharjah Airport among the top five airports in the region and reinforce its leadership in delivering advanced services and a safe, seamless travel experience. His Excellency also pointed out that the growth trajectory is expected to continue in the coming period, especially with ongoing expansion projects set to increase the airport's capacity to 25 million passengers annually by the end of 2027. He added, 'Sharjah Airport continues to align with Sharjah's aspirations to be a preferred destination for travel, tourism, and business, through our ongoing commitment to implementing ambitious development plans. These plans focus on enhancing infrastructure and smart services while embracing the latest technologies and sustainable practices. This contributes to strengthening the confidence of passengers, airlines, and cargo operators, delivering a fully integrated travel experience in line with the highest international standards and supporting our contribution to sustainable development and investment growth across the UAE and the wider region.' Sharjah Airport Authority continues to implement comprehensive development projects, driving this growth through an expanding network of destinations and a steadfast focus on delivering an exceptional travel experience while maintaining operational excellence. The airport boasts a wide and growing network of regional and international destinations through strategic partnerships with numerous airlines. This diversity enhances its role as a vital hub connecting continents, offering passengers flexible and integrated travel options that cater to both business and leisure needs.
Khaleej Times
16-07-2025
- Business
- Khaleej Times
Sharjah Airport welcomes 9.11 million passengers in first half of 2025
Sharjah Airport on Wednesday said it received 9.11 million passengers during the first half of 2025 compared to 8.313 million during the same period last year, an increase of 10 per cent. Ali Salim Al Midfa, chairman of Sharjah Airport Authority, said these positive results are the outcome of continued investments aimed at meeting the expectations of all passengers in collaboration with various strategic partners. He pointed out that the growth trajectory is expected to continue in the coming period, especially with ongoing expansion projects set to increase the airport's capacity to 25 million passengers annually by the end of 2027. 'Sharjah Airport continues to align with Sharjah's aspirations to be a preferred destination for travel, tourism, and business, through our ongoing commitment to implementing ambitious development plans. These plans focus on enhancing infrastructure and smart services while embracing the latest technologies and sustainable practices. This contributes to strengthening the confidence of passengers, airlines, and cargo operators, delivering a fully integrated travel experience in line with the highest international standards and supporting our contribution to sustainable development and investment growth across the UAE and the wider region,' he said. As the air traffic continues to grow, the Sharjah Airport has been expanding its capacity to accommodate growth. Sharjah Airport Authority aim to position the emirate's airport among the top five airports in the region. In June, it announced that over 800,000 passengers would travel through the airport from July 1 to 15, 2025, due to summer travel. Earlier this month, Sharjah Airport announced the resumption of direct flights to the Syrian capital, Damascus, by Air Arabia. The route will operate twice daily between Sharjah Airport and Damascus International Airport, marking the return of this vital connection after a year-long suspension. Ethiopian Airlines became the latest carrier on June 2 to operate from Sharjah Airport, reflecting Sharjah's rising status on the regional and international aviation map, as more global airlines choose the airport as a strategic operational hub linking the Middle East with the African continent. Aircraft movements increased by 4.3 per cent to 54,953 during H1 2025 compared to 52,695 movements during the first half of last year. Cargo handling operations registered a record growth of 6.36 per cent, with total volumes reaching 102,427 tonnes.
Gulf Today
11-07-2025
- Business
- Gulf Today
Air Arabia flights to Damascus take off
Air Arabia, the Middle East and North Africa's first and largest low-cost carrier (LCC) operator, today celebrated the resumption of its non-stop service between Sharjah and Damascus. The departure ceremony at Sharjah International Airport this morning was attended by Ali Salim Al Midfa, Chairman of Sharjah Airport Authority, Air Arabia Group Chief Executive Officer Adel Al Ali, and Ziad Yahya Zaher Edin, Chargé d'Affaires of the Consulate General of the Syrian Arab Republic in the UAE. Upon arrival at Damascus International Airport, the flight was welcomed with a special ceremony attended by the airport senior management and other distinguished guests. The launch marks the resumption of Air Arabia's operations to the Syrian capital, reinforcing the airline's commitment to expanding regional connectivity and providing customers with affordable and convenient air travel options. The route operates with double daily non-stop flights, offering passengers more flexibility and seamless travel between the UAE and Syria. WAM
Al Bawaba
11-07-2025
- Business
- Al Bawaba
Sharjah Airport and Air Arabia Celebrate the Resumption of Direct Flights to Damascus
As part of its ongoing commitment to expanding its network and strengthening air connectivity with brotherly nations, Sharjah Airport has announced the resumption of direct flights to the Syrian capital, Damascus, operated by Air Arabia. The route will operate twice daily between Sharjah Airport and Damascus International Airport, marking the return of this vital connection after a years-long inaugural flight was launched in a welcoming ceremony attended by His Excellency Ali Salim Al Midfa, Chairman of Sharjah Airport Authority (SAA); Dr. Ziad Yahya Zahreddine, Consul General of the Syrian Arab Republic in the UAE; H.E. Adel Al Ali, Group Chief Executive Officer of Air Arabia; along with a number of officials and directors from SAA, representatives from airport-based entities, the Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority, and the Sharjah Department of Government Air Connectivity and Facilitating Travel for All Passenger SegmentsH.E. Ali Salim Al Midfa, Chairman of Sharjah Airport Authority, stated that the resumption of direct flights between Sharjah and Damascus marks a significant milestone in the airport's strategic expansion journey. It underscores the SAA's steadfast commitment to enhancing air connectivity and facilitating travel for various segments of passengers.'This step reflects our ongoing efforts to position Sharjah Airport as a leading travel gateway, while contributing to the growth of economic and tourism exchanges between the UAE and Syria,' he added, 'At Sharjah Airport Authority, we continue to implement our comprehensive vision focused on improving the quality of services offered to passengers. Backed by advanced infrastructure and a skilled workforce, we aim to ensure a seamless and safe travel experience. Through our continued collaboration with strategic partners, we are consistently working to attract new destinations and provide an operational environment that adheres to the highest international standards — reinforcing Sharjah's growing reputation as a leading regional and international aviation hub.'Flexible and Comfortable Travel Options to Support Passenger MobilityThis decision comes in response to the increasing demand for travel between the UAE and Syria and highlights Sharjah Airport's pivotal role in fostering social and economic ties between the two countries. The resumption of this route offers passengers greater flexibility and comfort, facilitating easier mobility and enabling them to stay connected with their families and loved the Latest Technological Solutions to Ensure Optimal Operational Efficiency Sharjah Airport Authority continues to strengthen its efforts to attract more regional and international airlines and expand its network of strategic partnerships to launch new routes in line with the rapid growth in travel demand. These efforts are supported by the adoption of cutting-edge technological solutions that ensure the highest levels of operational efficiency, along with the development of innovative services aimed at enhancing the overall experience for passengers and stakeholders.
Arabian Post
11-07-2025
- Business
- Arabian Post
Air Arabia Reinitiates Sharjah–Damascus Flights
Arabian Post Staff -Dubai Air Arabia has recommenced double daily non‑stop flights between Sharjah and Damascus from 10 July 2025, marking a pivotal renewal of air connectivity between the UAE and Syria. The low‑cost carrier's decision, following a suspension since 2012, responds to rising demand and broader regional diplomatic easing. The carrier's reinstated schedule includes two early departures from Sharjah at 04:15 and 10:45, landing in Damascus at 06:30 and 13:00, respectively. Return services depart Damascus at 07:30 and 14:00, arriving in Sharjah at approximately 11:40 and 18:10 local time. Utilising Airbus A320s and A321s, Air Arabia's fleet will provide in‑flight entertainment via 'SkyTime', on‑board dining through 'SkyCafe', and loyalty benefits under its 'Air Rewards' programme. ADVERTISEMENT During a launch ceremony at Sharjah International Airport, attendees included Adel Al Ali, Group CEO of Air Arabia, and Ali Salim Al Midfa, Chairman of Sharjah Airport Authority, indicating the route's strategic significance. A reception at Damascus International Airport featured UAE Ambassador Hasan Ahmed Mohammed Sulaiman Alshehhi and Syria's Chargé d'Affaires Ziad Yahya Zaher Edin. CEO Al Ali emphasised the route's importance in serving the substantial Syrian diaspora in the UAE, estimated at over 350,000 individuals, and facilitating enhanced travel for business, tourism, and family visits. He remarked, 'This route holds particular significance in serving the Syrian diaspora in the region and meeting the growing travel demand between the UAE and Syria.' The airline anticipates this service will bolster trade ties, with bilateral trade having reached US $680 million in 2024—a 23 percent increase over 2023. Air Arabia's restoring of direct flights aligns with a wider trend of regional airlines re‑engaging Syria. Emirates is scheduled to recommence services to Damascus from 16 July, expanding to daily flights by October. Flydubai resumed operations on 26 June. Additionally, national carrier Syrian Air has restarted several regional services since January, while Qatar Airways reinstated a Doha‑Damascus route in early January. Turkish budget airline Anadolu Jet launched flights from Istanbul and Ankara in April. Damascus International Airport itself underwent closure during an opposition offensive in December 2024, later reopening with limited commercial flights. Full international traffic resumed in January 2025, with renovation support from Turkey in February. The renewal of these services carries deeper geopolitical significance, reflecting a subtle shift in diplomatic engagement with Syria. In April, the UAE's General Civil Aviation Authority formally lifted suspensions on flights to Syria, and UAE‑Syrian ministerial talks have since addressed aviation, banking, and consular matters. Travel agents and industry analysts have interpreted the move as a calculated expansion of Air Arabia's network, offering cost‑conscious alternatives to Gulf‑Europe‑Syria itineraries, especially for the UK and Europe‑based Syrian diaspora. The airline's fare structure and twice‑daily service are expected to attract both long‑standing diaspora links and emerging trade flows. Independent aviation analysts note that Air Arabia's streamlined operations, lean cost base, and digital platform—covering bookings via website, app, call centre, and travel agencies—are key competitive advantages. The company now serves more than 90 global destinations, including recent additions such as Sochi, Prague, and expansion within Russia and Europe. Despite the optimism, security concerns remain. Damascus Airport was only partially reopened in January, and while the civil aviation authority has announced upgrades, full operational stability depends on infrastructure restoration and geopolitical calm. Some observers caution that air travel to Syria may still face intermittent regulatory or safety challenges, advising prospective travellers to monitor advisories and airlines' updates closely. Nevertheless, the resumption of the Sharjah–Damascus route represents a turning point for mobility in the region. By restoring a decade‑long link, Air Arabia reinforces its position as a catalyst for regional integration and economic exchange, while filling a transport gap for displaced communities and traders across the Gulf.
