Qatar Airways gears up for historic move to Hamad International Airport

Monday, 19 May 2014 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Airline to officially operate out of state-of-the-art facility commencing 27 May

Qatar Airways will officially move to its new home at Hamad International Airport (HIA), the world’s newest state-of-the art hub, on 27 May, when the world-class facility will become the new home for the national carrier of the State of Qatar. Qatar Airways, which has been operating out of Doha International Airport for 17 years, has grown from operating only a handful of aircraft regionally to today where it has 134 aircraft flying to 138 international destinations. The move to HIA’s state-of-the-art facilities is set to compliment Qatar Airways five-star service. HIA will offer passengers a new standard in international travel and help in supporting Qatar Airways as it continues to grow its operations through its continuous fleet and route expansion.

“We have been planning for this day for a long time and May 27 will be a momentous day for both the State of Qatar and Qatar Airways as we commence operations from Hamad International Airport,” said Qatar Airways Chief Executive Officer Akbar Al Baker. “This airport will redefine the international traveller experience and set a new benchmark for airport excellence, and will enable Qatar Airways to offer our passengers an unrivalled experience.” HIA, the world’s newest international hub, is located four kilometres from the current Doha International Airport, and was built on land of which 60% was reclaimed from the sea. The airport, which will operate Concourses A, B and C initially, will have the capacity to accommodate 30 million passengers annually upon opening and will redefine airport excellence. HIA will eventually accommodate 50 million passengers a year once Concourses D and E are opened and the airport is operating at full capacity. The state-of-the-art facility features 138 check-in counters across 5 islands, comprising of 108 counters for Qatar Airways’ Economy passengers and all other airlines; 14 seated check-in areas for Qatar Airways’ First Class passengers; and 16 counters dedicated to Qatar Airways’ Business Class passengers. In addition, HIA will operate 41 contact gates, which will increase to 65 once the airport opens Concourses D and E with six of the gates being fully dedicated to servicing the Airbus A380 aircraft, of which Qatar Airways has 13 on order with the first delivery expected in early June. Travellers transiting through Hamad International Airport will have the opportunity to fully experience the new 600,000 square metre passenger terminal complex, which features arched columns, generous natural lights as well as works of art which were commissioned specifically for the state-of-the-art airport. High-end retail and food and beverage outlets; activity nodes, which include computers with internet access, children’s play and rest areas; and countless other designer and functional touches will take the HIA travel experience to a whole new level. Following the soft opening of the airport on April 30, 10 airlines are already flying in and out including Biman Bangladesh Airlines, flydubai, Air Arabia, Iran Air, Air India Express, Yemenia, Pakistan International Airlines, Syrian Airlines, Pegasus Airlines and Nepal Airlines.