Tribune News Network
Doha
Passenger traffic at Hamad International Airport (HIA) more than doubled in 2022 as it welcomed 35.7 million passengers throughout the year, an increase of 101.9 percent year-on-year.
The airport also saw an increase in overall aircraft movements, which jumped 28.2 percent from 2021 to 217,875 in 2022. The year concluded with 44 airline partners operating to and from HIA, which currently serves over 170 destinations around the world.
In 2022, HIA retained its title as the “Best Airport in the World” for the second consecutive year and launched phase A of its expansion project. As part of the MATAR, the Qatar Company for Airports Operation and Management - Airport Operations Plan, HIA and Doha International Airport (DIA) further enhanced its airport operations during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 and introduced customer-centric activities and operations in order to deliver a safe, seamless and memorable experience.
Reflecting on 2022, Badr Mohammed Al Meer, Chief Operating Officer at HIA, said: “The year 2022 will remain a significant and memorable year as Hamad International Airport maintained operational excellence as our passenger and aircraft movements increased. This is attributed to our forward-thinking and preparedness for the expected increase in passenger numbers, investing in our people to deliver the best customer experience to our passengers.
“For the year 2023, phase B of our expansion plan started in January, as a part of our strategy to further increase our airline and commercial partners and introduce bespoke retail and F&B offering for passengers.”
Qatar 2022
During the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, both airports implemented a robust Airport Operations Plan, which proved its effectiveness throughout the tournament. The plan included a dedicated Event Management Centre operated 24/7 by experienced staff on-ground, coordination with all stakeholders to ensure smooth connectivity from and to the airport, the city and the stadiums and training and development.
Doha International Airport (DIA) played an instrumental part in MATAR’s airport operations plan, welcoming 13 scheduled airline operators to its premises, to help ease air traffic during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022. Both airports also welcomed six new strategic airline partners attributed to the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022.
As part of its operational preparations to welcome millions of visitors, MATAR also introduced a Passenger Overflow Area at both Hamad International Airport (DOH) and Doha International Airport (DIA), offering fans an extended memorable experience and seamless connectivity throughout both airports.
Passengers arriving and departing from Hamad International Airport got to experience FIFA-themed events comprised of match day performances which included over 30 parades. The airport also introduced a mosaic photo wall, several fan zones and viewing zones as well as dedicated kids’ zones, in addition, activities like augmented reality virtual football with interactive La’eeb Mascot, a dedicated “try your teams’ jersey” booth for football fans to take photos with their favourite team jersey and more.
