Tribune News Network
Doha
Hamad International Airport (HIA) witnessed a significant increase in passenger traffic in 2022, with a 101.9 percent Year-on-Year surge, making this a milestone year as the airport welcomed 35,734,243 passengers.
The airport also saw an increase in overall aircraft movements of 217,875, a 28.2 percent growth compared to 2021, and concluded 2022 with 44 airline partners operating to and from Hamad International Airport.
The Airport currently serves over 170 destinations around the world.
In 2022, Hamad International Airport 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, Hamad International Airport 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, Engr Badr Mohammed Al Meer, chief operating officer at Hamad International Airport, 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 and investing in our people to deliver the best customer experience to our passengers.”
FIFA World Cup 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.
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.
Back-to-back accolades
In 2022, HIA was recognised as the ‘Best Airport in the World 2022’ for the second year in a row by the prestigious Skytrax Airport Awards. The airport’s excellent service and commitment to ensuring a memorable experience also helped receive the ‘Best Airport in the Middle East’ for a sixth time in a row.
The airport was also awarded the International Standards Organisation ISO 14001 Environmental Management certification from international standards body British Standards Institution (BSI) Group and four projects from phase A of its expansion plan achieved a 4-star rating under the Global Sustainability Assessment System (GSAS) from Gulf Organization for Research & Development (GORD).
HIA expansion
In November 2022, Hamad International Airport officially unveiled phase A of its impressive airport expansion plan which included nine projects to the world, enriching passengers’ experiences and transforming the airport into an extraordinary memorable destination. The expansion increases the capacity of the airport to over 58 million passengers per year and offers visitors an abundance of world-class services, a second airport hotel, multiple lounges and a futuristic, modern indoor tropical garden – the ORCHARD.
Previously located at an area of 600,000 square metres, the expansion has increased the facility to 725,000 square metres – an increase of 125,000 square metres of ultimate tranquillity and profound culture. In 2023, the airport headed into phase B of its growth plan, with the plans of increasing its capacity to over 70 million passengers and constructing two new concourses within the existing terminal.
