The World’s Best Airport (according to Skytrax) isn’t resting on its laurels. Instead, it’s making changes to ensure it maintains its prestigious status.
We are, of course, talking about Qatar’s Hamad International Airport (DOH) which is coming out of its 10thanniversary with a range of changes that will instil its global position.
From new uniforms to new routes, record-breaking visitation and expanded infrastructure – there’s a lot going on at Doha’s gateway and we’re here to stay in the loop.
Let’s break down some of the changes they are DOH-ing at Hamad International Airport:
Record-breaking visitation
Despite only being a little over a decade-old, Hamad International Airport welcomed 52.7 million people last year – that’s more than 4 million travellers every month!
The 15% year-on-year growth in air passengers can be attributed to 279,000 planes taking off from the gateway last year – a 10% increase in aircraft movements compared to 2023. The increase is also likely due to Qatar’s ongoing investment in attracting major international events including the FIFA International Cup which was held in Doha late last year, the Qatar Grand Prix, and more.
On a global scale, Hamad International Airport’s growth is in line with total air passenger demand reaching an all-time high last year, with a 10.4% increase worldwide compared to 2023, and 3.8% higher than pre-pandemic levels. Get the full low-down on global stats, here.
Of course, there was a lot of excitement within Hamad International Airport’s team about the record-breaking numbers, with Chief Operating Officer, Hamad Ali Al-Khater, saying it underscores the vision of establishing Qatar as a premier global hub for connectivity, commerce, and tourism.
“These results highlight our operational efficiency, consistent pursuit of innovation, and unwavering commitment to delivering an exceptional passenger experience, which has once again earned us the Skytrax World’s Best Airport Award in 2024,” he said.
Before we move on, let’s give a shout out to Hamad International Airport’s ground handling staff who managed 41.3 million bags in a single year – that’s 10% more than 2023.
New services
To keep up with demand and attract more travellers from around the world, Hamad International Airport increased its global network last year to 197 destinations! Around 55 airlines no fly in and out of the airport, including newbies such as China Southern Airlines, Shenzhen Airlines, Japan Airlines, Garuda Indonesia, and Akasa Air.
More recently, the airport welcomed its first services from Kam Air, Afghanistan’s largest private airline. The new three-times weekly flights between Kabul and Doha reflects growing demand for travel between Afghanistan and Qatar.
Qatar Airways, Hamad’s hub airline, also added several new destinations to its network last year, including Osaka, Hamburg, Lisbon and Toronto. Over the next 12 months, the Qatari carrier is one of many Middle Eastern airlines launching new services, including the resumption of flights between Doha and Saudi Arabia’s Abha as well as Australia’s capital of Canberra.
Keep looking up because you never know where Hamad International Airport could connect to next!
Improving infrastructure
If it ain’t broke don’t fix it, unless you’re in the travel sector, in which case constant change is required to keep up with ever-evolving traveller interests and demands. Hamad International Airport is taking on that approach, with enhancements to its infrastructure over the next few months.
Among the changes travellers can expect on their next walk-through Hamad International Airport is the expanded terminal with Concourse E.
We all love to move through the airport with efficiency and the new expansion does just that, by adding 51,000 square meters of space to the airport and including eight new contact gates for faster boarding.
Concourse E also features self-boarding technology (passport scans), hearing loops, ramps, elevators, and spacious seating for better accessibility. Travellers will also be able to enjoy ergonomic seating arrangements in the concourse and seats equipped with in-built power outlets. There’s also new retail and dining options, as well as sustainable infrastructure.
“This expansion reflects our commitment to delivering world-class facilities that emphasize efficiency, accessibility and sustainability,” said Hamad Ali Al-Khater, the airport’s Chief Operating Officer. “With the launch of Concourse E, travelers can experience the first phase of a transformative expansion aimed at elevating every aspect of their journey.”
Hamad International Airport is also looking to make a few changes to Concourse D, with details expected to be released in the coming weeks.
Stylish staff
Customer service staff are walking around DOH like they’re on a fashion runway, after being “adorned” (as the airport’s team has described) with new uniforms.
The modern, dynamic and practical gear was unveiled recently, just after the gateway completed its 10-year celebrations.
The uniforms were designed by Qatari designer Sheikha Zulfa Al Thani, who impressing the people in charge with a practical and trendy design that’s inspired by the airport’s logo.
The male uniform includes royal blue trousers and white polo shirts, while women can pair a white button-up shirt with either a dark ankle-length skirt or royal blue trouser. Both men and women will wear similar royal blue wind jackets and white sneakers.
“This milestone marks a significant evolution for Hamad International Airport’s brand,” explained Abdulaziz Abdulla Al-Mass, Vice President Marketing & Corporate Communications at Hamad International Airport. “The new uniform is designed to foster engagement and leave a lasting impression on our ever-growing customer base.”
