Commercial airlines shifted their services to the all-new Hamad International Airport today at 9am local time. HIA is now the permanent home of Qatar Airways and is a major boon to the upcoming FIFA World Cup, still due to be hosted in 2022.
Doha International hosted Qatar Airways for 17 years, in which time the airline has expanded from a handful of aircraft to a fleet of 134, flying to 138 destinations. CEO Akbar Al Baker said the new facility will “redefine the international traveller experience and set a new benchmark for airport excellence” and promised an unrivalled passenger experience.
Just four kilometres from the previous Doha hub, more than half of the land used for HIA was reclaimed from the Arabian Gulf. The airport will begin running on three out of five concourses, which allow for 30 million annual passengers, but will eventually have the capacity for 50 million yearly flyers once Concourses D and E open later this year.
The location of HIA in relation to Doha International
The airport will eventually have the capacity to handle 8,700 customers per hour, with 138 check-in counters. Until now, 15 carriers were operating out of HIA as part of a soft launch, which began at the end of April.
The staggered expansion coincides with a dedicated A380 superjumbo service. The airline has 13 of the twin-decked Boeing planes on order, which will arrive this month. Transiting travellers will experience the 600,000 square metre passenger terminal complex, with its arched columns, generous natural lights and numerous works of art.
The airline also recently launched its all-premium ‘Business One’ product on its popular Doha to Heathrow route. The daily Business Class-only flight has boosted the route to 42 weekly services. The Airbus A319 flights are configured in a single aisle, 2-2 seating configuration, offering 40 premium Business Class seats; an experience the airline compares to the 'feel of a VIP jet'.
First and premium lounges are due to open 'within the next two months', according to a spokesperson.