QATAR. Qatar Airways CEO Akbar Al Baker is promising a “memorable” experience for passengers at Hamad International Airport (HIA) as Doha’s new hub readies for its soft opening next month.
The airport will welcome passengers flying with ten foreign airlines – Air Arabia, Air India Express, Biman Bangladesh Airlines, flydubai, Iran Air, Nepal Airlines, Pakistan International Airlines, RAK Airways, Syrian Air and Yemen Airways – operating out of Concourse B, on 1 April.
Meanwhile, Qatar Airways Group, which will manage and operate the airport, will move its entire operations from the existing Doha International Airport (DIA) to Hamad International by the end of the year.
 |
The design of the new airport is influenced by the waves of the Arabian Gulf |
Qatar Airways Chief Executive Officer Akbar Al Baker said: “The State of Qatar is just days away from the opening of its brand new airport which will surely set the standards in the regional and global aviation industry.
“This will be a memorable experience for passengers and visitors alike as we welcome the first few airlines to their new home on April 1 before Qatar Airways switches its entire operations to HIA by the end of the year.”
Upon entering the site, signage will direct passengers to the eastern side of the short term car park, located opposite the passenger terminal complex. There are pick up and drop off areas located on both the departure and arrival floors and a bus pavilion located outside Concourse A for passengers using the public bus route or the shuttle bus provided by DIA.
Passengers wanting a beverage or snack before they fly will be able to visit the café located in Concourse B at the far end of level 1. Before boarding, they will also be able to visit the express duty free store to browse a wide range of products on offer or pick up any last-minute items. A newsagent will also be available for passengers to purchase magazines, books and newspapers.
Other facilities available at HIA include a male and female prayer room and a smoking room located in Concourse B. In addition, HIA will offer all passengers and visitors free WiFi to access from their personal devices throughout the airport.
For families travelling through HIA, there are two specially designated areas located in Concourse B. Families with young children will be able to utilise baby strollers available at HIA on a complimentary basis from airport customer services.
 |
Qatar Duty Free will run the retail operation at Hamad International Airport. Pictured above and below are renderings of the spectacular shopping offer that is planned |
 |
 |
Located 4km east of DIA, the new airport has been primarily built on reclaimed land and is set against a man made lagoon and landscaping, creating a “lush green environment to complement the airport’s natural bay and coastal setting”, according to the airport operator.
The roof of the passenger terminal complex creates an architectural feature, the design of which is influenced by the waves of the Arabian Gulf.
With the ten airlines operating exclusively from HIA from 1 April, there will be around 32 passenger flights departing daily from HIA, equating to approximately 222 flights per week.
In addition to Qatar Airways, another 19 airlines will continue operating from DIA until their move to Hamad International at the end of the year.
 |
 |
 |
