Hamad International Airport (HIA) witnessed a significant increase in passenger traffic in 2022, with a 101.9% 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% 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, Hamad International Airport chief operating officer Badr Mohammed al-Meer 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”, he added.
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 24x7 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 some 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.
In 2022, Hamad International Airport 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).
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 58mn 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’.
Consisting of one expansive terminal, the two-time world’s best airport enables travellers to seamlessly transfer from one area to another, exploring the wonders that the premises has to offer with instilled relaxation and hospitality.
Previously located at an area of 600,000 square meters, the expansion has increased the facility to 725,000 square meters – an increase of 125,000 square meters of ultimate tranquillity and profound culture.
Hamad International Airport continues to grow and connect global travellers through its world-class premises – offering exquisite options for passengers and businesses alike. In 2023, the airport headed into phase B of its growth plan, with the plans of increasing its capacity to over 70mn passengers and constructing two new concourses within the existing terminal.
As part of the Qatar National Vision 2030, Hamad International Airport also plans to enhance its sustainability efforts, by investing in new technologies and introducing industry firsts as it looks to sustain its dominance in the aviation industry.