Five concourses at Doha’s Hamad International Airport – A, B, C, D and E will now provide a floor space of 845,000 sq m in the terminal, which represents a growth of 14%, pre-expansion.On March 19, Hamad International Airport unveiled state-of-the-art concourses D and E, marking a major milestone in its expansion and boosting HIA’s passenger capacity to 65mn annually.According to HIA, retail space total 2,700 sq m with nine new retail and F&B outlets.The total area of Concourses D and E is 102,000 sqm (51,000 sqm each). Concourse D provides nine new contact gates while Concourse E eight new contact gates.The total number of contact gates is 62, which represents a 40% increase prior to the expansion.“These ensure greater connectivity, streamlined operations, and significantly reduce bus transfers,” HIA said.Hamad Ali al-Khater, Chief Operating Officer at Hamad International Airport told Gulf Times that this means about 350,000 bus journeys can be avoided annually in terms of moving passengers between the aircraft and the terminal.The expansion of Hamad International Airport with Concourses D and E significantly strengthens connectivity for both passengers and airlines.With increased gate capacity and optimised flight operations, the airport can accommodate a greater number of international carriers and offer more direct routes to key global destinations.The new concourses feature cutting-edge self-boarding systems, streamlining the boarding process for a faster, more efficient journey. Smart technology enables swift document verification, reduces wait times, and ensures smooth transitions from terminal to aircraft.Al-Khater said HIA served almost 53mn passengers in 2024. The airport continues to strengthen its role as a key global hub for airlines and passengers.This development (new concourses) elevates traveller comfort and further establishes Doha as a key global aviation hub.The expansion project, which began in 2018, has now been completed with the opening of Concourse D and E, marking the culmination of the airport's ambitious development plan.This milestone represents the final phase of a transformational journey initiated in 2022 with the unveiling of the ‘ORCHARD’, a 6,000-square-meter indoor tropical garden.The new concourses integrate seamlessly into the existing terminal, introducing cutting-edge technology and enhanced facilities to meet growing passenger demand.The opening of Concourses D and E marks the final phase of Hamad International Airport’s broader expansion, which has introduced several landmark enhancements.At the heart of this transformation is the ‘ORCHARD’, a lush indoor tropical garden that redefines the passenger experience with its serene ambiance and natural beauty.The Central Concourse has been expanded to improve passenger flow and operational efficiency, while an enhanced retail and dining portfolio now features an array of global luxury brands and diverse food and beverage offerings.Ends