Hamad International Airport (HIA) has been ranked second in the Asia-Pacific and Middle East Region for “total connectivity”, according to the latest Airports Council International (ACI) Asia-Pacific and Middle East (ACI APAC & MID) Airport Connectivity Index 2023.
This “exceptional accomplishment” underscores HIA’s “unwavering commitment to providing exceptional connectivity” for travellers worldwide.
As one of the fastest-growing aviation markets concerning air connectivity relative to its population, the airport plays a pivotal role in nurturing global connections.
Developed in partnership with PwC, the ACI APAC & MID Airport Connectivity Report measures passengers’ ability to access global air transport network, capturing both direct and indirect routes also factoring in quality of the service of each connection, such as destination choice, service frequency, onward connectivity, price, contributing to the passenger experience.
The report was announced at the launch of the ACI APAC & MID Middle East office in Riyadh.
HIA chief operating officer Badr Mohamed al-Meer said: "The findings of the report further validates Hamad International Airport’s investment towards expanding its capacity through its multi-phased airport expansion project, which enables future growth and further connectivity building. This ultimately boosts local and global tourism and the aviation industry as a whole.”
“The Middle East stands out for its growth rate for total connectivity and has showcased the strongest recovery post Covid-19 according to the report,” Badr concluded.
Stefano Baronci, Director-General, ACI Asia-Pacific and Middle East (ACI APAC & MID), said: “Congratulations to Hamad Airport for its consistent efforts to enhance its air connectivity network. This serves as a testament to Hamad Airport's unwavering dedication to delivering a broader air connectivity, connecting people and places globally.”
Regarding its airline network, HIA now connects to over 170 destinations, cementing Qatar's reputation as the ultimate travel and sporting destination.
Apart from its national carrier, Qatar Airways’ rapid expansion this year, Hamad International Airport’s position in ACI’s air route connectivity index is also contributed by the commencement of multiple new airline partners, namely American Airlines, Finnair, Malaysia Airlines and Air Algerie and the resumption of Royal Air Maroc, which has allowed the airport’s connectivity to various destinations in North America, Europe, Southeast Asia and North Africa.
During H1, 2023, the airport experienced an “impressive” 33.5% increase in passenger traffic. Over 20mn passengers were welcomed to the facility, reaffirming its status as the favoured hub for millions of travellers.
HIA embarked on its expansion journey with the introduction of Phase A of the growth plan in November 2022, featuring the spectacular indoor tropical garden known as Orchard.
Phase B of the expansion plan, initiated in 2023, is set to significantly increase capacity to over 70mn passengers annually. This expansion is poised to solidify Hamad International Airport's position as an industry leader, especially in light of the International Air Transport Association's (IATA) projection that passenger numbers in the Middle East will double by 2040.