HIA clocks up 'record-high' 10.7mn passengers in 3rd quarter

Hamad International Airport (HIA) has reported welcoming a record-high total of 10.7mn passengers in the third quarter of 2019, making it the “busiest” quarter and summer the airport has ever seen. The record-breaking third quarter saw passenger numbers growing by 10.71% compared to the previous year.

In detail, HIA has served 3,700,729 passengers in July, 3,863,013 in August, and 3,157,086 in September. August is the busiest month ever recorded in HIA’s history, with July being the second busiest month ever recorded. These numbers are inclusive of passengers arriving, departing and transferring through HIA.Qatar’s state-of-the-art terminal has also witnessed a record 60,135 aircraft movements from July to September 2019, which includes aircraft take-offs and landings making it the busiest quarter of the year. This marked a 5.44% increase compared to the same time last year.The airport handled 20,094 aircraft movements in July, 20,361 movements in August and 19,680 movements in September, with August being the busiest month of the year.The airport’s facilities and services, combined with the latest cutting-edge technology integrated into the airport, have contributed significantly to seamlessly facilitating the increased passenger flow.HIA’s drive for excellence has allowed for industry-leading transfer security screening, meaning shorter queuing times at security points which can accommodate up to 6,000 passengers during peak hours.Through the introduction of additional transfer halls, 95% of transfer passengers’ queue for under five minutes. HIA is also the first in the Mena region ready to accept Electronic Bag Tags, providing reduced time spent in queues, a simplified baggage drop process and increased relaxation time at the airport.In addition, it has commissioned 62 next-generation self-check-in and 12 self-bag drop kiosks including future biometric technology capability and provides a seamless experience for passengers with the most advanced digital parking solutions, offering short and long term as well as premium and valet parking.HIA’s record-breaking operations in the third quarter tie in with the airport's strong partnerships with key industry stakeholders such as Qatar Airways, Qatar National Tourism Council (QNTC), The Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy (SC) and Qatar Rail, who have supported its commitment to boosting tourism and promoting Qatar as the preferred destination with world-class experiences.The partnerships have promoted initiatives such as QNTC’s implementation of visa-free entry for citizens of 80 countries and Qatar Airways’ expanded network, which launched 11 new destinations this year, growing its network to over 160 gateways around the world.Additionally, HIA also welcomed new airlines to its portfolio of partners, all highlighting Qatar as the most "open country" in the region and the eighth most open in the world. Qatar Rail will also soon be expanding the Doha Metro’s Red Line station to connect to HIA, allowing passengers a smooth journey to and from the airport with easy access.HIA’s recent collaboration with QNTC, Qatar Airways and QDF also launched the ‘Summer in Qatar’ programme where the award-winning terminal engaged with more than 7mn passengers. As Qatar’s hub, the five-star airport will continue to champion tourism in partnership with its stakeholders, and both encourage and expose its travelers to Qatar’s vibrant heritage, culture and hospitality.As the preferred gateway to explore the world, HIA is within a 6-hour flight of 80% of the world’s population. The airport currently serves over 165 destinations from Qatar and annually connects more than 35mn passengers to all corners of the world. This is also a testament to the rapid growth of Qatar Airways, which currently operates a modern fleet of more than 250 aircraft via its hub at HIA.To sustain the ever-growing passenger demand and support its position as a global hub, HIA is undertaking an ambitious expansion programme to enhance the capacity of the terminal as well as set a new standard in the traveler experience globally. The incredible new plans will propel Hamad International Airport to become a destination in its own right.HIA’s highly anticipated expansion will help accommodate more than 53mn passengers annually by 2022, an increase of almost 30% from its current passenger footfall.HIA has been continuously recognised by prestigious entities for its drive to deliver excellence in operations, facilities, and passenger experience. Hamad International Airport was named “Best Airport in the Middle East” for the fifth consecutive year, ‘Best Staff Service in the Middle East’ for the fourth year in a row and ranked as the “Fourth Best Airport” in the world at the Skytrax World Airport Awards 2019. HIA is currently a candidate for the “Best Airport in the World” award by Skytrax 2020.Passengers who have experienced HIA’s award-winning services and facilities can visit Skytrax’s World Airport Survey website and vote for the airport voting results will be announced in March 2020 at the Skytrax World Airport Awards. Passengers can vote for HIA by visiting the Official Skytrax World Airport Survey website.