Doha: Hamad International Airport (HIA) hit a high mark of 41.37 percent increase in passenger footfall as a total of 17.7 million passengers served in 2021 compared to 2020.
Airport cargo operations likewise increased by 20.71 percent, with 2.6 million tonnes of cargo handled in the same period, along with the introduction of six new cargo destinations. Meanwhile, aircraft movement share the same development where it grew by 28.12 percent, with 169,909 total aircraft take-offs and landings at HIA.
HIA Chief Operation Officer, Engr. Badr Mohammed Al Meer said: “While the global aviation industry witnessed another tumultuous year, HIA prevailed and continued to set new benchmarks and achievements; a reflection of the airport’s dedication to ensuring passenger and staff well-being. Qatar’s airport maintained stringent safety procedures to ensure a worry-free passenger experience, formed new partnerships to further HIA’s vision for sustainability and technological innovations, and expanded its lifestyle offerings for its passengers.”
“As the Official Airport Partner of the fast-approaching FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, HIA is looking forward to creating new passenger experiences at the airport, while keeping safety and well-being at the core of our operations. Qatar’s airport realises the importance of the World Cup for incoming fans – many of whom fly across the world to witness the event. We are delighted to welcome them with the unparalleled experience they deserve,” he added.
HIA currently serves a total of 156 destinations, with eight new passenger destinations and one new airline partner, namely RwandaAir, added to HIA’s network in 2021. Dhaka, Male, Dubai, Kathmandu and London were among its busiest departing destinations in 2021.
HIA’s expansion, currently in Phase A, is set to increase its capacity to more than 58 million passengers annually by 2022 and Phase B, which will commence after the 2022 FIFA World Cup Qatar, will increase its capacity to over 60 million passengers.
The ongoing expansion enhances the multi-dimensional offerings of the five-star airport and allows passenger flow to seamlessly connect with the existing terminal.
Passengers will be welcomed with an efficient airport experience, including a minimised travel distance for connections. Clarity and intuitive wayfinding are additional features travellers will benefit from.
HIA has further reduced the stress of travelling with the addition of a lush rainforest and garden as part of its expanded terminal.
MATAR, the Qatari company for airports operation and management, has proactively created a consolidated airport operations plan to align and co-ordinate key stakeholder activities and empower them to elevate their readiness for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022.
MATAR and HIA are also preparing to handle the needs of different passenger groups expected for the mega event. Along with the main passenger terminal, HIA has a dedicated stand-alone terminal as the primary touchpoint to process the arrivals and departures of FIFA teams and delegates.
HIA has also introduced staff training to acclimatise HIA employees with essential airport plans and preparations for the World Cup and align all members to Qatar’s goal of delivering a successful mega tournament.
Recently, it also invested in its green future through the introduction of sustainable measures at its Oryx Airport Hotel. The hotel has successfully replaced all its plastic water bottles with eco-friendly water containers, along with an extensive array of initiatives aimed at increasing the positive environmental impact of the airport.
Supplementing the passenger experience at HIA, Qatar Duty Free (QDF) has led notable efforts in expanding its offerings at the World’s Best Airport.
It has launched numerous new concepts, brand stores and food and beverage outlets including an Adidas store, an Apple shop and Hublot, the Swiss luxury watchmaking house, which officially launched its first travel retail boutique in the region.
QDF also revealed Viale Del Lusso, the luxury fashion avenue, that features Valentino’s first airport boutique in the Middle East, Emilio Pucci’s first stand-alone airport boutiques in the Middle East, Fendi and Jimmy Choo, as well as the first-ever Emporio Armani Ristorante and Emporio Armani Caffè in an airport globally.
Also recently, it kicked off the 2022 with the worldwide travel retail exclusive launch of Moncler’s first-ever own line of fragrances.
Moncler Pour Femme and Moncler Pour Homme will be exclusively available at QDF during the month of January before being launched in the Middle East and worldwide.
It also observed a strong growth in revenue versus 2019, driven by more than 70 percent in uplifts from Sales-Per-Passenger at HIA, which affirmed QDF’s extensive revamp and expansion of its shopping and dining portfolio during the reduced traffic periods during the pandemic.
In 2021, HIA was recognised as the ‘Best Airport in the World 2021,” ranked number one by SKYTRAX World Airport Awards 2021.
The airport’s excellent service and commitment to ensuring a memorable experience also helped HIA receive the “Best Airport in the Middle East” and “Best Airport 25 to 35 million Passengers” accolades. Its consistency in remaining at the forefront of the industry, and in combating the COVID-19 pandemic, also led to the airport’s recognition as “Best Airport Staff in the Middle East,” and “COVID-19 Airport Excellence.”
