Doha: Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive HE Akbar Al Baker announced yesterday, 6 September, the opening of the expansion of Hamad International Airport (HIA) in October as scheduled.
At the Global Tourism Forum in Brussels, Al Baker said that HIA's expansion will make the experience of traveling through it more exciting.
According to Qatar Airways' statement on Twitter, Al Baker confirmed that Qatar is fully prepared to host the largest international sporting event, the 2022 FIFA World Cup Qatar.
He added that Qatar completed the construction of 8 international stadiums in record time to announce its readiness for the sports infrastructure to host such an event, which is the first of its kind in the Middle East.
After expansion, Hamad International Airport will increase its capacity to over 53 million passengers.
In a recent interview, Al Baker said: “The expansion of Hamad International Airport is a vital part of the future success of the Qatar Airways Group, and of course of the country’s preparations to host the 2022 World Cup and beyond. It is also a strong sign that Qatar’s economy is robust and acts as a further economic stimulus, providing excellent opportunities for local and international contractors."
Over the years, HIA has played a critical role as a key contributor to the diversification of the nation's economy. In the fiscal year 2019-20, Qatar's airport has recorded significant growth momentum in its operational capacity and championed technology adoption.
The work of the final phase of the expansion of Hamad International Airport will begin in January 2023. The expansion will increase the capacity of the airport to handle over 65 million passengers annually.
