Hamad International Airport (HIA) has grown from strength to strength in the last decade. It has become one of the leading aviation hubs in the world with its large range of passenger services and operational efficiency. It proved its mettle when it handled a large volume of passengers arriving and departing the country during the hugely successful FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022. The airport operations and the range of services provided for the fans were widely appreciated by one and all as there was no glitch anywhere nor any delays or confusion. There were a lot of things for the fans to indulge in including various entertainment programmes, hospitality and shopping options, and public art installations by renowned international artists around the airport.
HIA has been reporting constant growth in passenger traffic and cargo movement throughout the years. The airport kept the growth story intact by recording a 33.5% increase in passenger traffic during the first half of 2023. If it manages to keep the momentum going this will be a bumper year with the highest number of annual passengers since the beginning of its operations in 2014. It also witnessed an 18.1% increase in aircraft movements from the same period last year.
One aspect where HIA has consistently scored over most other international airports is the smooth movement of passengers through the airport. Investment in the latest technologies in all departments, including screening, help cut the processing time drastically. HIA utilises state-of-the-art technology to streamline check-in, security, and immigration processes, ensuring a smooth and efficient travel experience. This also enhances security and operational efficiency. During the second quarter of the current year, the average processing time for transferring passengers at security checkpoints was 28 seconds per passenger.
With its vast terminal space and multiple concourses, HIA accommodates millions of passengers annually. It has undergone expansions to meet the growing demand for air travel. HIA consistently ranks as one of the top airports in the Middle East and the world, a testament to its excellence in customer service and operations. Phase B of the airport expansion is currently underway and once completed will increase the airport’s capacity to more than 70 million passengers annually.
HIA has achieved remarkable success in a relatively short time. Its commitment to delivering exceptional services, cutting-edge technology, and sustainability has made it a passenger favourite. As it continues to grow and innovate, HIA is poised to remain a global aviation hub and a shining example of excellence in the industry.
