Hamad International Airport (HIA) continues to deliver impressive performance during these exceptional circumstances created by COVID-19 outbreak. The world-class airport witnessed a 4.7 rise in cargo handling during the first quarter of current year compared to same quarter last year. It handled 529,436 tonnes of cargo during the first quarter of 2020. HIA handled 529,436 tonnes of cargo in the first quarter of 2020, with 176,279 tonnes in January, 173,248 tonnes in February and 179,909 tonnes in March.
HIA is also robustly minimising any risks to the health and safety of passengers and staff. As a vital pillar to Qatar’s national economy, HIA’s doors remain open as it continues its operations to take people home to their family through Doha, and to ensure food security of Qatar through cargo.
In terms of hygiene measures, HIA has implemented stringent cleaning procedures and closed most of the non-essential passenger facilities. All passenger touch-points are sanitized every 10-15 minutes. All boarding gates and bus gate counters are cleaned after each flight. Staff working at the airport have been provided additional training in terms of protecting themselves and others in light of the current situation and implementing the highest health and safety measurements.
In addition, hand sanitizers are provided at immigration and security screening points. A social distancing policy has been implemented at the airport, and staff are allowed to wear masks and disposable gloves to protect them from any infection. All staff are briefed to change their masks in line with WHO recommendations.
Transfer passengers are being processed in a strategic way that minimises contact with staff and each other, to ensure social distancing. Most food courts and food outlets have been temporarily closed following Qatar’s Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) guidelines. Some food and beverage outlets remain operational with passengers following social distancing measures. HIA has also suspended retail and service outlets except for some essential stores like the pharmacy. HIA also stopped the use of passenger trains, escalators, moving walkalators and elevators, and have stopped the use of baby strollers and prayer rooms.
In line with WHO (World Health Organisation) guidance, the airport has also developed a hygiene advisory that guides passengers and staff on how to wash hands, when to seek medical advice, whom to inform if they are feeling unwell, what to use if they don’t have access to soap and water, and what to avoid. This content is available at all passenger touch-points and screens across the terminal. The airport is winning praise from travellers across the world for its world-class infrastructure and services.
