THE new Hamad International Airport formerly known as New Doha International Airport (NDIA) will receive its first passenger flights in April this year, while cargo operations will begin this month. This was revealed as high ranking state officials, members of the Shura, business leaders and a select gathering of media were provided an exclusive preview of the airport and its stunning Passenger Terminal Complex.
The event was organised under the patronage of Sheikh Hamad bin Jassim bin Jaber Al Thani, Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, by the New Doha International Airport (NDIA) Steering Committee, led by its chairman Abdul Aziz Al Noaimi.
Al Noaimi said: “Design, art, substance and safety intersect to create an unparalleled, never-before passenger experience.”
The airport marks a new chapter in Qatar’s aviation industry. The aviation hub is a world-class facility that is all set to redefine passenger and transit experience and the national carrier’s future home, said officials.
The Hamad International Airport’s tranquil waterside setting provides a perfect backdrop for its stylish architectural elements underpinned by leading edge technology. Two world-class runways, reputed to be among the longest in the world, a state-of-the-art crescent moon-inspired air traffic control tower, a stunning passenger terminal with a capacity of 30 million passengers per year, over 25,000 sq m of retail and food & beverage facilities are part of the new airport complex.
Phase one of the new $15.5 billion airport is slated to handle over 28 million passengers a year, with capacity expected to double by the time the airport is fully operational in 2020.