As of Q3 2024, Hamad International Airport (HIA) has achieved remarkable growth, serving over 137 million passengers. This milestone reflects a substantial 26.84% increase in passenger traffic compared to the same period last year, solidifying HIA’s status as one of the busiest airports in the world.

In 2024, Qatar continues to break tourism records. The country witnessed an astonishing 1.163 million visitors by mid-March, marking a staggering 268% increase compared to the same timeframe in 2023. Notably, 45% of these tourists arrived by air, highlighting Hamad International Airport’s crucial role in the nation's travel and tourism sector.

In July 2024, Hamad International Airport achieved a remarkable milestone, marking its busiest month in history. The airport facilitated an impressive number of passenger movements, highlighting its growing reputation as a global aviation hub. This surge in traffic can be attributed to several factors, including the increased demand for international travel and the airport's strategic position serving a diverse range of destinations. Despite the challenges posed by
resurgent global travel, Hamad International Airport’s commitment to excellence in service and efficiency has allowed it to adapt and thrive, further solidifying its status as a leader in the aviation industry.

Celebrating its 10th anniversary in 2024, Hamad International Airport remains Qatar’s primary international hub, located to the east of Doha. Named after the former Emir of Qatar, Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, the airport serves as a vital base for Qatar Airways, the national carrier, and reflects both innovation and grandeur.

Often described as an architectural marvel, Hamad International Airport boasts a unique blend of art and luxury. Among its notable installations is the iconic 23-foot-tall “Untitled Lamp Bear” sculpture prominently displayed in the main atrium. The airport’s expansive duty-free area also boasts over 100 retail outlets, including some of the world’s premier luxury brands. To enhance its offerings, Hamad International Airport unveiled Phase A of its expansion plan in November 2022, featuring nine strategic projects. Key among these is ORCHARD, an impressive indoor tropical garden covering over 6,000 square meters, and housing 65 of the airport’s 180 dining and retail spaces. ORCHARD aims to provide a tranquil environment for travellers to relax and rejuvenate with its unique architectural design, which incorporates a column-free grid shell roof that regulates natural light for the rainforest ecosystem.

Earlier this year, Hamad International Airport (HIA) achieved a significant milestone by receiving LEED Gold certification for the Orchard project, reflecting its commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship. The LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification is a globally recognised mark of excellence in green building, and HIA’s Orchard project exemplifies innovative design and sustainable practices. This certification underscores the airport’s efforts to enhance passenger experience while minimising its ecological footprint. This achievement highlights the airports ongoing dedication to integrating sustainable infrastructure within the aviation industry, aligning with worldwide efforts to combat climate change and promote eco-friendly practices in urban development.

Making strides in the sustainability space, Hamad International Airport was awarded the Global Sustainability Assessment System Design & Build (GSAS-D&B) 4-Star certification, making it the first airport in the region to achieve this status. Furthermore, the airport recently received the ISO 14001 Environmental Management Systems Certification Extension from the British Standards Institution (BSI), affirming its commitment to environmental excellence.

Celebrated for its unwavering commitment to passenger experience, it has consistently been earning accolades for operational excellence. In 2023, it was awarded the title of “Best Airport in the Middle East” by Business Traveller and ranked as the second-best airport in the world.

Engr. Badr Mohammed Al Meer, the former Chief Operating Officer of HIA and now CEO of Qatar Airways, expressed pride in the airport’s achievements, emphasising their ongoing commitment to providing exceptional services and fostering Qatar’s reputation as a desirable travel destination.

As it embarks on Phase B of its expansion, the airport aims to increase capacity to 70 million passengers by expanding Concourses D and E by over 95,000 square meters and introducing a new cargo terminal. In addition to continuing flights to destinations like Heathrow, Bangkok, and Cairo, it has recently added new routes to Lyon, Toulouse, and Birmingham, further enhancing its global connectivity.

Hamad International Airport remains a pivotal hub, seamlessly linking Qatar and the broader Middle East to the world. Cementing its position as a leader in the aviation industry, it successfully fosters tourism and economic growth while set against the backdrop of Qatar’s stunning landscapes and cultural heritage.