Doha: Hamad International Airport officially launched today its much anticipated airport expansion project, successfully completing notable project across the airport.
With this new expansion, the capacity of the airport has been increased to cater for over 58 million passengers.
The next phase will commence early 2023 which will further increase the capacity of HIA to over 75 million and construct two new concourses within the existing terminal.
In a press conference held in Doha today, H E Akbar Al Baker, Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive said this expansion marks a major step in terms of advancement of tourism in Qatar through the Hamad International Airport, especially given the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022. "
For years Hamad International Airport has continuously delivered on its promise to define elegance, style and sustainability as befitting the leading airport of the world," he added.
He also revealed that four bridges will be built on the west side and a train station will be established under the building.
The newly inaugurated facilities at the airport include:
1. Central Concourse - The Orchard
2. Retail and F&B, The Orchard
3. Oryx Garden Hotel and North Plaza Lounges
4. Al Mourjan Business Lounge - The Garden
5. Remote Transfer Baggage Facility, where bags can be automatically tracked, retrieved and rerouted.
6. Virtual Air Traffic Control Tower
7. Western Taxiway and Stand Development covering an area of 10 sq km. there will be additional 34 new western aircraft stands and 5 new aircraft stands located on Victor taxiway. This will be in addition to 140 aircraft stands that the airport has.
8. Western and Midfield Fuel Farms
9. Cargo bridging
"The state of the art expansion features some of the most innovative enhancements, enabling passengers to experience the world's best airport as a destination in itself. We think people won't want to leave and so have two hotels to accomodate our guests," said Al Baker.
The Orchard is an 6,000 sq metre indoor tropical garden located at the centre of the newly expanded terminal. One of its most attractive features is the 575 sq meter water feature which is an aquatic plant fitted into a sustainable bio pond, that will be the focal point for visitors at Hamad International Airport.
Photo credit: Qatar News Agency (QNA)
With a host of different flora, The ORCHARD features over 300 trees and more than 25,000 plants sourced from sustainable forests from around the world.
The unique design of the area allows trees and plants to easily adapt to the internal conditions and grow throughout the life of the airport - with natural light to create calming ambiance and promote a sense of wellbeing to all who venture inside.
The construction of the new cargo warehouses will have facility with two temperature zones and allow for 20 landside truck docks for collection of import cargo. The warehouse will also have customer service office with 32 counters.