Qatar Airways

Hamad International Airport (HIA) welcomed a celebratory Qatar Airways’ VIP flight, upon the airport’s soft opening on Wednesday morning.

The Qatar Airways A320 aircraft, which left Doha International Airport at 11:00 a.m., landed on Hamad International Airport’s Easterly runway shortly afterwards.

Upon arrival, flight QR7450 was greeted by a traditional water salute and a warm welcome from gathering crowds at gate B3, on one of the airport’s new concourses.

Following the soft launch, 10 airlines are now operating fully from Hamad International Airport, which includes; Biman Bangladesh Airlines, flydubai, Air Arabia, Iran Air, Air India Express, Yemenia, Pakistan International Airlines, Syrian Airlines, Pegasus Airlines and Nepal Airlines.

Qatar Airways will move its entire hub operations to Hamad International Airport on 27th May, the airline has said.

“Today’s highly anticipated opening of the new airport signifies to the world that Doha is now ready to open its doors for passengers to experience an airport that transforms the travel experience, and it is with much excitement that we await the move of all Qatar Airways flights to this new facility on the 27th May,” said Qatar Airways Chief Executive Officer Akbar Al Baker.

Designed to accommodate 30 million passengers annually, rising to 50 million upon full completion, the airport covers an area of 29 square kilometers and is 60 percent built on land reclaimed from the Gulf.