Qatar Airways to operate from HIA starting 27 May

Qatar Airways will officially start operating from Hamad International Airport (HIA) on 27 May 2014, making HIA the new base for the State of Qatar's national carrier, the airline has said today.

Qatar Airways, which has been operating out of Doha International Airport for 17 years, has grown from regionally operating only a handful of aircrafts to managing 134 aircraft flying to 138 international destinations.

The new airport is designed to support the growth of the airline and the move to HIA is set to compliment Qatar Airways’ five-star service, said Qatar Airways.

“We have been planning for this day for a long time and May 27 will be a momentous day for both the State of Qatar and Qatar Airways as we commence operations from Hamad International Airport,” said Qatar Airways Chief Executive Officer Akbar Al Baker.

“This airport will redefine the international traveller experience and set a new benchmark for airport excellence, and will enable Qatar Airways to offer our passengers an unrivaled experience.”

Located four kilometres from the current Doha International Airport, HIA was built on land 60% reclaimed from the sea. The airport, which will operate Concourses A, B and C initially, can accommodate 30 million passengers annually and eventually accommodate 50 million passengers a year through the airport’s full capacity when Concourses D and E are fully operational.

The airport features 138 check-in counters across 5 islands, comprising of 108 counters for Qatar Airways’ Economy passengers and all other airlines; 14 seated check-in areas for Qatar Airways’ First Class passengers; and 16 counters dedicated to Qatar Airways’ Business Class passengers. In addition, HIA will operate 41 contact gates, which will increase to 65 once the airport opens Concourses D and E with six of the gates being fully dedicated to servicing the Airbus A380 aircraft, of which Qatar Airways has 13 on order with the first delivery expected in early June.

Travellers transiting through HIA can experience the new 600,000 square metre passenger terminal complex, which features arched columns, generous natural lights as well as works of art commissioned specifically for airport. High-end retail and food and beverage outlets; activity nodes, which include computers with internet access, children’s play and rest areas; and countless other designer and functional touches will take the HIA travel experience to a whole new level.

Following the soft opening of the airport on 30 April, 10 airlines are already flying in and out of Hamad International Airport, including; Biman Bangladesh Airlines, flydubai, Air Arabia, Iran Air, Air India Express, Yemenia, Pakistan International Airlines, Syrian Airlines, Pegasus Airlines and Nepal Airlines.