Doha opening

A Qatar Airways A320 flight hosting local dignitaries last week became the first plane to officially land at the newly-opened Hamad International Airport.

The Qatar Airways A320 aircraft, which left Doha International Airport just before 11:00, landed on Hamad International Airport’s easterly runway shortly afterwards.  Upon arrival 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.  The flight, in celebration of the soft opening of the state-of-the-art airport, must have been the shortest airline official operation with passengers of all time.

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

Qatar Airways will move its entire hub operations to Hamad International Airport on 27 May.

Designed to accommodate 30m passengers annually, rising to 50m upon full completion, the airport covers an area of 29sq kms and is 60% built on land reclaimed from the Gulf.  It is sited 3 miles towards the sea from the existing airport, planes now routed well away from the city of Doha.  www.dohaairport.com/hia

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