Qatar Airways Successfully Commenced Full Operations At Hamad International Airport

Qatar Airways successfully commenced full operations at its new world-class gateway Hamad International Airport (HIA) last week after a seamless transition from Doha International Airport.

Hundreds of hours of careful preparation meant that the thousands of pieces of equipment were all successfully transferred to HIA allowing Qatar Airways’ first commercial aircraft, QR1113 from Bahrain, to land on time at 09:10.

“The successful start of Qatar Airways operations at HIA last week was the result of years of planning and meticulous preparation,” said Qatar Airways Chief Executive Officer, His Excellency Mr. Akbar Al Baker. “This is a proud moment in the rich history of Qatar Airways, as we will now be able to exceed our passengers’ expectations, both in the air and on the ground.

“It is an amazing achievement to move the entire Qatar Airways operations from one airport to another in less than eight hours. A special airside corridor had to be created, to allow for a swift transition between the two airports and to ensure security compliance. And thousands of pieces of heavy equipment needed to be moved, some of them as heavy as 70 tonnes each. All of this could not have succeeded without an exceptional level of cooperation between Qatar Airways, DIA and HIA airport operations, Customs and the Ministry of Interior.”

A total of 2,400 Ground Service Equipment (GSE) items were moved by Operational Readiness and Airport Transition (ORAT) and Qatar Aviation Services (QAS) with 1,150 items being self-driven, and remaining 1,250 items being transported by contracted forwarding company, Panalpina.

A total of 56 cranes with a loading capacity of 50 to 200 tonnes, as well as 40 forklifts and 80 trailers had to be used for loading and unloading the heaviest, widest and tallest GSE equipment including a 70-tonne pushback tractor, Main Deck Loaders, high loaders and tractors. These core items needed careful transportation, particularly the tallest piece of equipment, the 5.65-metre passenger steps, and the Pushback and Main Deck Loaders which were the widest pieces of equipment at almost five metres.

Passengers now travelling via Qatar Airways at HIA are able to take advantage of the many new services available at the airport, from the free Wi-Fi to the play areas for children, the multiple quiet areas in which they can relax, and the amazing array of shopping and eating options.

With more than 70 retail outlets offering an unprecedented selection of designer labels, high street fashion, electronics, gourmet foods and much more, Qatar Duty Free at HIA also has more than 30 cafes and restaurants with a sumptuous selection of global and local cuisine.

All passengers travelling via HIA are advised to arrive three hours before their flight, with check-in closing one hour before departure for Economy Class, and 45 minutes before departure for First and Business Class. e-Gates are already operational in both the departures and arrivals areas, offering holders of an e-Gate Card a swift journey through the new airport.

Helpful HIA staff will also be readily available to assist at information desks and throughout the airport.

The new airport is located on the East coast of the peninsula, just 16km from the centre of Doha and 4km from DIA. Due to an elaborate newly-built road infrastructure surrounding HIA, arrival time to the airport is around 25 minutes, depending on traffic. Qatar Airways’ passengers can travel to HIA via car, bus, taxi or limo services.