The much-anticipated airport expansion project was officially launched by the Hamad International Airport today after having successfully completed the notable project across the airport. The capacity of the airport has been increased to cater for over 58 million passengers with this new expansion. 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.
Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, H E Akbar Al Baker, 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 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.
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.
