Doha’s Hamad International Airport has completed Phase A of its USD 10 billion expansion programme, increasing annual passenger capacity from 50 million to 70 million and adding a landmark central zone featuring new premium lounges, expanded retail and food offerings, and a dramatic tropical indoor garden, as Qatar Airways’ continued network expansion and record traffic volumes drove the urgency to scale the airport’s infrastructure well ahead of 2030 targets.
Hamad International Airport, already rated the world’s best airport by Skytrax for multiple consecutive years, now ranks as the largest airport in the Gulf by capacity, surpassing Dubai International’s current licensed throughput and positioned to maintain that leadership as Phase B of the expansion adds a further 30 million passenger capacity by 2030, taking HIA’s total to 100 million annually.
Qatar Airways Network: 170+ Destinations
Qatar Airways operates more than 170 international destinations from HIA, with a hub-and-spoke model that positions Doha at the centre of optimal routing between Europe, the Americas, Africa and Asia-Pacific. The airline’s 5-star Skytrax rating, extensive Business Class network and superior frequent flyer programme have made Qatar Airways the default premium long-haul carrier for Gulf business travellers and a strong competitor for European and North American routes against Emirates and Etihad.
Al Mourjan Business Lounge Expansion
HIA’s expansion has included a significant enlargement of the Al Mourjan Business Lounge, rated the world’s best airport business class lounge by Skytrax, with new seating capacity, expanded dining, additional private rest suites and enhanced spa facilities. For frequent business travellers through Doha, the lounge upgrade reinforces Qatar Airways’ premium service positioning and makes Doha a more attractive transit hub compared to Dubai and Abu Dhabi for journeys involving long layovers.
For Gulf businesses that rely on efficient air connectivity for regional and international operations, HIA’s expanded capacity is a direct operational benefit, reducing flight frequency constraints, increasing route competition and improving transit connection options across Qatar Airways’ growing network of global destinations.
Also Read: Doha Named GCC Tourism Capital 2026: Qatar Records 1.13 Million Visitors in Q1
Also Read
- Qatar North Field LNG expansion, Phase A complete
- Riyadh Air adds competition on key Gulf aviation routes
- UK-GCC Free Trade Agreement boosts aviation and travel links
- Dubai on track for 10 million visitors as aviation rebounds
Primary source: Hamad International Airport, the operator publishing its own expansion and capacity figures.
