Abdulaziz Mohamed al-Noaimi: “Our accomplishment reflects the strong willpower of all Qataris”
By Pratap John/Chief Business Reporter
Doha International Airport (DIA) will be used for the services of Qatar Aeronautical College and Gulf Helicopters once all airlines, including the national carrier Qatar Airways, move their operations to the HIA, said Civil Aviation Authority chairman Abdulaziz Mohamed al-Noaimi.
For many years, Doha International Airport was Qatar’s gateway to the world and home to Qatar’s national airline, Qatar Airways. The airport was also home to the world’s first Premium Terminal dedicated to Qatar Airways’ first and business class passengers.
Some 10 airlines, some of which are budget carriers, have moved their operations to Hamad International Airport following HIA’s soft launch on April 30.
They include Biman Bangladesh Airlines, flydubai, Air Arabia, Iran Air, Air India Express, Yemenia, Pakistan International Airlines, Syrian Airlines, Pegasus Airlines and Nepal Airlines.
National carrier Qatar Airways will move its entire hub operations to Hamad International Airport on May 27, the airline said.
Addressing media at the Hamad International Airport on Wednesday, al-Noaimi said a portion of the existing airport will be kept as a “green strip”.
Asked when HIA proposed to achieve the targeted maximum 50mn passenger capacity annually, he said: “We will reach there once the proposed expansion will be completed.”
However, al-Noaimi said the capacity could go up depending on the air traffic growth in the country, driven by Qatar Airways.
“The targeted capacity at DIA was 9mn. But last year we served 17mn passengers at Doha International Airport,” al-Noaimi said.
Speaking on the iconic Hamad International Airport, he said: “Despite all the challenges, we worked tirelessly and persistently to accomplish this great edifice that will remain a source of pride for our generation and the future generations. Our accomplishment reflects the strong willpower of all Qataris and their determination to accomplish tough missions and make the impossible possible. Challenges and pressures only strengthened our determination,” al-Noaimi said.
“With its luxurious facilities and state-of-the-art technologies, this airport will make travel to and through Qatar an unforgettable experience, offering passengers unique, unparalleled services.
“After years of industrious work in which more than 100 local and international companies, 50,000 workers and more than 1,000 engineers and technicians were involved, Qatar is today witnessing the fruition of its largest development project,” the Civil Aviation Authority chairman said.
“With more than 100 buildings making up this world-class hub, the airport will offer luxury, integrated and harmonious services to more than 50mn passengers, beginning with 30mn today and expanding as the traffic grows,” al-Noaimi added.
