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Qatar Airways will expand its global network to more than 170 destinations during the 2026-2027 winter season, the airline has announced. The airline offered the media a detailed tour of its facilities yesterday during a Media Open Day and highlighted the services available at Hamad International Airport (HIA). Several senior officials from the national carrier explained the roles of the organisation’s departments and how they contribute to the carrier’s successful operations. The airline expects around 4mn passengers during this winter season, with an average of over 510 daily flights. There were 96,031 passenger flights from January to August 2026, and 319,000 passengers used self-service check-in kiosks. The airline also said that there were 9.4mn departing passenger journeys during the first seven months of 2026 and 74,000 passengers used self-service bag drop in 2026. The rollout of Fast Pass biometric technology has already recorded approximately 27,000 passenger enrolments, helping create a faster and more seamless airport experience. HIA operates as one expansive terminal with five concourses — (A, B, C, D, E), delivering a seamless journey for passengers across every touchpoint. The airport has 62 contact gates, over 6mn annual passenger capacity, and 138 check-in counters. There is an area of 845,000sq m passenger terminal and 6,000sq m Orchard indoor tropical garden integrated within the airport experience. The media day activities included a visit to Qatar Airways Group facilities, including HIA, the Integrated Operations Centre, and the aircraft maintenance hangar, offering key insights into the complex co-ordination and operational expertise required to deliver world-class performance across one of the industry’s expansive global networks. “The winter schedule will see Qatar Airways operate more than 186 weekly flights across Africa, Asia Pacific, Europe, the Americas and the Middle East, providing passengers with greater choice and seamless experiences through its award-winning hub at Hamad International Airport. This reflects the airline’s network growth and reinforces its position as a leader in global connectivity,” said the airline. With nearly 1,800 weekly frequencies planned during December 2026, Qatar Airways is entering the winter season with greater scale and a robust global footprint, delivering more choice and connectivity for global travellers. The visit to the carrier’s Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facility provided an important insight into Qatar Airways’ operational ecosystem. Aircraft undergo maintenance and upgrades and are prepared to support the carrier’s operations worldwide in line with the highest standards of efficiency, safety, and quality. Similarly, Qatar Airways Ground Services plays a critical role in delivering a safe, seamless, and efficient passenger experience at HIA while ensuring operational readiness to support growing passenger demand during the winter travel season. “We have about 80 spare engines in the facility. We are doing all the maintenance activities in this facility to serve our fleet. These spare engines cost nearly $2bn and to maintain these assets we need well controlled environment. We have enough spare engines to meet the needs of the fleet and it is one of the biggest engine facilities in the world,” Ali AlSaadi, chief MRO officer, told Gulf Times. Faisal al-Boinin, vice-president, Base; Rabay Aladawi, vice-president, Workshops; Abdulaziz Saoud Heidous, senior manager, Supply Chain Operations, MRO; and Jassim Almadaadi, senior manager, Engine Facility, were also present to explain the department’s activities. At the Flight Operations and Integrated Operations Centre, Capt. Clifford Chetcuti, chief flight operations and CAMO officer;Capt Hassan Ali al-Hammadi, senior vice-president, Flight Operations; Capt Ali Saqer A S al-Rumaihi, acting vice-president, Navigation Services, briefed the group on the carrier’s operations. Ground services were explained by Abdulla Ali, senior vice-president, Ground Services; Mohammed Musa, senior manager, Hub Operations, HIA; Ali Darwish, vice-president, Terminal and Midfield Operations; Nasser al-Sada, Airport Flow Manager; and Maha al-Hijji, national training manager.

Qatar Airways has climbed back to between 90% and 95% of the passenger numbers it carried before the US-Iran crisis disrupted operations, and is now turning its focus to a major expansion drive over the next five years, Hamad Ali al-Khater, Group Chief Executive Officer of Qatar Airways, has said.“Qatar Airways has managed to reach approximately 90% to 95% of the passenger numbers recorded last year, while also achieving very high seat load factors, reflecting strong demand for travel across the carrier's network,” said al-Khater.Al-Khater was speaking to media visiting Qatar Airways and Hamad International Airport facilities Wednesday.He said the destination network had expanded significantly, with the number of destinations served by the carrier rising from about 60 to 160, while passenger traffic through Hamad International Airport now exceeds 140,000 a day.According to the Group CEO, the coming years will usher in a new phase of growth as the company takes delivery of 138 new aircraft over the next five years, strengthening its operational capabilities and paving the way for further expansion. He noted that the workforce had successfully dealt with a major challenge faced by the company from February 28 as a result of the US-Iran crisis, stressing that the carrier's teams' ability to manage exceptional circumstances had helped restore operations rapidly.“The national carrier has successfully overcome one of the biggest operational challenges it has faced in recent years. The airline has returned to strong passenger traffic levels while simultaneously implementing ambitious plans for growth and expansion,” said the Group CEO.Al-Khater stressed that the company is currently in a period of accelerated growth, despite the exceptional circumstances and events that have affected the global aviation industry.He noted that the carrier will receive new A350-1000 aircraft next year, along with 777-9 aircraft, while also preparing to introduce the next generation of its Qsuite cabins to the fleet next summer.“The focus during the next phase will be heavily directed toward the new fleet, as it represents one of the key pillars of the growth strategy, improving operational efficiency and enhancing the passenger experience,” he said.The official explained that the carrier will take delivery of new A321 Long Range aircraft toward the end of the year, featuring a new cabin design and a new Business Class product, giving Qatar Airways greater flexibility to reach new markets and cities.He highlighted that other airlines have begun resuming operations and returning to Doha, further strengthening the airport's position as a global air transport hub.Al-Khater revealed that Qatar Airways has equipped around 150 aircraft with Starlink in-flight internet service, making it, according to him, the world's largest fleet equipped with the service.He explained that the carrier has updated its organisational structure to strengthen its focus on operations, particularly following the major challenges the company faced this year.“The strategy for the next five years will not be limited to expanding the passenger fleet and destination network, but will also place significant emphasis on air cargo operations, which performed above expectations this year. We will continue investing in its cargo capabilities, as air freight is one of the key drivers of growth amid Qatar's increasingly important role in global trade and supply chains,” he said.Regarding on-time performance, al-Khater confirmed that the carrier continues to rank among the highest-performing airlines in the Gulf region, despite challenges.“Our on-time performance rate stood at around 90% as of today. This performance reflects the efficiency of the operational teams and their ability to manage operations under difficult circumstances,” he said.“The next phase will be a growth era for Qatar Airways, built on fleet expansion, an increase in the number of destinations, the development of the passenger experience and the strengthening of air cargo operations, alongside continued investment in technology and services,” added al-Khater. Page 12 

The Middle East led regional air connectivity growth with a 21% surge in 2025, propelled by the continued network expansion of Gulf-based carriers, according to the latest Air Connectivity Index published by Airports Council International Asia-Pacific & Middle East (ACI APAC & MID). The index covers 315 airports across both the Middle East and the Asia-Pacific region, 277 in Asia-Pacific and 38 in the Middle East, ranging from under 1mn to more than 95mn passengers a year.Regional connectivity hub rankings were headed by Dubai International Airport, which took the top spot across both the Middle East and the broader Asia-Pacific territory. Hamad International Airport and King Abdulaziz International Airport took second and third positions within the Middle East, respectively, the report stated. In terms of hub connectivity, Dubai International Airport maintained its lead with a score nearly 40% higher than its nearest competitor, whilst Hamad International Airport placed fourth overall. Regional growth momentum also extended into intermediate airport tiers. Sharjah International Airport ranked among the most improved in the 15-to-25mn annual passenger segment, while Abu Dhabi International Airport delivered strong gains in the 25-to-40mn passenger category, the report noted. Mid-sized gateways Medina and Muscat led the 5-to-15mn passenger tier through strategic route expansions and local development. Intercontinental travel from the Middle East grew 9% year-on-year, placing passenger volumes 27% above pre-pandemic levels, according to the report. However, early 2026 figures highlight mounting geopolitical pressures. Geopolitical conflict forced airlines to adjust schedules and reroute flight paths, driving a 23% contraction in Middle East direct connectivity during the first half of 2026, the report said. Across the combined Asia-Pacific and Middle East territories, air connectivity expanded by an average of 11% in 2025, the index showed. The annual index evaluates airports based on network scale, frequency, destination economic weight, and connection quality. According to the report, Asia-Pacific recorded a 10% connectivity increase in 2025, while maintaining positive direct connectivity growth of 0.5% in the first half of 2026 despite global headwinds. Major hubs drove overall performance, with 83% to 97% of primary hub airports reporting growth across both regions. Chinese airports showed notable gains, placing Shanghai Pudong, Guangzhou Baiyun, and Beijing Capital inside the global top 10 alongside Hong Kong International Airport. Shanghai Pudong International Airport recorded the strongest overall connectivity growth in the combined regions at 32%, followed by Kuala Lumpur International Airport at 30% and Hong Kong International Airport at 28%, the report stated. Overall index growth moderated from 14% in 2024 to 11% in 2025, signalling a transition towards long-term stabilisation. By contrast, smaller gateways faced operational hurdles, with only 51% of airports handling under one million passengers recording an increase due to route rationalisations. Speaking on the trend, Stefano Baronci, director general of ACI Asia-Pacific & Middle East, noted the shift towards sustained capacity building. “The growth in air connectivity is encouraging. With post-pandemic recovery behind us, 2025 marked a shift from rebuilding capacity to preparing for sustained growth,” he said.Baronci said, “With passenger volumes across Asia-Pacific and the Middle East projected to reach 11bn within the next three decades, it is increasingly important that we continue to strengthen connectivity so that aviation can deliver greater choice for passengers and wider economic benefits.” Addressing the regulatory environment, Baronci called for policy updates to keep pace with demand. “ACI Asia-Pacific & Middle East recommends strengthening the policy and regulatory environment that enables connectivity growth, including the revision of existing air service agreements, continued easing of visa requirements, and reforms to enhance the slot allocation framework,” Baronci added. 

His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani led well-wishers bidding farewell to Oman’s Sultan Haitham bin Tariq and his delegation at the Amiri Hall at Hamad International Airport.  Also at farewell ceremony were His Excellency the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Defence Affairs Sheikh Saud bin Abdulrahman al-Thani, His Excellency the Minister of Interior and Commander of the Internal Security Force (Lekhwiya) Sheikh Khalifa bin Hamad al-Thani, His Excellency the Chief of the Amiri Diwan Abdullah bin Mohammed al-Khulaifi, His Excellency the Minister of State for Energy Affairs Saad bin Sherida al-Kaabi, His Excellency the Minister of Commerce and Industry Sheikh Faisal bin Thani al-Thani, His Excellency the Minister of Transport Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdullah al-Thani, His Excellency the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Sultan bin Saad al-Muraikhi, and several sheikhs.  Also present were Qatar’s ambassador to Oman Sheikh Mubarak bin Fahad al-Thani and Oman’s ambassador to Qatar Sayyid Ammar bin Abdullah bin Sultan Albusaidi.

His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani and Sultan Haitham bin Tariq of Oman reviewed the relations between their two countries and ways to strengthen and develop them at various levels during talks at the Amiri Diwan Sunday. They also exchanged views on several issues of mutual interest. HH the Amir praised the deep-rooted historical relations between Qatar and Oman, affirming Qatar's commitment to continued strengthening of co-operation and partnership in a manner that fulfils the aspirations of the two peoples and serves their shared interests.At the outset of the meeting, the Amir welcomed the sultan and his accompanying delegation, wishing him continued health and well-being and relations between the two countries further development and growth.Sultan Haitham thanked HH the Amir for the warm reception and generous hospitality and expressed his pleasure at the visit, affirming Oman's commitment to strengthening co-operation and co-ordination between the two countries in order to consolidate their longstanding relations and open broader prospects across various fields.HH the Amir later hosted a luncheon banquet in honour of the sultan and his delegation, attended by a number of sheikhs, ministers and senior officials from both sides.HH the Amir had earlier led the well-wishers welcoming Sultan Haitham and his delegation at the Amiri Terminal at Hamad International Airport, and led those bidding him farewell from the Amiri Hall at the airport at the close of the visit.The Qatari side at the talks and at the airport comprised His Excellency Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Defence Affairs Sheikh Saoud bin Abdulrahman al-Thani, His Excellency Minister of Interior and Commander of the Internal Security Force (Lekhwiya) Sheikh Khalifa bin Hamad al-Thani, His Excellency Chief of the Amiri Diwan Abdullah bin Mohammed al-Khulaifi, His Excellency Minister of State for Energy Affairs Saad bin Sherida al-Kaabi, His Excellency Minister of Commerce and Industry Sheikh Faisal bin Thani al-Thani, His Excellency Minister of Transport Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdullah al-Thani, His Excellency Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Sultan bin Saad al-Muraikhi, and a number of sheikhs. Qatar's ambassador to Oman Sheikh Mubarak bin Fahad al-Thani and Oman's ambassador to Qatar Sayyid Ammar bin Abdullah bin Sultan al-Busaidi were present at the airport on both occasions.The Sultan was accompanied by Minister of State and Governor of Muscat Sayyid Bilarab bin Haitham al-Said, Minister of the Diwan of Royal Court Sayyid Khalid bin Hilal al-Busaidi, Minister of the Royal Office General Sultan bin Mohammed al-Numani, Minister of Interior Sayyid Hamoud bin Faisal al-Busaidi, Minister of Energy and Minerals Eng Salim bin Nasser al-Aufi, and other members of the official delegation.  

His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi discussed, in a meeting held Thursday in the Amiri Terminal at Hamad International Airport, the latest developments in light of the continued Iranian aggression on Qatar and a number of countries of the region.The president reiterated full solidarity with Qatar, stressing its support for any measures Qatar may take to protect its sovereignty, security and the safety of its citizens.HH the Amir voiced his gratitude for Egypt's stance and fraternal solidarity, appreciating the strength of the ties between the two countries.Both sides emphasised their rejection of any military actions that would expand the scope of the conflict, stressing the importance of intensifying regional and international efforts to reduce escalation, and working through diplomatic channels to maintain security and stability in the region.HH the Amir and Sisi exchanged Eid Al Fitr greetings, praying to Allah for more happy and blessed returns for the two countries and peoples.His Excellency Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim al-Thani, His Excellency Chief of the Amiri Diwan Abdullah bin Mohammed bin Mubarak al-Khulaifi, and a lineup of Their Excellencies senior officials attended the meeting.On Egypt's side, the meeting was attended by Minister of Foreign Affairs, Immigration and Egyptian Expatriates Badr Abdelatty, Chief of the President's Office Major General Ahmed Ali, and a lineup of Their Excellencies members of the President's accompanying delegation.Earlier, HH the Amir received Egyptian president upon his arrival at Hamad International Airport in Doha.The Egyptian president was accompanied by a senior delegation for the visit. The welcoming party included HE Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim al-Thani and HE Amiri Diwan Chief Abdullah bin Mohammed al-Khulaifi.At the conclusion of the visit, HH the Amir led the farewell ceremony as Sisi and his accompanying delegation departed, with HE the Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and HE the Chief of the Amiri Diwan also present to bid farewell.  

His Excellency the Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim al-Thani met Thursday with Chancellor of Federal Republic of Germany Friedrich Merz. The meeting discussed co-operation relations between the two countries and ways to support and strengthen them. In addition, it discussed a number of topics of common interest. Chancellor Friedrich Merz left Doha Thursday, following an official visit to the country. Chancellor Merz and the accompanying delegation were seen off upon departure from Hamad International Airport by His Excellency the Minister of Commerce and Industry Sheikh Faisal bin Thani bin Faisal al-Thani, ambassador of Qatar to Germany Abdullah bin Ibrahim al-Hamar and ambassador of Germany to Qatar Oliver Owcza. 

Hamad International Airport’s duty free sales' share to total sales was seen highest among the Middle Eastern airports and its revenue dependence on duty free was also seen higher, according to The Airports Council International Asia-Pacific and Middle East, the trade group representing over 600 airports across 44 countries and territories.The Middle Eastern airports otherwise saw electronics spend climb 14% as passengers increasingly leveraged tax advantages and sought out airport-exclusive collections unavailable in malls, a shift toward more deliberate, value-driven purchasing at the airport, revealing a fundamental change in airport retail dynamics, revealing a fundamental change in airport retail dynamics, said ‘Travel Retail Study in the Post-Pandemic Era', developed by ACI Asia Pacific and Middle East, in partnership with Auran and Steer."Duty-free has become the financial backbone of airports across Asia-Pacific and the Middle East, delivering a significant share of retail revenue and driving commercial performance at major hub," it said.Highlighting that in the Middle East, duty-free is not just important, it is central to airport economics; it said within total sale, the duty-free sales shares are consistently high across the region, with Qatar at 38%, followed by the UAE 36%, Bahrain at 34%, Saudi Arabia 31% and Oman 31%."The revenue dependence is even higher, around 60% in Saudi Arabia and Qatar, and over 50% across the UAE, Bahrain and Oman," said the study.The Middle East duty-free baskets favour confectionery and perfumes, while Asia-Pacific and Oceania hubs are more premium and alcohol-driven, it said, adding across Asia-Pacific and the Middle East, airport retail performance shows strong uniformity, with the same categories consistently leading sales.Luxury goods and perfumes and cosmetics rank as the top two categories in both regions, reinforcing airports as trusted destinations for premium, duty-free and gifting purchases. Electronics typically rank third, supported by pricing advantages and last-minute convenience, and together these top three categories generate the highest net margins for airports.Beyond the top tier, regional preferences emerge, with local products performing strongly in Asia-Pacific, while confectionery and impulse gifting categories show greater strength in the Middle East.As much as 56% of responding airports held their commercial revenue is now stronger than 2019 levels, it said, adding as much as 44% of airports also expect higher commercial revenue per passenger in the next 12 months.Referring to the UAE and Saudi Arabia; it said outbound travelers from these nations are now top spenders, characterised by high disposable income and a strong gifting culture."The strongest spenders today originate from China, India, the UAE, and Saudi Arabia, reflecting the specific traveller segments, trip purposes, and purchasing behaviours that these markets currently generate," it said.The study also points out that younger travelers are now driving spend, while passenger behaviour, rather than sheer traffic volumes, has become the defining factor of airport travel retail performance."Airports that align their commercial strategies with evolving passenger behaviour are better equipped to manage revenue volatility, sustain investment capacity, and remain competitive over the long term,” said Stefano Baronci, Director General of ACI Asia Pacific and Middle East.The study found Gen Zs (1997-2012) and Millennials (1981-1996) spend 3.5 times higher than Gen X (1965-80) & Boomers (1946-64).Gen Zs are four times more likely than Boomers to buy electronics, it said, adding Gen Zs are 2.5 times more likely than Boomers to buy luxury products and Boomers are 1.4 times more likely than Gen Z to buy confectionary products. 

Qatar Airways on Monday marked the launch of three non-stop weekly flights between Hamad International Airport (DOH) in Qatar and Hail International Airport (HAS), its 13th destination in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The new route underscores the airline's strategic focus on expanding its presence across the Kingdom, highlighting the importance of the Saudi market in its global network. Aligned with Qatar Airways' long-term commitment to enhancing regional connectivity, the new service is set to boost travel from Africa, the Indian Subcontinent, the Middle East and Southeast Asia to the north-central region of Saudi Arabia. With the addition of Hail, Qatar Airways will now operate over 150 weekly flights to 13 Saudi destinations including Abha, AlUla, Dammam, Jeddah, Medina, NEOM, Qassim, Riyadh, Tabuk, Taif, The Red Sea, and Yanbu. Voted the World's Best Airline by Skytrax in 2025, Qatar Airways offers passengers from across the Kingdom seamless and world-class connectivity to more than 170 destinations globally through its award-winning Doha hub, Hamad International Airport.

Hamad International Airport recently welcomed the inaugural China Southern Airlines flight CZ8059 bound from Beijing Daxing International Airport (PKX).The celebration began with a traditional water salute, followed by an airport ceremony featuring a ribbon-cutting and warm gestures of hospitality. The event highlighted the collective ambition between Qatar and China to unite people and opportunities across continents, a statement said.

Hamad International Airport has signed a significant Sister Airport agreement with Shenzhen Bao'an International Airport (SZX), reinforcing Qatar-China ties and further expanding passenger and cargo connectivity between the Middle East and China. The MoU was signed at Routes World 2025 in Hong Kong by Hamad Al Khater, Chief Operating Officer of Hamad International Airport, and Chen Fanhua, Deputy General Manager of Shenzhen Airport Group and Board Chairman of Shenzhen Airport Co., Ltd. The agreement, signed between MATAR, the Qatar Company for Airports Management and Operation, and Shenzhen Capital Group, operator of Shenzhen Bao'an, establishes a strategic framework for collaboration. Focus areas include exchanging market insights, coordinated route planning, and technology adoption, leveraging their shared strength as innovation hubs, to strengthen connectivity for passengers and trade flows between China, the Middle East, and beyond. Hamad Al Khater, Chief Operating Officer of Hamad International Airport said: "By linking Doha and Shenzhen, with shared values in technology and service excellence, we are creating smarter, more sustainable journeys for future travelers while advancing stronger economic and cultural ties between our nations." Chen Fanhua, Deputy General Manager of Shenzhen Airport Group, said: "Hamad International Airport is a leading hub in the Middle East, and partnering with it represents a meaningful step in Shenzhen Airport's journey toward internationalization. As one of the gateways of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, Shenzhen Airport is committed to expanding its global network and enhancing its hub functions. Through this partnership, we will work hand in hand with Hamad International Airport to provide passengers with more seamless and convenient travel experiences, open new opportunities for trade and tourism, and deliver sustainable value to passengers, airline partners, and the broader economies of both regions." Hamad International Airport connects to nine Chinese cities, namely Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Chongqing, Hangzhou, Xiamen, Chengdu as well as Hong Kong. These cities are connected to more than 120 global destinations through Doha. From January to August this year, Qatar's airport has served over 1.1 million passengers from these Chinese cities. At Routes World, the global aviation summit for route development and connectivity, Hamad International Airport engaged with airline partners best positioned to strengthen Qatar's global network, enhance passenger and cargo flows, and drive demand for Doha as a destination. The airport showcased its robust hub performance and its point-to-point passenger growth, reinforcing its position as a strategic connector between Asia, the Middle East, and beyond. Recent milestones underscore the momentum of Qatar and China's successful aviation partnership. In October 2024, Shenzhen Airlines launched thrice-weekly Doha-Shenzhen flights, its first Middle East route and Doha's ninth Chinese destination. A testament to growing ties between Qatar and China, Qatar Airways recently announced the expansion of its codeshare partnership with China Southern Airlines. Starting 16 October 2025, Qatar Airways will share code on China Southern's three weekly direct flights between Beijing Daxing and Doha. Similarly, China Southern will be expanding its "CZ" code on Qatar Airways-operated flights beyond Doha to 15 destinations across Africa, Europe, and the Middle East. China Southern will further extend its code to flights between Doha and four major Chinese cities of Chengdu, Tianfu, Chongqing, Hangzhou, and Shanghai, subject to Chinese government approval. This latest agreement between Hamad International Airport and Shenzhen Bao'an builds on its recent Sister Airport MoU with Beijing Daxing International Airport, further strengthening Qatar's strategic aviation links with China.

Hamad International Airport has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Beijing Daxing International Airport (PKX).The partnership advances Qatar–China co-operation and expands global air connectivity via Doha.The ‘sister airport’ agreement, signed at Beijing Daxing’s terminal, built to shape the next generation of air travel, complements Qatar Airways’ partnership with China Southern Airlines and the MoU between the Qatar Civil Aviation Authority (QCAA) and the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC).Together, these moves highlight aviation’s pivotal role in driving economic growth, cultural exchange, and rising travel demand.Under the MoU, MATAR, the Qatar Company for Airports Management and Operation, and Beijing Capital International Airport Group Company, operator of Beijing Daxing, will pursue joint projects to enhance both passenger and cargo flows. Collaboration will focus on operations, technology, service design, and innovation, positioning both airports as leaders in hub excellence.Hamad International Airport connects to nine Chinese cities, namely Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Chongqing, Hangzhou, Xiamen, Chengdu as well as Hong Kong.These cities are connected to more than 120 global destinations through Doha, reinforcing Qatar’s airport as the preferred Middle East hub for Chinese passengers.Hamad al-Khater, Chief Operating Officer at Hamad International Airport, said: “This opportunity affirms Hamad International Airport key role in driving aviation diplomacy, and advancing Qatar’s partnership with China. By collaborating with Beijing Daxing, one of the world’s most forward-looking airports, we are anticipating the evolving needs of tomorrow’s travellers and shaping the future of global connectivity, with Doha as China’s trusted gateway to the Middle East and beyond.”Zhang Lin, CEO and President of Beijing Daxing International Airport, said: “As two important international aviation hubs in the world, Daxing Airport and Hamad Airport have formally established sister airport relations, and will start in-depth cooperation under the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative, work together to create a "golden channel" for airline network, build a "green corridor" for freight logistics, promote the "smart innovation" in operation and management, and continuously enhance the global competitiveness of the two hubs, thus becoming a deepening cultural exchange and cooperation between China and Qatar.”The sister airport agreement builds upon a series of successful initiatives between Qatar and China. Qatar Airways’ strategic partnerships with China Southern Airlines and Xiamen Airlines have expanded connectivity between both nations.A testament to growing ties between Qatar and China, Qatar Airways recently announced the expansion of its codeshare partnership with China Southern Airlines.Starting October 16, Qatar Airways will share code on China Southern’s three weekly direct flights between Beijing Daxing and Doha.Similarly, China Southern will be expanding its ‘CZ’ code on Qatar Airways-operated flights beyond Doha to 15 destinations across Africa, Europe, and the Middle East. China Southern will further extend its code to flights between Doha and four major Chinese cities of Chengdu Tianfu, Chongqing, Hangzhou, and Shanghai, subject to Chinese government approvals.Beijing Daxing marks the second Chinese gateway to be served with non-stop flights operated by China Southern Airlines. Beijing also connects with Doha through Qatar Airways’ daily flight along with Xiamen Airlines’ daily flight.With this frequency increase and codeshare expansion, Qatar Airways and its two strategic partners, China Southern Airlines and Xiamen Airlines, will now offer 64 weekly flights across eight gateways in Greater China.Besides aviation, Qatar and China have cultivated a strong and growing partnership on cultural and educational fronts, reflecting deep mutual respect and shared aspirations.The China Embassy in Doha, in collaboration with Hamad Bin Khalifa University, have fostered academic collaboration and language learning programmes.On the cultural front, Qatar Museums and the National Museum of China are working together on joint exhibitions and cultural showcases. These joint efforts reaffirm the commitment of both nations to strengthening bilateral relations and expanding long-term strategic cooperation across key sectors.