THE QATARI AIRPORT TAKING PIVOTAL STRIDES IN
THE INDUSTRY
THE QATARI AIRPORT TAKING PIVOTAL STRIDES IN THE INDUSTRY
HAMAD INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT AVIATIONS
HAMAD INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
PROJECT DIRECTED BY: GARY SMITH
ARTICLE WRITTEN BY: ELOISE PERRY
As of Q3 2024, Hamad International Airport (HIA) has achieved remarkable growth, serving over 137 million passengers. This milestone reflects a substantial 26.84% increase in passenger traffic compared to the same period last year, solidifying HIA’s status as one of the busiest airports in the world.
In 2024, Qatar continues to break tourism records. The country witnessed an astonishing 1.163 million visitors by mid-March, marking a staggering 268% increase compared to the same timeframe in 2023. Notably, 45% of these tourists arrived by air, highlighting Hamad International Airport’s crucial role in the nation’s travel and tourism sector.
Digital Travel: providing a seamless and secure traveling experience at major sporting events
SITA, a global IT provider specializing in aviation, has been a pivotal force in ensuring the seamless execution of major global sporting and religious events for over 35 years. Beginning with the 1984 Summer Olympic Games in Los Angeles, where SITA introduced the world's first common use terminal equipment at Los Angeles International Airport, the company has consistently played a critical role in managing the complex logistics of these events.
The latest testament to SITA's expertise came during the 2022 World Cup hosted by Qatar. With over 3.4 million spectators attending 64 matches and 1.4 million coming from various corners of the globe, the logistical challenge was enormous.
Hamad International Airport and Doha International Airport saw a staggering 43,600 aircraft movements in November and December alone. To tackle this influx efficiently, SITA worked closely with the Government of the State of Qatar, Hamad International Airport, and Qatar Airways.
One of the key elements ensuring a smooth entry and exit process was SITA's Advance Passenger Processing (APP) at the border. This technology enabled realtime determination of a passenger's border security status during check-in, streamlining the process and avoiding complications at the destination border. Pre-clearance not only minimized passenger hassle but also reduced the burden on airlines for potential repatriation costs.
The integration of hotels into the system, coupled with the issuance of the digital Hayya Card to spectators, further enhanced the visitor experience. The Hayya Card facilitated quick and secure entry into the country, as well as easy access to transportation and venues. SITA's expertise in digital identity and authorization played a crucial role in ensuring a smooth and secure flow of fans throughout the country.
Consistently focused on digital advancements, Hamad International Airport leveraged on SITA’s solutions ranging from SITA CUTE (Common Use self service systems), Kiosks, Electronic gates with future proof biometric technologies. The SITA Airport Management system allowed the airport to optimize resources, allocate efficiently, and reduce flight delays and bottlenecks during the World Cup.
The digital future of Hamad International Airport also saw the implementation of SITA Smart Path, a biometrics, selfservice, and mobile-enabled platform. This innovation, with the tagline 'Your face is your passport and boarding pass,' enabled fast and touchless identity verification, contributing to increased throughput of travelers at the airport.
As part of its broader smart airport program, Hamad International Airport launched a digital twin initiative with SITA, combining 3D modeling, data analytics, and artificial intelligence. This initiative, recognized with the 'Smart Solution of the Year' accolade at the Qatar IT Business Awards, provides a real-time view of airport operations, optimizing resources and streamlining decision-making processes.
SITA's long-standing involvement in major sporting and religious events, including the Olympics, Formula 1, and the Hajj, underscores its role as a crucial player in the seamless execution of these global gatherings. With a track record that includes events like the Sydney 2000 Olympics, South Africa World Cup 2010, and Rio 2016 Summer Olympics, SITA continues to set its sights on providing cutting-edge border and passenger technology for future major events worldwide.
Making Seamless Possible
More seamless, efficient, and secure
All across the world, SITA is digitally transforming journeys from end-to-end. Thanks to our unrivalled experience and solutions, we’re making travel more seamless and efficient for all — throughout airports and across borders.
POWERED BY
Scan to download the whitepaper
In July 2024, Hamad International Airport achieved a remarkable milestone, marking its busiest month in history. The airport facilitated an impressive number of passenger movements, highlighting its growing reputation as a global aviation hub. This surge in traffic can be attributed to several factors, including the increased demand for international travel and the airport’s strategic position serving a diverse range of destinations. Despite the challenges posed by resurgent global travel, Hamad International Airport’s commitment to excellence in service and efficiency has allowed it to adapt and thrive, further solidifying its status as a leader in the aviation industry.
Celebrating its 10th anniversary in 2024, Hamad International Airport remains Qatar’s primary international hub, located to the east of Doha. Named after the former Emir of Qatar, Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, the airport serves as a vital base for Qatar Airways, the national carrier, and reflects both innovation and grandeur.
Often described as an architectural marvel, Hamad International Airport boasts a unique blend of art and luxury. Among its notable installations is the iconic 23-foot-tall “Untitled Lamp Bear” sculpture prominently displayed in the main atrium. The airport’s expansive dutyfree area also boasts over 100 retail outlets, including some of the world’s premier luxury brands.
HAMAD INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
Wolters
Kluwer EHS & ESG
Wolters Kluwer EHS & ESG, a business unit of Wolters Kluwer’s Corporate Performance & ESG division, is a leading provider of integrated software solutions for risk management, compliance, and sustainability. Designed by industry experts, Enablon is a suite of integrated solutions that manage EHS and ESG compliance and operations, drive operational excellence, and help companies reduce their environmental impact.
Recognized as an industry leader by third-party analysts including Verdantix and Gartner, Wolters Kluwer EHS & ESG is committed to deliver functional innovation that adapts to the evolving regulatory landscape and provide a cutting-edge software solution to help you stay ahead of the curve. Our sustained industry leadership for over 20 years, investment in innovation, and user centricity drive its position
as a market leader for global organizations.
Currently, Wolters Kluwer serves 93% of Fortune 500 companies and 70% of the world’s largest aerospace and defense companies, supporting them through digital solutions that enhance efficiency, streamline processes, and expedite communication among contractors, safety managers, and senior leadership. By adopting the Enablon platform, major aviation hubs gain comprehensive insight and control over daily operations to ensure safe work environments, optimize processes, and avoid serious incidents or unplanned shutdowns.
Hundreds of Wolters Kluwer customers use Enablon platform to achieve significant outcomes, from reducing incidents by 90% to saving millions of dollars annually.
www.wolterskluwer.com/en/solutions/ enablon
Building a better world together
Wolters Kluwer EHS & ESG is the world’s leading provider of integrated software solutions for Environment, Health and Safety (EHS), Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) management, Operational Excellence, and Risk Management. The business helps create a better world by making organizations responsible, productive, and safe
Building a better world together
through innovative technology. Hundreds of industry-leading enterprises and millions of users worldwide rely on the Enablon software solutions to minimize risks, increase worker safety, prevent incidents from happening, achieve regulatory compliance, and reduce their environmental impact.
Wolters Kluwer EHS & ESG is the world’s leading provider of integrated software solutions for Environment, Health and Safety (EHS), Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) management, Operational Excellence, and Risk Management. The business helps create a better world by making organizations responsible, productive, and safe through innovative technology. Hundreds of industry-leading enterprises and millions of users worldwide rely on the Enablon software solutions to minimize risks, increase worker safety, prevent incidents from happening, achieve regulatory compliance, and reduce their environmental impact.
Scan To Contact Us
HAMAD INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT AVIATIONS
To enhance its offerings, Hamad International Airport unveiled Phase A of its expansion plan in November 2022, featuring nine strategic projects. Key among these is ORCHARD, an impressive indoor tropical garden covering over 6,000 square meters, and housing 65 of the airport’s 180 dining and retail spaces. ORCHARD aims to provide a tranquil environment for travelers to relax and rejuvenate with its unique architectural design, which incorporates a column-free grid shell roof that regulates natural light for the rainforest ecosystem.
Earlier this year, Hamad International Airport (HIA) achieved a significant milestone by receiving LEED Gold certification for the Orchard project, reflecting its commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship. The LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification is a globally recognised mark of excellence in green building, and HIA’s Orchard project exemplifies innovative design and sustainable practices. This certification underscores the airport’s efforts to
enhance passenger experience while minimising its ecological footprint. This achievement highlights the airports ongoing dedication to integrating sustainable infrastructure within the aviation industry, aligning with worldwide efforts to combat climate change and promote eco-friendly practices in urban development.
Making strides in the sustainability space, Hamad International Airport was awarded the Global Sustainability Assessment System Design & Build (GSASD&B) 4-Star certification, making it the first airport in the region to achieve this status. Furthermore, the airport recently received the ISO 14001 Environmental Management Systems Certification Extension from the British Standards Institution (BSI), affirming its commitment to environmental excellence.
Celebrated for its unwavering commitment to passenger experience, it has consistently been earning accolades for operational excellence. In 2023, it was awarded the title of “Best Airport in the
Middle East” by Business Traveller and ranked as the second-best airport in the world.
Engr. Badr Mohammed Al Meer, the former Chief Operating Officer of HIA and now CEO of Qatar Airways, expressed pride in the airport’s achievements, emphasising their ongoing commitment to providing exceptional services and fostering Qatar’s reputation as a desirable travel destination.
As it embarks on Phase B of its expansion, the airport aims to increase capacity to 70 million passengers by expanding Concourses D and E by over 95,000 square meters and introducing a new cargo terminal. In addition to continuing flights to destinations like Heathrow, Bangkok, and Cairo, it has recently added new routes to Lyon, Toulouse, and Birmingham, further enhancing its global connectivity.
Hamad International Airport remains a pivotal hub, seamlessly linking Qatar and the broader Middle East to the world. Cementing its position as a leader in the aviation industry, it successfully fosters tourism and economic growth while set against the backdrop of Qatar’s stunning landscapes and cultural heritage.
www.dohahamadairport.com
HAMAD INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
