Qatar’s Hamad International Airport...

Airport boarding capacity to increase by 20%

Qatar’s Hamad International Airport (DOH) in Doha has unveiled its new Concourse E, marking a significant milestone in its ongoing terminal expansion project.

Spanning 51,000 square metres, the new state-of-the-art concourse provides eight new contact gates – increasing the airport's boarding capacity by 20% – alongside self-boarding technology that scans boarding passes automatically and accessibility-focused design.

Features include hearing loops, ramps and spacious seating areas to accommodate travellers with disabilities, as well as ergonomic seating with built-in power outlets and expanded retail and dining options.

Designed to meet growing passenger demands, this development is the first phase of a “transformative” expansion aimed at elevating the passenger journey and cementing DOH's position as a leading global aviation hub.

“We are thrilled to see this modern concourse come to life, providing our passengers with a more seamless and comfortable travel experience,” said Hamad Ali Al-Khater, Chief Operating Officer at Hamad International Airport.

The first of two concourses to open, the second (E) will be unveiled in the coming weeks.

Doha International Airport has seen remarkable growth in recent years, serving a record-breaking 52.7 million passengers in 2024, a 15% increase from the previous year.

Local passenger traffic grew by 16%, outpacing transfer traffic for the first time, a shift that indicates Qatar's rising popularity as a destination, not just a transit hub. More than 5 million visitors arrived in Qatar in 2024, hitting a record high and a 25% hike on last year’s benchmark.

Named the World’s Best Airport in 2024 by Skytrax, DOH was also the highest-ranked airport in the Middle East for connectivity, according to Airport Council International, providing passengers some of the best connection options.

The airport connects to 197 destinations globally and is served by 55 airlines, including new airline partners such as China Southern Airlines, Shenzhen Airlines, Japan Airlines, Garuda Indonesia and Akasa Air.

Looking ahead, completion of the expansion project’s Phase B expected in early 2025 aims to increase the airport's annual capacity to more than 70 million passengers.

For more information, visit www.dohahamadairport.com

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