Work still ongoing
For an airport that had been on the verge of opening to passengers last year, however, it didn’t feel totally ready. All retail outlets, except one coffee kiosk we saw, were covered in generic hoardings.
No signage for stores were visible, apart from the airport’s own coffee shop insignia, and when asked which food and beverage brands the airport would host, management told us they preferred the outlets to be a “surprise.”
There was also construction at an area marked out for Business and First Class check in, and construction hoardings covering the front of a business lounge. Possibly one of those at the centre of a legal wrangle between HIA and Lindner Depa Interior (LDI), whose contract to fit out the lounges was terminated early last year.
Qatar residents who’ve endured long waits at the current airport will, however, be cheered to hear about some of the airport’s vital statistics, including: 138 check-in counters; 34 passport control counters for economy passengers and 16 for Business and First; 41 gates with direct access to the aircraft (no more buses!); the ability to handle 19,500 bags per hour, and three times more parking than the current airport.
Airport management also said that they will be capable of handling flight transfers of only 30 minutes, an ambitious target for a building of this size. Good luck to them !
Hamad International Airport , which is certain to open in 2014 , is eagerly awaited by all air travellers to Qatar and the Arabian Gulf area of the Middle East. It is an essential part of the Qatar World Cup plans for 2022, as well as for several other world-class sporting events preceding it.
Qatar's burgeoning tourism industry and wonderful luxury hotels, also eagerly await the opening of Hamad International Airport. We wish Qatar our best wishes for this fantastic new venture!
