Jazmin Li
Doha, the capital of Qatar, is known for its two large airports, Hamad International Airport and Doha International Airport, which are adjacent to each other. Hamad International Airport, which opened in 2014, is the main airport for the city and the operating base for the national carrier, Qatar Airways. On the other hand, Doha International Airport, which opened in 1959, was the main base of Qatar Airways until 2014 when all operations were shifted to Hamad International Airport.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name of the city | Doha |
| Country | Qatar |
| Airports | Doha International Airport and Hamad International Airport |
| Doha International Airport | The first airport of Doha that opened in 1959 |
| Hamad International Airport | The second airport of Doha that opened in 2014 |
| Hamad International Airport's former name | New Doha International Airport |
| Doha International Airport's current status | Closed for commercial flights since 2014 but used by the Air Force and some private companies |
| Hamad International Airport's status | The main airport for the city of Doha |
| Hamad International Airport's capacity | 29 million passengers initially, with an expansion plan to increase capacity to 50 million passengers per year |
| Hamad International Airport's rating | "World's Best Airport" and "Best Airport in the Middle East" by Skytrax in 2024 |
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What You'll Learn
- Hamad International Airport is the main airport for Doha, the capital of Qatar
- Hamad International Airport opened in 2014, replacing Doha International Airport for commercial flights
- Doha International Airport has not closed, but it is now used by the Air Force and some private companies
- Hamad International Airport has two runways, one of which is the longest runway in Western Asia
- Hamad International Airport was constructed using slave labour
Hamad International Airport is the main airport for Doha, the capital of Qatar
Hamad International Airport was constructed to replace Doha International Airport, which was over 70 years old and lacked the capacity for expansion. The new airport was designed with Qatar Airways in mind and is owned by the Qatar government but operated by the airline. Hamad International Airport features two parallel runways, the longest of which is considered the longest in Western Asia and one of the longest in the world. The airport has a capacity of 29 million passengers annually and is expected to increase to 50 million. In 2024, it was rated the "World's Best Airport" by Skytrax.
Doha International Airport ceased commercial operations in 2014 but remains open. It is still used by the Air Force and some private companies, such as Qatar Executive, which operates a fleet of private jets. With two large airports adjacent to each other, Doha is an unusual case, as often large cities with multiple airports have them situated at different sites. The presence of two airports in Doha is due to the dramatic expansion of aviation in the region, particularly with Qatar Airways.
Hamad International Airport is well-connected to the city of Doha, with bus services, the Doha Metro, taxis, and rental cars available for transportation. The airport has one terminal with three concourses, featuring various amenities such as lounges, shops, restaurants, and duty-free stores.
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Hamad International Airport opened in 2014, replacing Doha International Airport for commercial flights
Hamad International Airport (formerly known as New Doha International Airport during its construction) opened on 30 April 2014, with ten initial airlines operating. The airport is named after the previous Emir of Qatar, Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani.
The airport began passenger operations on 30 April 2014, with ten initial airlines operating. Qatar Airways and the remaining airlines started operations to Hamad Airport on 27 May 2014 at 09:00 (Qatar time).
Hamad International Airport replaced Doha International Airport for commercial flights. Doha International Airport was in need of upgrades by the end of the 20th century, as it was over 70 years old. However, due to a lack of available land, it was difficult to expand the airport, especially with the inability to add a second runway.
The planning for a new state-of-the-art airport began in 2003, and construction started in 2005. The new airport is located approximately 5 kilometres (3.1 miles) east of the former airport.
Doha International Airport ceased all scheduled commercial flights in 2014 when all airlines relocated to Hamad International Airport. However, the airport site and existing runway are still used by the Qatar Emiri Air Force, Qatar Amiri Flight, Rizon Jet, Gulf Helicopters, and Qatar Aeronautical College.
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Doha International Airport has not closed, but it is now used by the Air Force and some private companies
Doha International Airport (DIA) is Qatar's original commercial airport, which opened in 1959. It was replaced by Hamad International Airport, which opened in 2014. DIA ceased all commercial operations when Hamad International Airport opened, but it has never fully closed. It is still used by the Qatar Emiri Air Force, Qatar Amiri Flight, Rizon Jet, Gulf Helicopters, and Qatar Aeronautical College. It also acts as a state/diplomatic airport for Qatar Amiri Flight and state-visit flights.
DIA was unable to accommodate the increased volume of air traffic that Qatar Airways' hub-based operating model brought. Passenger volume increased from around two million in 1998 to over 20 million by 2012. Hamad International Airport was designed with Qatar Airways in mind and allows for significant future expansion. It is owned by the Qatar government but operated by Qatar Airways.
The old airport was originally planned to be demolished, but it was refurbished and reopened for the 2022 FIFA World Cup and certain charter flights. It welcomed commercial flights again on 15 September 2022 to handle increased traffic for the World Cup. It will likely be used for private flights rather than commercial airlines.
DIA is located just five kilometres to the east of Hamad International Airport. It initially handled other airlines serving Qatar but became the main base of Qatar Airways when it started service in 1994. Qatar Airways expanded quickly, and by 2003, its fleet of A300 aircraft had grown to eight. It also started introducing a narrowbody fleet of A320 aircraft. These fleet expansions, along with the dramatic increase in passenger numbers, meant that plans for a new airport were underway by 2003.
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Hamad International Airport has two runways, one of which is the longest runway in Western Asia
Hamad International Airport, located in the Qatari capital of Doha, is one of the most advanced and luxurious airports in the world. It is situated about 15 kilometres from the city centre, near Doha Bay, and is the main airport in Qatar. The airport began operations in 2014, replacing Doha International Airport as Qatar's principal and main national airport. Hamad International Airport is also the home base of the national flag carrier airline, Qatar Airways.
Hamad International Airport has two runways, which are among the longest globally. The first runway is 4,850 metres long and 60 metres wide, while the second runway is 4,250 metres long and 60 metres wide. The runways are designed for simultaneous take-offs and landings and can accommodate large aircraft, such as the Airbus A380 and Boeing 747. The first runway is considered the longest in Western Asia and is also one of the longest runways in the world.
The airport was built to cater to the increasing volume of air traffic and to replace the old Doha International Airport, which was over 70 years old and lacked the capacity to expand further. The construction of Hamad International Airport began in 2005, and it is spread over an area of 3,600 hectares. The site of the airport is located 5 kilometres east of the older Doha International Airport.
Hamad International Airport has won several awards and accolades, including being rated as the "World's Best Airport" and "Best Airport in the Middle East" by Skytrax in 2024. The airport has modern facilities, luxury services, entertainment lounges, family lounges, wellness resorts, and shopping at luxury brand stores. It also features art installations such as the “Yellow Bear” sculpture by Urs Fischer.
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Hamad International Airport was constructed using slave labour
Hamad International Airport (HIA) is located in Qatar, adjacent to Doha and the Arabian Gulf. It is the main airport in Qatar, located 5 kilometres (3.1 miles) east of the older Doha International Airport. Hamad International Airport replaced Doha International Airport as Qatar's principal and main national airport and one of the busiest airports in the Middle East.
The use of slave labour in the construction of Hamad International Airport is a significant concern, with the investigation highlighting the inhumane treatment of workers during the building process. The airport was constructed between 2005 and 2014, with a series of costly delays pushing back the opening date. The first phase of construction included the building of two runways, a terminal building, and other key infrastructure. The airport was officially opened to the public in April 2014, with cargo operations beginning a few months earlier.
The site of Hamad International Airport covers an area of 3,600 hectares (9,000 acres) and was partially built on land reclaimed from the sea. The reclamation project required more than 62 million cubic metres of fill and resulted in one of the world's longest runways, capable of accommodating large aircraft such as the Airbus A380-800 superjumbo. The airport features an 85-metre-high control tower and a 600,000-square-metre passenger terminal.
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Frequently asked questions
No, Doha has two large airports adjacent to each other: Doha International Airport and Hamad International Airport.
Hamad International Airport opened to the public on 30 April 2014, with ten initial airlines operating.
Hamad International Airport is the busiest airport in Doha and in all of Qatar.
Hamad International Airport is the main airport for the city of Doha.
Hamad International Airport is the newer airport and has two runways, while Doha International Airport has one runway.
