Hamad International Airport (HIA) has completed Phase A of its major expansion in time for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 starting on 20 November.
The centrepiece of the terminal expansion is the ORCHARD – an indoor tropical garden that HIA says is “set to truly elevate passengers’ experiences and redefine airport travel”. Its water feature will be the focal point, while the ORCHARD includes over 300 trees and 25,000 plants sourced from sustainable forests around the world.
“We are very pleased to be launching the expansion of Hamad International Airport, an airport that has truly grown to become the ultimate example of a successful, sustainable global facility,” said H.E Mr. Akbar Al Baker, Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive. “HIA continues to impress with its innovative planning, execution and investment – enhancing its position as the preferred hub for global travellers and reinforcing HIA’s position amongst the top leaders of this industry. The opening of our newly expanded terminal further connects the growing number of travellers to all corners of the world, enriching people’s experiences and proudly representing the State of Qatar’s rich culture and prestige.”
Consisting of one expansive terminal, the expansion now enables travellers to seamlessly transfer from one area to another. The new transfer hall on Concourse C (Transfer Hall C), for example, will significantly reduce passenger waiting times.
“We are immensely proud to officially launch our airport expansion,” commented Engr. Badr Mohammed Al Meer, Chief Operating Officer, Hamad International Airport. “Our growth plan will see us welcome over 58 million passengers annually – offering global travellers the best services the industry has to offer. Through the expansion, we have upgraded our facilities and offerings – creating the ultimate destination for passengers. From world-class services to endless F&B and retail offerings, the expansion further strengthens our ambition as we look towards maintaining our status as the best airport in the world.”
Enhanced retail, F&B and lounges
As part of the expansion, Qatar Duty Free has unveiled more than 65 retail and dining outlets spread across its three levels. The retail and F&B offer in the expansion features many world firsts and exclusives, including a Fendi Boutique with the first Fendi Café in an airport, and the first Ralph’s Coffee Shop in an airport. The North node also houses the world’s first Oreo Café in an airport. Meanwhile, the enhanced retail offer includes the only FIFA shop in the world, the only Thom Brown store in an airport, and the largest Ray Ban airport store.
HIA has also launched the second airport hotel within its transfer area, the Oryx Garden Hotel, as well as four brand-new lounges for passengers: the ‘Al Mourjan Business Lounge – The Garden’, ‘Al Mourjan Business Lounge – North’, ‘Platinum and Gold lounge – North’ and ‘Silver Lounge – North’.
With Phase A of HIA’s expansion ready in time for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, Phase B of the expansion – set to commence in early 2023 – will further increase capacity to well over 70 million passengers, with two new concourses constructed within the existing terminal.
