H.E. Mr Abdul Aziz Mohammad Al-Noaimi, Chairman of The Steering Committee of the New Doha International Airport (NDIA) has announced new details of Hamad International Airport (HIA) at a press conference held at the HIA Passenger Terminal. He confirmed that the airport is on track for a phased opening by mid-year 2014.
Speaking at the press conference, H.E. Mr. Abdul Aziz Mohammad Al-Noaimi, said: "The opening of Hamad International Airport in the middle of this year will bring to fruition the vision of Qatar's leadership, to build a world-class airport supporting the State's development and prosperity. HIA is a world-class aviation hub purpose-built to cater to rapidly evolving aviation and passenger needs of the 21st century."
Highlighted on a tour were aspects of the airport facility that contribute to its world-class nature, including the Airplane Maintenance Hangers, which feature the world's widest free span door opening in the world. And at 69,000 square meters, the four-story Catering Facility is one of the largest in the world with a capacity of 90,000 meals per day.
"I am proud to confirm today that this project is nearly complete. HIA stands as a ground-breaking accomplishment fusing refined architectural style achieved through state-of-the-art airport and facility construction technology," continued Al Noaimi. "The result is more than an airport; it is an international transport hub satisfying all the requirements of the fast-growing aviation sector in the region. This is needed in light of the growing traffic through and into the region, driven by world-scale events planned in the next decade."
HIA and Airport City span 29 square kilometers, 60 percent on land reclaimed from the Arabian Gulf. More than 1,000 architects, designers, engineering consultants, and project managers worked on the project, through more than 200 local, regional and international contractors and service contracts.
The Passenger Terminal was built with an internal area of 600,000 square meters on opening day. In its opening configuration, the terminal has three concourses and 33 contact gates, increasing to five concourses and 65 contact gates, including eight for the A380 in the final build-out. The terminal also includes 16 lounges for various categories of passengers, 28 art installations by local, regional and international artists, more than 100 F&B and retail outlets, a transit hotel, a swimming pool, a luxury spa and squash courts.
Commenting on the project's opening, H.E. Al Noaimi said: "Despite delays, which were a result of changes requested during construction to expand the project, as well as challenges we faced regarding some contracts, we are on track for a mid-year opening. Through the work of many people, we have overcome the delays, and here today we are witnessing a major achievement of which Qataris will be proud for long years to come."
