Qatar Airways’ hub to handle 53 mn passengers by 2022; first in MENA to achieve 4-star GSAS

June 05, 2020: Qatar Airways’ hub Hamad International Airport (HIA) plans to expand the capacity to more than 53 million passengers annually by 2022, positioning itself as the airport of choice in the region for global travel and trade. The terminal building will be the first airport in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region to achieve a 4-star Global Sustainability Assessment System (GSAS) rating, which is the first performance-based system in the MENA region, developed for rating the green buildings and infrastructures. The terminal will also be a LEED Silver certified building with innovative measures of energy efficiency across the entire building.

HIA’s doors have remained open as it continues to operate during this crisis to take people home and support the transportation of essential supplies around the world and to Qatar. Qatar Airways continues to succeed demonstrating the airline’s strength and resilience despite the illegal blockade imposed by neighbouring countries on June 5, 2017. The State of Qatar has become the current largest passenger airline, the largest cargo airline and the third Best Airport in the World.

The airline’s share of the passenger and air cargo market has grown significantly over the past three months. The airline’s ability to not only continue operating but also expand to more than 30 new destinations despite the challenges of the illegal blockade set the building blocks for it to be able to continue operating a robust and agile schedule throughout this crisis. While other airlines in the region stopped services during the crisis, Qatar Airways has continued to operate a significant schedule operating over 15,000 flights to take over 1.8 million people home. The airline’s cargo division has prioritised medical and aid shipments working closely with governments and NGOs to transport over 200,000 tonnes of essential supplies to impacted regions.

Qatar Airways group chief executive, Akbar Al Baker said, “It has been a testing few years but Qatar Airways will always continue to represent our country with integrity, flying our nation’s flag proudly around the world. Our robust business planning, swift actions in the face of the crisis, customer-focused solutions and dedicated staff have enabled us to continue succeeding in the face of two unprecedented aviation events. Despite the many attempts by the blockading countries to blemish our excellent reputation, I am proud to say that my country and the airline have managed to persevere and grow over the last three years.”

“Our airline like our country remains open to engagement, that is why when gave away 100,000 complimentary tickets to health care workers around the world to say thank-you for their important work during this crisis. We even allocated tickets for the blockading countries, further highlighting our noble and philanthropic intentions. I am pleased that health care professionals in all of these countries claimed the full allocation, and we look forward to taking them on a thoroughly deserved holiday as travel restrictions around the world ease.”

Qatar Airways Cargo has become the leader in global air freight since the illegal blockade was imposed. Its leadership has been recognised multiple times, including with it recently receiving the prestigious International Cargo Airline of the Year award at the 2020 STAT Times Awards. This follows the air freight carrier also receiving the Global Air Cargo Airline of the Year in 2019 and being runner-up for the Global Air Cargo Brand of the Year and International Cargo Airline of the Year in Africa awards.