DOHA: Hamad International Airport (HIA) ranked second in the Asia Pacific and Middle East region, according to the latest data on the Air Connectivity Index 2023 issued by Airports Council International for the Asia Pacific and Middle East region.
This distinguished achievement confirms Hamad International Airport’s firm commitment to providing exceptional levels of travel connectivity options to its passengers across a network of destinations around the world. Given the airport's location in one of the fastest-growing aviation markets in terms of air connectivity relative to its population, Hamad International Airport plays a vital role in enhancing connectivity among travelers across the world.
The Airport Air Connectivity Report, prepared by Airports Council International Asia Pacific and Middle East in cooperation with PwC, measures passengers’ ability to access the global air transport network, and takes into account direct and indirect routes that contribute to enhancing quality. Service in air connectivity, such as the number of destination options, service frequency, flight diversions, and prices, contributes to improving passenger experiences.
The report was launched during the opening of Airports Council International (ACI) for the Asia Pacific and Middle East region of its new office in the Saudi capital, Riyadh.
Commenting on this achievement, the Chief Operating Officer at Hamad International Airport Eng Badr Mohammed Al Meer, said: “The results of the report confirm the soundness of Hamad International Airport’s direction to invest in enhancing its capacity through a large multi-stage expansion project, which opens horizons for future growth and continuing to enhance the airport’s capabilities in providing the best travel links. This will ultimately enhance local and global tourism and the aviation industry in general."
Al Meer added, “The importance of strengthening Airports Council International’s presence in the region comes in light of the growth rates achieved by the Middle East region in air connectivity, as well as its record of the strongest levels of recovery after the COVID-19 pandemic, according to the report.”
Director General of Airports Council International, Asia Pacific and Middle East Stefano Baronci, said: “We would like to congratulate Hamad International Airport on its continued efforts to enhance its air connectivity network. This is undoubtedly a testament to Hamad International Airport’s firm commitment to providing high levels of Greater than air connectivity and providing travel links and destinations across the world.”
Regarding the airline's network of destinations, Hamad International Airport connects more than 170 destinations, which enhances the position of the State of Qatar as a leading destination for travel and sporting events around the world. In addition to the national carrier and the rapid expansion witnessed by Qatar Airways this year, the position that Hamad International Airport has become in the Air Connectivity Index issued by the Airports Council International has contributed to attracting many new airline partners such as American Airlines, Finnair and Finnish Airlines. Malaysia and Air Algerie and the resumption of Royal Air Maroc flights, allowing the airport to be connected to various destinations across North America, Europe, Southeast Asia and North Africa.
During the first half of 2023, the airport witnessed a 33.5 percent increase in passenger traffic. During this time, the airport received more than 20 million passengers through its facilities, confirming its position as the preferred airport for millions of travelers around the world.
Hamad International Airport had begun a major multi-phase expansion project and had already completed the launch of the first phase of its growth plan in November of last year, which included the indoor tropical garden known as “Orchard.” Phase (B) of the expansion plan, which began in 2023, is scheduled to increase the airport’s capacity to more than 70 million passengers annually. This expansion is expected to consolidate Hamad International Airport’s position as one of the leading airports in the global aviation sector, especially in light of the International Air Transport Association (IATA)’s expectations that the number of passengers in the Middle East will double by 2040.
Since its opening in 2014, Hamad International Airport has transformed the aviation industry thanks to the innovative experiences it provides and modern, eye-catching facilities. As the gateway to travel to the State of Qatar and the Middle East, the airport continues to provide wonderful experiences to all its passengers from hundreds of nationalities every day, until it has become a link between East and West.
Headquartered in Hong Kong, ACI Asia Pacific and Middle East serves as a platform for 132 of its member airports, operating 623 airports in 47 countries/territories across the Asia Pacific and Middle East region. The Asia-Pacific and Middle East region represents the largest civil aviation market in the world in terms of traffic volume. ACI also represents the common interests of its airport members and seeks to promote excellence in airport management and operations.
ACI Asia Pacific's mission is to advocate for policies and provide services that enhance its members' ability to serve travelers, employees and partners. In 2022, ACI airports in the Asia Pacific and Middle East region welcomed 2.09 billion passengers and handled 49 million tonnes of air cargo.
