Doha, Qatar: Hamad International Airport (HIA) officially unveiled two additional concourses, D and E, yesterday, marking a major milestone in its expansion and increasing its capacity to over 65 million passengers annually.
The expansion project, which began in 2018, has now been completed with the opening of Concourse D and E, marking the culmination of the airport’s ambitious development plan. This milestone represents the final phase of a transformational journey initiated in 2022 with the unveiling of the ORCHARD, a 6,000sqm indoor tropical garden.
During a press conference, Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive Officer, Eng. Badr Mohammed Al Meer said “The expansion of the D and E Concourses is a significant milestone that enhances passenger experience. It is a testimony to the country’s ambition, as the project, which began in 2018, has elevated the airport’s capabilities.”
He further stated: “While many global airport expansions have faced delays, we are proud to have delivered this major development ahead of schedule. This achievement reflects our commitment to operational excellence and strategic planning. This is not just about increasing capacity—it is about strengthening the entire Qatar Airways network, enhancing operational resilience, and supporting Qatar’s economic growth in line with the Qatar National Vision 2030. This development allows us to meet the evolving demands of global travel while reinforcing Qatar’s position as a leading aviation hub.”
Speaking to The Peninsula on a query regarding deploying further workforce with the expansion of two new concourses, Hamad Ali Al Khater, Chief Operating Officer at Hamad International Airport said “The role of Qatar aviation sector is significant, and it adds a lot more opportunities for the job market, be it from a nationalisation perspective or incentivising the private sector. So, it’s definitely positive news in general and we will add more opportunities for us to acquire and expand our horizon.”
Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive Officer, Engr. Badr Mohammed Al Meer (centre) with other officials during the press conference at Hamad International Airport yesterday.
He stated that the expansion project is a symbol of progress and innovation. “Our focus is to deliver operational excellence that supports both current demands and future growth.
The opening of Concourses D and E marks a significant milestone in expanding our capacity and enhancing operational efficiency.
This combined development streamlines passenger flow optimises resource management, and strengthens airline connectivity, ensuring smoother and more efficient passenger services.” Al Khater added.
The new concourses integrate seamlessly into the existing terminal, introducing cutting-edge technology and enhanced facilities to meet growing passenger demand.
The terminal now spans 845,00 square meters—a 14 percent increase—while the addition of 17 new aircraft contact gates increases the total to 62, nearly 40 percent more than before, ensuring greater connectivity, streamlined operations, and significantly reducing bus transfers.
It also introduces advanced self-boarding systems that simplify the boarding process, providing a quicker and more efficient travel experience. Smart technology allows for fast document verification, minimizes wait times, and ensures smooth transitions from the terminal to the aircraft.
Additionally, Qatar Duty Free is expanding its offerings with the D and E Expansion, introducing more than 9 new retail outlets and food and beverage venues, increasing the airport's retail space by 2,700 square meters.
This expansion significantly enhances connectivity for both travelers and airlines. With more gates and optimised flight operations, the airport can now accommodate a larger number of international carriers and offer more direct routes to major global destinations.
