Singapore Changi Airport has been crowned the world’s best airport, out of 410 airports across the globe, at the World Airport Awards 2014, held in Barcelona, Spain. Incheon International Airport is the second; Munich Airport is the third; Hong Kong International Airport is the fourth; while London Heathrow Airport is the tenth on the list of the world’s top 10 airports in 2014.
That Hamad International Airport, the latest hi-tech hub of Qatar Airways, can eclipse the glory of Singapore Changi Airport is under speculations in the aviation world. Qatar Airways is all set to shift its operations from Doha International Airport to the newest base Hamad International Airport (HIA) which will see the daylight on 27 May this year.
The fleet of Qatar Airways has grown from a few aircraft to 134 aircraft in service to 138 destinations across the world. According to leading business analysts, the move to the new airport with ultramodern facilities is an informed decision which will support the airline’s growth and expansion in a more efficient fashion. HIA is supposed to give the world a new definition of aviation technology, international travel and hospitality on ground.
A, B and C terminals of Hamad International Airport will be in operation and accommodate an annual traffic of 30 million, at the initial phase of opening. The opening of D and E terminals at the next phase will make the airport spacious enough to accommodate 50 million passengers annually. Once all the terminals are in service, the airport will be operating in full swing.
The unique location of Hamad International Airport is a mentionable highlight. 60% of the land where the airport has been built was retrieved from the sea. Among 138 check-in counters across five islands, 108 check-in counters are for the Economy Class passengers of Qatar Airways and other airlines. 14 check-in points with plush seating are reserved for the First Class travelers of Qatar Airways, and the Business Class travelers can avail the check-in facility at 16 counters.
Hamad International Airport will initially open 41 contact gates, which will number to 65 gates with the opening of D and E terminals. 6 out of 41 gates will be in service to the Airbus A380 aircraft. The airport will offer world-class lounge and retail service to transiting passengers on the terminal complex sprawling over 600,000 sqaure meters. Apart from brand retail outlets, the airport lounge will comprise high-end workstations with Internet access, rest zones, children’s play area, shower and food & beverage points.
Hamad International Airport boasts super aesthetic highlights apart from excellent technical features. The airport is planned by international architects and embellished with elegant artworks by international designers. Everything from architecture to technology, refurbishment, interior décor, facilities and services at the airport will take travel experience with Qatar Airways and other airlines to a new high.
“We have been eagerly for the move to the new airport, which will be a landmark event in the history of Qatar and May 27 will be a historic day in the annals of Qatar Airways,” says Mr. Akbar Al Baker, CEO of Qatar Airways.
IndianEagle.com books cheap flights with Qatar Airways, one of the partner airlines. Qatar Airways, a member of the Oneworld Alliance, flies to 138 major business and tourist destinations across six continents.
