Qatar's Hamad International Airport...

Concourses D and E increase Doha capacity to 65 million passengers

Qatar’s Hamad International Airport (DOH) has officially opened both new Concourses D and E, completing expansion plans which began in 2018.

Now the World’s Best Airport, according to Skytrax in 2024, has the capacity to handle 65 million passengers a year, and has added almost 40% more aircraft gates, helping to improve congestion.

The airport served a record-breaking 52.7 million passengers in 2024.

The new concourses integrate into the existing terminal and increase the footprint to 845,000 square metres. The 17 additional gates take the total to 62, which significantly reduces the need for bus transfers. There are an additional nine retail and dining outlets.

“Hamad International Airport is more than a gateway; it is a vital pillar of Qatar’s growth and global connectivity,” said Qatar Airways Group CEO, Engr. Badr Mohammed Al-Meer.

“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.”

Smart technology is at the heart of the enhancements, including self-boarding systems that scan boarding passes and reduce wait times.

Sustainability is also a focus, with both concourses aiming for LEED Gold Certification, incorporating energy-efficient systems, water management solutions and cooling strategies.

Travellers with accessibility needs are also being better catered for, including hearing loops, barrier-free pathways and dedicated assistance services.

Doha International Airport has seen remarkable growth in recent years, serving a record-breaking 52.7 million passengers in 2024, a 15% increase from the previous year.

Local passenger traffic grew by 16%, outpacing transfer traffic for the first time, a shift that indicates Qatar's rising popularity as a destination, not just a transit hub. More than 5 million visitors arrived in Qatar in 2024, hitting a record high and a 25% hike on last year’s benchmark.

Earlier this month, flag-carrier Qatar Airways added 50 weekly flights to meet rising demand, and flies to more than 170 destinations worldwide through its Doha hub.

For more information, visit www.dohahamadairport.com

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