The airport will span 6.46 million square feet. The three-storey building will offer main passenger terminal and five concourses, all designed by HOK.
The entire project is estimated at $15.5 billion. The first phase launch will also see beginning of operations by 12 international passenger airlines, including low-cost airlines, on 1 April.
Hamad International Airport will accommodate 28 million passengers annually, increasing to 50 million beyond 2015. Speaking at the announcement, Abdul Aziz Al Noiami, chairman of Qatar Airways and Qatar’s Civil Aviation Authority (QCAA) added that Hamad International Airport has been designed as a global showpiece which will enhance the skyline of Doha.
A new catering facility will also open in phases at Hamad International, which will initially handle meals for airlines. Starting in the summer, the catering facility will be capable of handling almost 100,000 meals a day.
The existing Doha International Airport will be operational for a few months until Hamad International becomes fully operational, following which the old airport will be used by various government agencies, including Qatar’s defence and the Civil Aviation College.
