PAX at Hamad International jumps 33.5% in H1 2023
Hamad International Airport is on track for a record-breaking year with the highest number of passengers since it opened in 2014.
The award-winning airport saw a 33.5% increase in passenger traffic and 18.1% increase in aircraft movements in H1 2023 compared to H1 last year.
HIA served 20,775,087 passengers in H1 2023, broken down to 10,315,695 passengers in Q1 and 10,459,392 in Q2. Aircraft movements also increased in H1 2023 compared to 2022, with 116,296 movements – 56,417 in Q1 and 59,879 in Q2.
HIA handled 1,121,382 tonnes of cargo in H1 of this year, and moved 17,596,776 bags, including 11,376,483 transfer bags.
The second quarter brought a 24% increase in passenger traffic vs Q2 of 2022, with 3,281,773 passengers in April, 3,440,047 in May and 3,737,572 in June. Aircraft movements also saw a steady increase, with 18,762 in April, 20,226 in May and 20,891 in June. In terms of total destinations during the second quarter of this year, the airport saw a total of 194 scheduled passenger and cargo destinations.
Hamad International Airport has implemented the latest screening technology to reduce processing time and enhance security within the facility, allowing transferring passengers to keep their electronic devices, along with liquid containers in their hand luggage, bringing the average processing time for transferring passengers at security check points to 28 seconds per passenger in Q2 of 2023.
Commenting on a promising performance from the airport, Hamad International Airport’s Chief Operating Officer, Engr. Badr Mohammad Al Meer, said: “We are pleased to witness a surge in passenger traffic during the first half of this year. Our unwavering focus on enhancing our operations and investing in growth strategies has allowed us to augment our airport infrastructure and expand our product offerings. With these advancements, we aim to fortify our competitive position in the aviation industry and continue to exceed expectations.”
Continued expansion
Hamad International Airport continues to expanded its facilities, opening new luxury shops and a wide range of bespoke retail and dining options, including the recently opened Louis Vuitton Lounge, the first of its kind at an airport. Through this and such installations as ORCHARD, a tropical garden situated in the north portion of the airport and designed to invoke feelings of wellbeing and tranquility continues to inspire awe among travelers, HIA is committed to provide an exceptional travel experience to all its passengers.
According to IATA, passenger numbers in the Middle East are expected to double by 2040. Once completed, phase B of the airport expansion will increase the airport’s capacity to more than 70 million passengers annually, ensuring that Hamad International Airport, as the gateway to the State of Qatar and the Middle East, will remain an industry leader.
