Hamad International Airport is the second best airport in the world for On-Time Performance (OTP) according to OAG’s Punctuality League report. As per OAG, the leading global provider of digital flight information, Qatar’s state-of-the-art airport ranked second in the major airports category (from 20 to 30 million departing seats per annum) with 85.41 percent of its flights operating on time.

The Punctuality League is based on 58 million flight records using full-year data from 2017 to create a ranking of the best on-time performance (OTP) for the world’s largest airlines and airports. HIA newly joined the top 20 airports in the ‘Major Airports’ category within the Punctuality League this year, which is recognised as the world’s definitive measurement of on-time performance.

HIA witnessed remarkable achievements in 2018, with the five-star airport successfully completing the first phase of its Smart Airport Program, launching phase two of its expansion plan, and receiving numerous international awards and industry achievements that continue to shape the airport as a leader in the aviation industry.

Experiencing steady year-on-year passenger growth, with 8.1 million passengers just in the last quarter of 2018 and a projected increase of 20 percent in passenger traffic this year, the airport continues to deliver on its vision of becoming the ‘airport of the future’.

Engr. Badr Mohammed Al Meer, Chief Operating Officer at HIA, said: “This has been a highly rewarding and successful year for the airport as witnessed by our year-end results and multiple awards and accolades, including recognition from OAG’s punctuality league for OTP. We are honoured by this distinguished ranking, among other awards and accolades, that acknowledge Hamad International Airport’s success in providing passengers with seamless, hassle-free travel and an unparalleled passenger experience.”

Al Meer added: “2019 will be a continuation of success and key developments for the airport, as phase two of our multi-story expansion plan begins. “As we deliver a world-class airport experience, our continued investments in infrastructure, cutting-edge technology, and front-line processing solutions will continue to shape HIA as a leading aviation-hub and position us to set new standards and records across the industry.”

Amidst the projected increase in passenger traffic this year, HIA remains ahead of the curve and accomplished an industry-leading transfer security screening which resulted in significantly shorter queuing times at security points by introducing more services for transferring passengers. This has ensured that at least 95% of the airport’s transfer passengers queue for under five minutes.

Phase Two of the HIA’s expansion plan marks a key development in the airport’s growth and in Qatar’s Transportation and Communications sector. The expansion will enable HIA to accommodate over 53 million passengers by 2022.

In addition to the immediate benefits of increased space and capacities, the construction of the Airport City will also provide significant future investment opportunities including a free trade zone, office and business complex, and hotels.

A new cargo terminal will also be constructed, increasing the HIA’s capacity to 3 million tonnes per year and accommodating the expected surge in freight traffic. The developments in infrastructure play a key role in preparations to host the 2022 FIFA World Cup, where the country will witness a spike in tourists and visitors to experience the global sporting event.

HIA’s fourth quarter results saw the airport welcome a total of 8.1 million passengers, a 5.6 percent passenger increment compared to the fourth quarter of 2017. HIA handled 57,831 in aircraft movements, achieving an increase of 14.3 percent, as well as handling 570,337 tonnes of cargo, attaining an increase of 8.4 percent compared to the fourth quarter of 2017.

In 2018, the airport served a total of 34.5 million passengers and handled a total of 2,163,544 tonnes of cargo with an 8.4 percent increment in comparison to 2017.

HIA has contributed its efforts to a successful year by investing in facilities, services, staff and the newest technologies to provide a world-class passenger experience.

HIA’s 2018 fourth quarter results saw the airport welcome a total of 8.1 million passengers, a 5.6 percent passenger increment compared to the fourth quarter of 2017. HIA further handled 57,831 in aircraft movements, achieving an increase of 14.3 percent, as well as handling 570,337 tonnes of cargo, attaining an increase of 8.4 percent compared to the fourth quarter of 2017.

In 2018 the airport served a total of 34.5 million passengers and handled a total of 2,163,544 tonnes of cargo with an 8.4 percent increment in comparison to 2017.