Full opening of HIA from May 27
The Hamad International Airport (HIA) is expected to become fully operational from May 27, according to a report on The Peninsula.
Citing a statement issued by the Civil Aviation Authority yesterday, Al Sharq reported that all airlines would move to the new airport by morning that day.
Abdul Aziz Mohammad Al Noaimi, Chairman of Civil Aviation Authority, also said that instructions have already been given to all the administrative departments concerned to prepare for the transfer, said the daily.
The authorities had a soft opening of the airport on April 30. The partial opening saw 10 budget airlines operating their flights as their passengers do not require premium and business terminals, said the daily, quoting informed sources.
The source indicated that all the procedure will be followed in order to make transfer process smooth for all stakeholders.
In February, Akbar Al Baker, Chief Executive Officer of Qatar Airways, said HIA would open to travellers by the second quarter of this year, and that low-cost airliners would be the first to move to the new facility.
Airlines expected to operate on soft launch from the new airport include Biman Bangladesh Airlines, Fly Dubai, Air Arabia, Iran Air, Air India Express, Yemenia Yemen Airlines, Pakistan International Airline, Nepal Airline, Syrian Airline and Pegasus Airline.
The opening of HIA will be big boost for Qatar’s travel and tourism sector as it will lead to increase in air traffic.
Built at an estimated $15.5bn, HIA will have the capacity to handle 28 million passengers per year in the initial stage. Once fully operational, HIA will have the capacity to handle 50 million passengers per year.
The new airport covers a 300,000sqft retail gallery, a 23,000sqft mosque, two 100-room, five-star transfer hotels, a health spa, a 3,431-car parking garage and a 742,000sqft flight catering facility. Phase 1 and 2 concourses include 41 contact gates and 20 remote-stand gates.
The airport was originally scheduled to open in 2012, and has missed several opening deadlines since then, including April 1, 2013.
Opening of HIA is also good news for Qatar Airways as its first three A380s - which are due to arrive in June would be able to operate out of an airport with facilities designed to accommodate the double-decker aircraft.The Hamad International Airport (HIA) is expected to become fully operational from May 27.
More on Hamad International Airport: HIA sneak-peak
:)
too anxious to open.
Last week CAA they said it will be fully operational on 30th April 2014,again extended opening date...Good for contractors nice game....and rest keep your eyes open...sit down and watch..
thats funny, you dont have to announce any date for opening every day, its getting weird, better relax, make it done then tell us ready to open..or just dont tell anything as long as flights running properly no need to choose airport..
Why do i see a "V" every where
Sorry , One of The Light in Airport is not working -We need to Tender , Procure ( From UK) and Install which will take another 6 Months . So Opening was postponed to September 1 2014...How do u know that
RIZKS...lol...to drink and bath...lol...oh god
Lol Rizks! they spent so much time and money to make the outside look nice, and then some genius put a giant water take there.
Didn't the architect include water tanks in the design?
I can't believe in anything here until it will be operational.
@rizks: lolz... :D
and why tat big White Water Tank is placed near the entrance ? :(
for passengers to drink and bath before they board any flight ? :)
@gimkygimky: :D I cant say anything :P
But fully operational from 27may lolz yes it will be operational but not fully...
Sorry , One of The Light in Airport is not working -We need to Tender , Procure ( From UK) and Install which will take another 6 Months . So Opening was postponed to September 1 2014
Lucky passengers of 27.05.2014 to use new airport !
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Tue, 22.04.2014, 08.02 hrs ..................................................................................................