Global Traveler

Hamad International Airport: A Journey Worth Discovering

A leader in the aviation industry seeking to continue its growth and development to further transform the way people see travel and provide global travelers with memories that will last a lifetime, Doha’s Hamad International Airport (DOH) maintains its status of operational excellence and world-class customer service, proudly serving as the gateway to the State of Qatar to millions of passengers.

At the start of its operations in 2014, the airport had the capacity to serve around 30 million passengers per year and, with increased growth and persistent enhancements of its architectural and operational aspects, announced a two-phase expansion project plan to further enhance its capacity capabilities.

A GROWTH PLAN SET TO MAKE EVERY JOURNEY WORTHWHILE

Prior to the start of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™ in November 2022, Hamad International Airport officially unveiled phase A of its impressive airport expansion project to the world, enriching passengers’ experiences and transforming it into an extraordinary destination. The expansion increased the capacity of the airport to more than 58 million passengers per year and offered visitors an abundance of world-class services; a second airport hotel; multiple lounges; and a futuristic, modern indoor tropical garden — the ORCHARD.

Consisting of one expansive terminal, the twotime world’s best airport enables travelers to

seamlessly transfer from one area to another, exploring the wonders the premises has to offer with instilled relaxation and hospitality. Previously located at an area of more than 6 million square feet, the expansion increased the facility to almost 8 million square feet — an increase of 1.3 million square feet of ultimate tranquillity and profound culture.

The airport has also worked on greatly reducing wait time, thanks to the new transfer hall on concourse C (Transfer Hall C), where the level of security, customer service and efficiency allows passengers to smoothly arrive and depart the airport, regardless of peak hours.

As part of the overall expansion, the airport launched multiple world-class lounges as well as a second airport hotel within its transfer area, Oryx Garden Hotel. Located in the north plaza, the 100-room hotel focuses on sustainability, with rooms ranging from king to twin, as well as suites strategically located moments away from the boarding gates. To enhance the overall experience at Oryx Garden Hotel, guests can use the passenger train to visit nearby Oryx Airport Hotel in the south plaza for its Vitality Wellbeing Spa and Fitness Centre.

THE ORCHARD: A TRULY REMARKABLE FOCAL POINT

The vision and futuristic approach of the world’s best airport can be witnessed within the ORCHARD, a tropical indoor garden located at the center of the terminal expansion. Set to truly elevate passenger’s experiences and redefine airport travel, this tropical garden with a beautiful water feature that will be the focal point for visitors. With a host of different flora, the ORCHARD includes more than 300 trees and more than 25,000 plants sourced from sustainable forests around the world.

The unique design of the area allows trees and plants to easily adapt to the internal conditions and grow throughout the life of the airport — with natural light to create calming ambiance and promote a sense of wellbeing to all who venture inside.

A true masterpiece at a truly world-class facility, the ORCHARD is an excellent destination for passengers seeking relaxation and serenity as part of their journey.

STATE-OF-THE-ART RETAIL, F&B OPTIONS

Hamad International Airport’s new expansion offers 172,000 square feet of more than 65 multi-imensional retail and F&B offerings to global travelers, including 40 world-class retail stores. Retail options and concept stores include a flagship Louis Vuitton shop, an exclusive Fendi Boutique and Café, in addition to a Dior Spa. Other global “firsts” include Thom Browne’s only store in an airport; the largest Ray Ban store in an airport; and a line-up of other prestigious brands, such as flagship boutiques of Gucci, Burberry, Tiffany and Bvlgari, among others.

In December 2022, Hamad International Airport officially launched the first-ever FIFA store at its premises, offering visitors a collection of FIFA merchandise, including football jerseys, sports attires, accessories, souvenirs and collectibles.

For the best F&B options on offer, the airport hosts more than 20 cafés and restaurants offering delicious local and global cuisines for an ultimate dining experience — immersing passengers in an adventure of unmatched luxury and wellbeing.

Designed to meet and exceed the expectations of its visitors, the airport continues to grow and connect global travelers, offering exquisite options and a tranquil escape before any journey. In 2023, Hamad International Airport’s phase B is set to begin, increasing capacity to more than 70 million passengers and constructing two new concourses within the existing terminal.

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2023-02-01T08:00:00.0000000Z

2023-02-01T08:00:00.0000000Z

https://globaltraveler.pressreader.com/article/281951726945527

FXExpress Publications