Hamad International Airport outlines plan for soft launch on 01-Apr-2013

Qatar's Civil Aviation Authority chairman Abdul Aziz Al Noiami stated (22-Jan-2013) the first phase of Hamad International Airport is scheduled to open on 01-Apr-2013. The soft launch involves 12 carriers, including low-cost airlines. Qatar Airways plans to move its operations from Doha International Airport in 2H2013 and both airports will be in operation until the transfer is complete. Airfreight services will operate at Doha Airport until summer 2013, while freight forwarding and processing will commence at the new airport in Mar-2013. Hamad Airport's catering facility will open in stages and will provide catering services for both airports from summer 2013. Construction of the USD15.5 billion airport commenced in 2005 and it is expected to have capacity for 24 million passengers p/a in the first phase and 50 million p/a in the second phase, which includes a second terminal scheduled to open by 2022. Mr Al Noiami said Doha Airport would be used for non-commercial aviation including military and training operations once the transfer is complete. [more - original PR]