Doha, Qatar : Hamad International Airport in Doha, Qatar, has achieved an impressive second-place ranking in the Airports Council International (ACI) Asia-Pacific and Middle East Airport Connectivity Index 2023. This recognition underscores the airport's commitment to offering exceptional connectivity to travelers globally and highlights its role in fostering global connections within one of the fastest-growing aviation markets relative to its population.
Developed in collaboration with PwC, the ACI APAC & MID Airport Connectivity Report assesses passengers' access to the global air transport network, considering both direct and indirect routes and various factors contributing to the passenger experience, such as destination choice, service frequency, onward connectivity, and pricing. The report's announcement coincided with the launch of the ACI APAC & MID Middle East office in Riyadh.
Engr. Badr Mohammed Al Meer, Chief Operating Officer at Hamad International Airport, commented on this achievement, stating that it validates the airport's investment in expanding its capacity through a multi-phased airport expansion project. This investment facilitates future growth and enhances connectivity, benefiting both local and global tourism and the aviation industry as a whole.
Stefano Baronci, Director General of ACI Asia-Pacific and Middle East (ACI APAC & MID), extended congratulations to Hamad Airport for its consistent efforts in enhancing its air connectivity network. He emphasized that this achievement highlights Hamad Airport's unwavering commitment to delivering broader air connectivity, connecting people and places globally.
Hamad International Airport boasts an impressive airline network connecting to over 170 destinations, solidifying Qatar's reputation as a premier travel and sporting destination. The airport's position in ACI's air route connectivity index is further strengthened by the addition of new airline partners, including American Airlines, Finnair, Malaysia Airlines, and Air Algerie, as well as the resumption of Royal Air Maroc flights. These developments have expanded the airport's connectivity to various destinations in North America, Europe, Southeast Asia, and North Africa.
In the first half of 2023, the airport experienced a remarkable 33.5% increase in passenger traffic, welcoming over 20 million passengers. This surge reaffirms Hamad International Airport's status as a preferred hub for millions of travelers.
The airport initiated its expansion journey with Phase A of the growth plan in November 2022, introducing the spectacular indoor tropical garden known as ORCHARD. Phase B, launched in 2023, aims to significantly increase the airport's capacity to over 70 million passengers annually. This expansion positions Hamad International Airport as an industry leader, aligning with the International Air Transport Association's projection of doubling passenger numbers in the Middle East by 2040.
Since its establishment in 2014, Hamad International Airport has revolutionized the aviation industry with innovative experiences and breathtaking features. Serving as the gateway to the State of Qatar and the Middle East, the airport continues to create memorable experiences for passengers of all nationalities, bridging the gap between East and West.
ACI Asia-Pacific and Middle East, headquartered in Hong Kong, represents the interests of 132 airport members operating 623 airports across 47 countries and territories in Asia-Pacific and the Middle East. This region is the world's largest civil aviation market in terms of traffic volumes. ACI advocates for policies and offers services that enhance its members' ability to serve passengers, employees, and stakeholders. In 2022, ACI Asia-Pacific and Middle East airports handled 2.09 billion passengers and 49 million tonnes of cargo.
