Doha’s Hamad International Airport has been named the World’s Best Airport for the third time at the Skytrax World Airport Awards 2024 in Frankfurt, Germany, as well as World’s Best Airport Shopping for the second consecutive year and Best Airport in the Middle East for the tenth year in a row, earning it the ‘Oscars of the airport industry’.
Home to a 6,000-square-metre indoor tropical garden, unlimited access to Wi-Fi and arrays of luxury boutiques, the Qatar gem has once again outshined other international air centres including Singapore’s Changi Airport and Seoul’s Incheon Airport.
Continuously bringing Qatari hospitality and culture closer to travellers, here’s everything you need to know about Doha’s Hamad International Airport.
It celebrates 10 years of greatness
This year, Hamad International Airport celebrates its tenth decade in operation. The airport first opened its doors in 2014, with a strategic location next to the city of Doha and the glittering Arabian Gulf. Over the past decade, the airport has continuously offered unlimited Wi-Fi access, various facilities, entertainment options, shopping opportunities, dining choices, and more, catering to the needs of all passengers. As of 2024, Hamad International Airport has handled more than 360,000 flights and accommodated around 30 million passengers annually.
It boasts a 6,000-square-metre indoor garden
In November 2022, Hamad International Airport unveiled its Phase A expansion proposal, which included the much-anticipated indoor garden known as ORCHARD, spanning an astounding 6,000 square metres with 300 trees of 30 species, 25,000 plants, and 90 varieties of shrubs.
Its architecture was purposely designed with a grid shell roof, strategically controlling and filtering the light to ensure the well-being of the rainforest trees, serving as a ‘stress-free’ haven for travellers from across the globe, whether visiting or transferring flights. Inside ORCHARD, guests will find over 65 out of the airport’s 180 world-renowned retail and dining experiences, all set against a lush green environment.
There are innovative offerings for passengers
Hamad International Airport has gained recognition as the best International Airport in the world largely due to its provision of complementary city tours for passengers with lengthy layovers. It is no surprise that a majority of European travellers opt for Hamad Airport as their transit hub. Their popular City Tour includes the world-famous Souq Waqif, Katara, Pearl-Qatar, and Museum of Islamic Art. Whether flying with Qatar Airways or any other airline, passengers are able to relish in the airport’s top-notch amenities, enhancing their layovers and visits.
For more information on the City Tour activities, click here.
Sustainability remains at its forefront
Hamad International Airport was the first in the region to receive Global Sustainability Assessment System Design & Build 4-Star certifications from Gulf Organization for Research & Development (GORD) thanks to its ORCHARD, Oryx Garden Hotel, and North Plaza lounges. The certification affirms that the airport was built with the environment in mind, adopting thoughtful initiatives to reduce its carbon footprint.
It has world-class dining options
Whether at its arrival, departure or transfer halls, Hamad International Airport offers an endless variety of dining experiences. Fusing fashion and food in the North Plaza, many big-name designer labels have opened cafes and restaurants for the first time at the airport, including Emporio Armani Cafe, Louis Vuitton, Fendi Cafe and Ralph Coffee, solidifying Hamad International Airport’s status as a premier global aviation hub.
For more information about Hamad International Airport, visit its official website.
