AIRPORT REPORT: DOHA
Out to impress
Hamad International Airport’s chief operating officer, Badr Mohammed Al Meer, talks to Joe Bates about traffic trends, IT innovation and expansion plans for 2022 and beyond.
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he opening of Hamad International Airport (DOH) in April 2014 signalled the start of a new era for Doha and Qatar and the gateway certainly hasn’t disappointed, racking up a host of records and awards and gaining a reputation for pioneering innovative solutions in its first decade. The records and awards range from constantly smashing its annual traffic figures and winning a host of customer service and environmental accolades to being the first airport in the world to achieve independent verification from the British Standards Institution (BSI) for its implementation of ICAO’s COVID-19 Aviation Health Safety Protocols. While the desire to lead from the front, in particular in terms of trialling and testing new technology, has led to Hamad becoming known as a trendsetter for introducing potential new solutions to the market. DOH, for example, successfully trialled and installed advanced technology for contactless self check-in as part of its ongoing efforts to safeguard its staff and passengers from COVID-19. The solution harnesses the power of infra-red technology to detect fingers close to the fields on the screen and, similar to a mouse click, send instructions to the kiosk or bag drop application; eliminating the need to touch potentially infected surfaces. Other examples of the airport leading the way with new solutions include introducing new security screening technology that means that passengers no longer have to remove liquids or larger electronic items from their bags; and using fully autonomous disinfection robotics and advanced thermal screening helmets in the fight against COVID. The latter initiative uses multiple advanced technologies such as infrared thermal imaging, artificial intelligence and AR (augmented reality).
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AIRPORT WORLD/ISSUE 1, 2022
It’s not all been plain sailing, of course, as Hamad didn’t escape the reach of the global pandemic, which led to passenger numbers falling from an all-time high of 38.8 million (+12%) in 2019 to less than half of that in 2020 due to COVID caused travel restrictions and flight suspensions. However, DOH’s hub status primarily due to strength of home carrier Qatar Airways, which continues to expand its global network, led to a strong performance last year with passenger numbers rising by 41% to 17.7 million. And with Qatar hosting football’s FIFA World Cup finals later this year, DOH’s chief operating officer, Engr Badr Mohammed Al Meer, is confident that his gateway’s recovery from COVID will gather momentum this year. “Based on the surge in volumes we witnessed in 2021 compared to 2020, we are optimistic that traffic levels are on their way to return to pre-COVID levels,” says Al Meer. “The World Cup will benefit Qatar and the entire region and showcase its wonders and capabilities to the world. It will also mean another record for us as we will make history by becoming the first airport operator to welcome all air travellers to a World Cup tournament. “The tournament will also show the world the passion that exists for football in this region and the amazing fans and footballing talent the Middle East and Arab world boasts. “Hamad International Airport along with the whole country is ready to create memorable experiences for football fans across the globe.”
Traffic trends As stated above, DOH handled 17.7 million passengers (+41%) and 2.58 million tonnes of cargo (+20%) in 2021 as the airport continued its recovery from the global pandemic.