In the first quarter of 2024, Hamad International Airport (DOH) in Doha reached new heights as a premier global aviation center, achieving its highest-ever passenger, aircraft, and cargo activity. The period recorded a 27.6% increase in passenger numbers, a 23.9% rise in aircraft operations, and a 15.4% boost in cargo handling compared to the same quarter last year. This performance established DOH as the leading airport globally, according to a study by Skytrax, a London-based research institute.
Between January and March 2024, the airport welcomed a total of 13,171,540 travelers, with monthly figures of 4,533,212 in January, 4,368,710 in February, and 4,269,618 in March. The total aircraft movements during this quarter were 69,959, with monthly breakdowns showing 23,996 in January, 22,736 in February, and 23,227 in March.
Over the quarter, DOH managed 626,338 tonnes of cargo and processed 10,457,444 bags, including 7,210,079 in transfer, highlighting its role as a preferred transit hub. The airport now serves 188 destinations and partners with 48 airlines, four of which joined this quarter, enhancing its connectivity and appeal as a top choice for international travelers.
The airport’s commitment to improving the travel experience and operational efficiency was evident in several initiatives. It launched special transfer security lanes for families to minimize waiting times at security checks and introduced assistance for handling personal items. DOH also achieved the ISO 45001:2018 Occupational Health & Safety Management System Certification from the British Standards Institution.
Furthermore, MATAR, the management and operations company at the airport, received the ‘Best Innovative Use Of Big Data And Analytics Award’ at the Qatar Digital Business Awards 2023. The airport’s ORCHARD project was also recognized, winning the ‘Large-Format Digital Canvases’ award for its 1.2 Kilometers Digital Ribbon in Barcelona.
Hamad International Airport was declared the World’s Best Airport for 2024 by the Skytrax World Airport Awards. It also won accolades for Best Airport Shopping for the second consecutive year and was named the Best Airport in the Middle East for the tenth consecutive year. Since its opening in 2014, Hamad International Airport has been celebrated as a multifaceted aviation hub, catering to a broad spectrum of travelers and consistently achieving high rankings globally for its service excellence, customer-focused amenities, and pioneering technologies.
