Based on the provided news information, here’s a professional, engaging, and SEO-optimized article in English:
Hamad International Airport Records Surging Passengers in 2024
Doha: Hamad International Airport (HIA), Qatar‘s leading gateway, witnessed a remarkable surge in passenger numbers and flight operations in 2024. The airport handled over 52.7 million passengers last year, marking a 15% increase compared to 2023.
The airport also saw a 10% rise in flight movements, with 279,000 aircraft taking off or landing at HIA in 2024. Additionally, cargo volumes grew by 12% to 2.6 million metric tons, while baggage handling also increased by 10% to 41.3 million pieces.
HIA expanded its global connectivity in 2024, with 55 airlines operating from 197 destinations worldwide. Notably, traffic to China surged by 87%, while other growing markets like Indonesia, Malaysia, and Vietnam also contributed significantly to the growth. European countries, including the UK, Germany, Spain, and France, also saw increased passenger numbers.
Commenting on the growth, HIA’s Chief Operating Officer, Hamad Ali Al-Khatar, attributed it to Qatar’s efforts to transform into a major global hub for connectivity, trade, and tourism. The airport was also recognized as the world’s best airport by Skytrax in 2024.
In December 2024, HIA’s passenger numbers surpassed those during the 2022 FIFA World Cup, further cementing its position as a major global destination. Looking ahead, HIA plans to enhance its infrastructure by adding more gates, with the project slated for completion by mid-2025.
SEO Keywords: Hamad International Airport, Qatar, Passenger growth, Airport expansion, Global connectivity, Skytrax awards, Doha
