HIA sees double-digit growth year-on-year in aircraft movement and passengers in August, 2022

A view of the Hamad International Airport in Doha.

Qatar saw a strong double-digit year-on-year growth in the number of aircraft and passengers through the Hamad International Airport in August 2022. The preliminary air transport statistics for August indicate an increase in aircraft movement at Hamad International Airport (HIA) by 17.6% compared to same month last year. The HIA is gearing up to receive fans from around the world as Doha plays host for the 2022 FIFA World Cup, which is expected to attract more than 1.5mn visitors. The number of aircraft movements stood at 18,782 in August 2022 against 15,971 the corresponding period of 2021. The number of passengers zoomed 66.6% on an annualised basis to 3.43mn in August this year, said the official figures. Nevertheless, air freight and mail showed a decline of 8.7% compared to same month in 2021. The cargo and mails amounted to 188,357 tonnes in August 2022 against 206,265 tonnes the previous year period. Disclosing that the official inauguration of the current expansion of HIA will be held next month, Qatar Airways Group chief executive officer HE Akbar al-Baker recently said “this expansion will be a vital part of future success of Qatar Airways group and the country’s preparation to hold the FIFA World Cup and beyond.”