Qatar to launch HIA phase 3

Gas-rich Qatar will soon launch phase 3 of its Hamad international airport (HIA) following its official inauguration in April 2014, the CEO of the state-owned Qatar Airways has said. 

Akbar Al Baker was quoted by the Arabic language daily Sharq as saying a British company had been awarded a contract to carry out the designs for this project.

“The final designs for phase 3 of HIA will be finished within the next few months, after which the project will be launched. It is scheduled to be completed within three years.” 

Al Baker did not mention the new project costs or say what it involves but Qatar officials have earlier said HIA, which replaced Doha international airport, would be expanded later to face a projected passenger and cargo growth. 

The initial capacity of the $15.5 billion airport was estimated at 30 million passengers a year, which could be expanded to 50 million by 2020. Beyond that stage, the airport master plan calls for an ultimate capacity expansion to 70-90 million passengers, which could be needed to meet an expected surge for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. 

HIA and other buildings span nearly 29 sq km and it will ultimately include 16 lounges, more than 100 food and retail outlets, a transit hotel, a swimming pool and SPA, sport facilities, a mosque and other buildings.

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