Dubai: Qatar’s Hamad International airport has gone live with the new – and much anticipated – Concourses D and E, which is a significant milestone in its forecasts to raise the airport’s capacity to over 65 million passengers annually.
In 2024, the airport oversaw 52.7 million passengers.
The expansion project had started in 2018. Opening of Concourses D and E ‘represents the final phase of a transformational journey initiated in 2022 with the unveiling of the Orchard, a 6,000 square meter indoor tropical garden’, said a statement.
The new concourses are well integrated into the existing terminal, which now spans 842,000 square meters—a 14% increase. The addition of 17 new aircraft contact gates increases the total to 62, and that’s nearly 40% higher.
This will streamline operations and ‘significantly’ reduce bus transfers.
“I am pleased to see this expansion project, with conclusion of both concourses going live, which I have personally been involved with since 2018,” said Badr Mohammed Al-Meer, Qatar Airways’ Group CEO.
“While many global airport expansions have faced delays, we are proud to have delivered this major development ahead of schedule. This is not just about increasing capacity—it is about strengthening the entire Qatar Airways network, enhancing operational resilience, and supporting Qatar’s economic growth in line with the Qatar National Vision 2030.
“This development allows us to meet the evolving demands of global travel while reinforcing Qatar’s position as a leading aviation hub.”
What changes with new concourses
The new concourses come with self-boarding systems, helping makes process faster for passengers. “Smart technology enables swift document verification, reduces wait times, and ensures smooth transitions from terminal to aircraft,” said a statement.
“With increased gate capacity and optimised flight operations, the airport can accommodate a greater number of international carriers and offer more direct routes to key global destinations,” it added.
New retail space
The additional concourses also add to the airport’s retail area, by 2,700 square meters.
“This combined development streamlines passenger flow, optimises resource management, and strengthens airline connectivity, ensuring smoother and more efficient passenger services,” said Hamad Ali Al Khater, Chief Operating Officer at Hamad International Airport.
