Without a doubt, the pandemic reshaped airports’ role in global travel. Hamad International Airport’s approach evolved significantly in response, placing passenger and staff safety at the heart of its operations. As Qatar’s primary gateway, HIA has prioritized secure, efficient journeys while adopting new standards aligned with global best practices.
To meet heightened health and safety expectations, HIA reimagined the airport experience with updated protocols and advanced technologies designed to streamline passenger flow and reduce risk.
Among the technology investments, HIA introduced Smart Screening Helmets—wearable, portable devices that enable contactless temperature checks using advanced sensors. The airport also deployed fully autonomous disinfectant robots that use concentrated UV light to reduce microbes on surfaces. UVC disinfection tunnels were added to the terminal to treat inbound luggage, and the latest C2 security screening technology allows transferring passengers to pass through checkpoints without removing electronic devices from their bags.
© Hamad International Airport
HIA’s teams leveraged computer vision and artificial intelligence to build an automated facial-detection system to ensure compliance with mask policies. The airport was the first to trial a prototype that integrates UV-C disinfectant lights into cabin baggage x-ray scanning systems. Self-service kiosks were upgraded to contactless interaction through infrared technology, and elevator controls were converted to touch-free operation to reduce contact points.
The airport’s expansion project will be integrated with the existing terminal, enabling seamless transfers and single-terminal operations. Planned in two phases, Phase A is expected to increase capacity to 58 million passengers annually by 2022, while Phase B, scheduled to begin after the 2022 FIFA World Cup, will raise capacity to more than 60 million passengers per year.
The expansion will blend a world-class art collection with abundant greenery, contemporary retail and dining concepts, and leisure attractions. A 10,000-square-meter indoor tropical garden with a water feature will be introduced to enhance the passenger experience, reduce stress and provide an educational showcase of environmental conservation.
© Hamad International Airport
Hamad International Airport’s duty free recently unveiled “Viale di Lusso,” a premium fashion avenue that includes the Middle East’s first airport boutique for Valentino and showcases prestigious designers such as Dolce & Gabbana, Fendi, Jimmy Choo and Pucci. This addition further elevates Qatar Duty Free’s curated brand lineup.
Since 2014, HIA has also committed to environmental sustainability, targeting a 30 percent improvement in carbon efficiency per passenger by 2030. The airport has recorded a steady reduction in overall CO2 emissions and earned Level 3 certification from Airport Council International’s Airport Carbon Accreditation program. Architectural and operational choices amplify natural daylight through extensive glazing and an automated lighting-control system to reduce reliance on artificial lighting during daytime. A solar shade system and widespread LED use enhance energy efficiency. The expansion aims to position HIA as the first airport in the MENA region to achieve a 4-star Global Sustainability Assessment System rating and LEED Silver certification.
Learn more about Hamad International Airport’s ongoing developments and its focus on safety, sustainability and passenger experience.