Dohas Hamad Airport Sees Surge in Direct Passengers
Doha’s Hamad International Airport (DOH) has achieved a significant milestone in 2024, with annual point-to-point passenger traffic outpacing transfer traffic for the first time. This shift underscores Qatar’s evolving status from a major transit hub to a prominent travel destination.
In 2024, Qatar Airways’ base hub handled a record-breaking 52.7 million passengers, marking a 15% increase from the 45 million passengers managed in 2023. This surge represents the highest annual passenger volume ever recorded at Hamad International Airport. Of the total 52.7 million passengers, 12 million were point-to-point travelers, reflecting a 16% growth compared to the previous year.
Hamad Ali Al-Khater, COO of DOH, highlighted the achievement: “November and December 2024 witnessed Hamad International Airport’s point-to-point passenger volumes surpassing those during the FIFA World Cup 2022, highlighting Doha’s rising prominence as a premier destination.”
By the end of 2024, Hamad International Airport was connected to 197 destinations globally, served by 55 airlines. The year saw the introduction of new services from airlines such as India’s Akasa Air, China Southern Airlines, Garuda Indonesia, Japan Airlines, and Shenzhen Airlines, further diversifying the airport’s network.
Passenger traffic at DOH demonstrated strong growth across both eastern and western markets. Notably, traffic to China surged by an impressive 87% year-over-year, while emerging markets in Asia, including Indonesia, Malaysia, and Vietnam, also experienced robust increases in passenger numbers. This growth underscores Qatar Airways’ strategic focus on expanding its reach and catering to the rising demand for direct flights to and from Doha.
In December 2024, Qatar Airways launched a new route between Hamad International Airport and Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ), operating three times weekly. The service is managed using a Boeing 777-300ER aircraft, featuring 354 seats, including 42 in business class. This new connection fills the gap left by United Airlines, which suspended its thrice-weekly service on the same route in August 2024, providing travelers with enhanced options for transatlantic travel.
Additionally, Qatar Airways expanded its network with new routes from Doha to Hamburg, Lisbon, Portugal, and Osaka, Japan. These additions aim to strengthen bilateral ties and facilitate increased business and leisure travel between Qatar and these key international markets.
The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) reports that the travel and tourism industry is projected to contribute over $16 trillion to Europe’s GDP and support more than 449 million jobs by 2034. The rise in point-to-point passenger traffic at Hamad International Airport is a testament to Qatar’s growing appeal as a tourist destination and a critical player in the global aviation landscape.
The strategic expansion of Qatar Airways and the continuous development of Hamad International Airport’s infrastructure are pivotal in supporting Qatar’s vision of becoming a leading destination for international travelers. As the airline continues to innovate and expand its offerings, Doha is poised to attract even more visitors, further cementing its position as a top-tier global destination.
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