Gateway to the world

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CEO Middle East looks into the state-of-the-art New Doha International Airport (NDIA), which in 2011 will offer a full range of airport facilities and modern commercial developments.

The New Doha International Airport (NDIA) is a key project in Qatar's national development strategy. The airport will fulfil three critical roles: for Qatar to be the gateway to the world, to be the hub for Qatar Airways and other airlines, and to serve as cargo and aircraft maintenance centre.

NDIA will be one of the first airports in the world to accommodate unrestricted operations by all commercial aircraft, including the new A380 airliner that will soon be added to Qatar Airways' fleet. At opening day (2011), NDIA is designed to annually accommodate 24 million passengers, 1.4 million tonnes of cargo and over 360,000 aircraft movements.

The ultimate master plan allows NDIA an ultimate capacity to annually accommodate nearly 50 million passengers and 2.5 million tonnes of cargo. The site area of 22 sq km has the capacity for two runways, a mega passenger terminal, more than 100 aircraft stands, a full range of airport support facilities, and extensive commercial developments.

Key features include:

- The home base and hub of Qatar Airways

- Provide unconstrained A380 aircraft operations

- Be partly reclaimed from the Gulf

- Provide state-of-the-art facilitiesProvide high level of service, comfort and convenience

- Accommodate Qatar's aviation needs for the next 50 years and beyond

For opening day development, two runways with lengths of 4,850 metres and 4, 250 metres, separated 2km apart will be provided. The passenger terminal/concourse will be  about 600,000 sq m and will provide 41 contact gates and 22 remote gates. Other key facilities include the Emiri Terminal, air traffic, control tower, cargo complex and aircraft maintenance centre.

Passenger complex

The design of the roof structure alone is enough to ensure that NDIA stays in the mind of the international traveller as a landmark structure in the world of aviation. Reflecting the terminal's seaside setting, the roof will be wave-like in structure. The transparent façade of the terminal beneath, further emphasises its state-of-the-art curves, like a gentle wave alongside the Arabian Gulf.

Inside the terminal, the design focus has been on the creation of a spacious but efficient and convenient airport experience. The result is a multi-level building with arched columns, generous skylights and highlighted finishes that enhance the feeling of space. The concourses will be comfortable, attractive and spacious - an oasis of amenities for waiting passengers.

The passenger terminal is designed so that all passenger transfers can occur under one roof.  With short walking distances between gates, and shorter connection times between flights, passenger waiting and walking times are minimised, all helping to ensure an effortless passenger experience within the facility. In addition to this, passenger processing will be cleverly managed to ensure quick passenger processing, safely and securely.

An extensive central area has been designed for duty free, retail, food and beverage amenities and airline lounges. All departing passengers will walk through this area. The terminal will also have a 100-room transit hotel with health and entertainment facilities, making waiting for flights a more pleasurable experience.

Significant thought has also been given to the exterior of the facility. Featuring a beautiful man-made lagoon and strategic landscaping, the intent has been to create a lush green space to complement the airport's natural bay and seaside setting.

Air Traffic Control Tower

Like a pivot in the centre of the airport, the crescent-shaped Airport Traffic Control Tower will provide the control between the two parallel runways and airside facilities at the New Doha International Airport (NDIA).

The Air Traffic Control Tower will be an elevated, triangular shaped structure, topped by a glazed control room, about 85 metres above the airport. From here, air traffic control staff will have unobstructed views of all aircraft movements, on runways, taxiways and aprons. Seen by passengers from all over the airport, the tower will also be visible to city residents, providing another stunning landscape structure for Doha.

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