New Qatar airport 'will be among world's best'

A senior Qatar aviation official has said that the new Hamad International Airport, which is set to open in April, will be one of the world's best.

Abdul Aziz Al Noaimi, chairman of Qatar’s Civil Aviation Authority, made the comments as he led a delegation of high ranking officials on a tour of the new facilities.

Al Noaimi said: "We see a fulfilment of our Emir's vision to have not just a new airport, but an airport that ranks among the best in the world.

"Today we gather here to celebrate the accomplishment of the NDIA Steering Committee's task... to create a world class airport that meets the demands of rapidly evolving aviation needs combined with leading edge technology."

The airport is set to receive passenger flights of a dozen or more airlines as early as April this year, while cargo operations are set to launch next month.

Two runways, reputed to be among the longest in the world, an air traffic control tower, a passenger terminal with a capacity of 30 million passengers per year, over 25,000 sq m of retail and food & beverage facilities will create a "wow" factor for users, he added.

Al-Noaimi said: "Design, art, substance and safety intersect... to create an unparalleled, never-before passenger experience."

Qatar last month confirmed that preparations are well underway for the April 1 first phase opening of the new Hamad International Airport.

The new hub, formerly known as the New Doha International Airport, will be operated by national carrier Qatar Airways.

Qatar’s Civil Aviation Authority (QCAA) said 12 international airlines will become launch carriers at the new facility from April 1.