Qatar’s Hamad International Airport witnessed a 25 percent surge in passenger traffic during the first half of 2024, marking exceptional growth across several other key metrics. The airport reported a 19 percent rise in aircraft movement and bags handled in addition to a 12 percent rise in cargo operations compared to the first half of 2023.
Passenger numbers surge
Hamad International Airport welcomed 25.9 million passengers in the first half of 2024, a 25 percent annual increase. The number of point-to-point passengers rose 22.1 percent, reflecting a significant growth in the number of airline partners operating from the airport, and the thriving tourism sector in Qatar.
Hamad International Airport expanded its network this year by welcoming new airline partners, including Japan Airlines, Garuda Indonesia, China Southern Airlines and Akasa Air. This has raised the airport’s connectivity and travel options, boosting tourism and trade relations with the global community.
The airport also reported a notable 12 percent annual rise in cargo operations, in terms of cargo tonnage.
Robust global traffic growth
The growth in Hamad International Airport’s operation falls in line with the growth in overall global traffic during the first half of 2024.
Demand from and to the Middle East experienced a remarkable 45.3 percent increase, driven by the recovery of airline operations between GCC countries, particularly the UAE, Saudi Arabia and Bahrain.
In Europe, traffic grew 32.8 percent following the launch of new destinations and greater capacity to existing destinations from Qatar Airways as well as the commencement of services to Spain’s Iberia in late 2023.
The Asian-Pacific region recorded a considerable growth of 20.9 percent, bolstered by the addition of four new airlines from the region including Chinese carrier Xiamen Airlines which began operations in late 2023.
Qatar Airways also expanded its capacity in key Asian markets such as Thailand, Indonesia and Vietnam. Moreover, it introduced new routes to Cambodia, Central Asia and other Asian cities.
Top destinations
London emerged as the top destination, with Qatar Airways serving both London Heathrow and London Gatwick. Other popular destinations included Bangkok, Dubai, Jeddah and Colombo.
Looking ahead, Hamad International Airport projects a greater increase in passenger traffic in the second half of 2024. Having reached the 50 million passenger per year mark earlier this year, the airport expects this number to grow even further, underscoring Qatar’s airport’s robust position as a leading global aviation hub.
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