Following exceptional performance during the first half of 2024, Qatar’s Hamad International Airport announced that last month was the busiest month in its operational history where the airport served a record 4.73 million passengers. This milestone marks a remarkable 10.2 percent annual rise in passenger numbers, bolstering the airport’s position as a leading global aviation hub.
Summer season supports demand
Hamad International Airport attributed this surge in passenger numbers to several factors including the increase in flight frequencies to cater to the summer demand. Additionally, Qatar Airways, the national carrier, expanded its network of destinations and introduced seasonal summer operations, further enhancing the airport’s connectivity.
Total aircraft movement at Hamad International Airport in July increased by 3.9 percent month-on-month. Meanwhile, the airport’s load factor which measures how full flights are, stood at 82.8 percent.
This high load factor reflects the efficient utilization of capacity and the high occupancy rate for flights. The airport set a previous record for the busiest month in January 2024, when it served 4.5 million passengers.
The top destinations in July were London, Bangkok, Dubai, Riyadh, and Jeddah. Meanwhile, the top countries were India, the U.S., the U.K., Saudi Arabia, and the UAE.
Read: Qatar Airways acquires 25 percent stake in Airlink, expanding African reach
Network expansion
During the first half of 2024, Hamad International Airport witnessed a 25 percent surge in passenger traffic to 25.9 million. 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.
The 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 its connectivity and travel options, boosting tourism and trade relations with the global community.
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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