Qatar: The number of passengers passing through Qatar’s Hamad International Airport surged 25 percent year on year to reach 25.9 million travelers in the first half of 2024. 

Aircraft movement and the total number of bags handled also grew by 19 percent each over the period, while cargo operations rose by 12 percent, in comparison to the first half of 2023, according to a statement. 

The rise in figures signifies the airport’s growth and reflects significant growth in the number of airline partners operating from Hamad International, as well as the flourishing tourism sector in the Gulf nation.

The statement also disclosed an annual 22.1 percent increase in point-to-point passengers in the first half of 2023 compared to the same period last year – referring to passengers flying directly into and out of Doha. 

The statement also revealed that the airport expanded its network in 2024 by welcoming new airline partners including Japan Airlines, Garuda Indonesia, China Southern Airlines, and Akasa Air. This is in addition to Iberia, Xiamen Airlines and Vistara joining the network late last year.

These developments emphasize the airport’s dedication to enhancing connectivity and offering passengers a wider array of travel choices. 

The network expansion also signifies a substantial impact on tourism, strengthened trade links, and enhanced business connections between Qatar and the international community.

The statement further revealed that demand to and from the Middle East grew by 45.3 percent, driven by the recovery of airline operations between Gulf Cooperation Council countries, particularly the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Bahrain.

Traffic to and from Europe increased by 32.8 percent, bolstered by new destinations and expanded capacity from Qatar Airways, as well as the commencement of services by Spain’s Iberia in late 2023.

The Asia-Pacific region saw a 20.9 percent growth, supported by the addition of four new airlines, 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, while introducing new routes to Cambodia, Central Asia, and other Asian cities.

London emerged as the top destination, with Qatar Airways serving both London’s Heathrow and Gatwick airports. Other popular destinations included Bangkok, Dubai, Jeddah, and Colombo.