Almost all of us think of transportation well we hear about airports. But there are some airports in the world that offer much more than that. Many airports have the unique and eye-catching architecture to mesmerize tourists.

Location

The State of Qatar’s Hamad International Airport serves as the headquarters for Qatar Airlines. This is the nation’s primary airline. It now serves as Qatar’s main airport. However, it took this place from the adjacent Doha International Airport which used to be the country’s main airport. This massive structure is situated east of the country’s capital, Doha. The opening of Hamad International Airport had been delayed repeatedly as a result of great financial expense. But the government managed to open this airport on  April 30, 2014. On May 27, 2014, Qatar Airlines and all other airlines moved formally to the new airport. The airport bears the name of Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani who used to be the previous Emir of Qatar.

HIA

In the 2021 World Airport Awards ceremony, Hamad International Airport became the first airport in the Middle East to receive the Skytrax World Best Airport. This achievement managed to end Changi Airport in Singapore’s seven-year dominance.

construction of Hamad International Airport

Constructions of the Hamad International Airport got underway in 2005. But the planning of the construction procedure had already started in 2003.   It has spread over a land of 2,200 hectares. Also. it was primarily intended to accommodate aircraft that won’t make use of lounge access.

Hamad International Airport was built to handle an anticipated continued rise in travel flow. The airport can initially serve 29 million people annually. However, that is three times the present amount. After Dubai, it will be the second-largest airport in the area, with a capacity of 50 million people annually. Nevertheless, other estimates put that number as high as 93 million.

constructions of HIA

Moreover, 2 million tonnes of cargo and 320,000 aircraft movements per year were anticipated during the planning. In addition, twelve times more space than the airport’s present check-in and retail sections were anticipated. The airport was planned to be just one-third as big as Doha.   The construction of the airport is inspired by the desert. With roofs that resemble waves and desert plants that are grown in recycled water, it stands out as a construction marvel.  Further,   half of the airport’s 22 square kilometers of construction space is on the recovered ground.

Prominent Features and sculptors

Lamp Bear

A huge bronze sculpture of a teddy bear with its face in a light is the most noticeable object inside this airport. One of three sculptures by Swiss artist Urs Fischer, with the working title “Lamp Bear,” is on exhibit in the grand lobby of the airport’s duty-free retail area. Moreover, this monument, which is seven meters tall and weighs between 18 to 20 tons, was previously on exhibit in New York City at the plaza of the Seagram Building. However, it was bought for US$6.8 million by a member of the Qatari royal family at a Christie’s auction.

Lamp Bear

According to Christie’s website, the piece brightly celebrates the objects that define a young child’s life. Urs Fischer realized this striking sculpture on a monumental scale, combining a canary yellow teddy bear, everyone’s cherished childhood keepsake, with a bedroom desk lamp.

Runways

The airport’s two parallel runways are separated by a distance of two kilometers. Those are built for parallel takeoffs and landings. The first runway is 4,850 m and 60 m long, making it one of the longest runways in the world as well as the longest in Western Asia.

Runways

Glass Wonder

The HIA’s departure hall has an open, sloping ceiling and steel-framed glass walls that offer panoramic views of the ticketing halls. The longest corridor has a substantial oak ceiling that provides visual richness in contrast to the airport’s modern metal and glass surfaces. The airport’s two significant transfer hubs are connected by an autonomous glass train. Passengers may enjoy natural light and spectacular views of the desert thanks to the skylights and glass walls that cover the whole area.

Glass Wonder

The airport features a mosque, two hotels, twelve bars, and expansive duty-free and retail sections. Also, they offer a health club with a gym, a massage, a swimming pool, and two squash courts. Acclaimed local and international artists’ works are on exhibit as part of a comprehensive public art program.  “Our design of the major passenger terminal emphasizes Qatari hospitality and its location along the Gulf,” claims HOK. In addition, the terminal offers guests a five-star traveling experience while leaving a magnificent and long-lasting image of the nation.

Smoking Rooms

Hamad International Airport is a smoke-free area. This condition is applied all over the airport area in order to protect the health of their customers and employees. E-cigarette use is also not authorized within the airport. There are designated smoking areas with smoke extractors and comfortable chairs accessible throughout the passenger terminal for the benefit of their guests.

Smoking Rooms

Activity Nodes

Their activity hubs provide families with cozy accommodations while keeping kids and young travelers amused. Moreover, each activity node has televisions, Mac computers for accessing the internet, and interactive art installations. In addition, there are family rooms with quiet spaces for leisure.

Parent’s Rooms

You may care for your baby in peace and comfort in our parents’ rooms. Warmers for milk and water are available in these special rooms. Also, they consist of diaper changing stations. There are several places within the passenger terminal where parents may stay.

Parent’s Rooms

Self Check-In Kiosks

There are ten check-in rows at Hamad International Airport. 14 Check-in counters are located in each row. Premium travelers have access to First and Business Class Rows 1, 2, and 3. All other carriers fly in rows 7 through 10. There are multiple self-check-in kiosks in each check-in row for the convenience of passengers and to prevent standing in long lines.

Shopping at Hamad International Airport

Despite all the fascinating features that I have written about above this airport offers an unforgettable shopping experience to everyone. You can shop in the Qatar Duty-Free which is open in all 24 hours a day. Also, you can give yourself a relaxing sensation at Vitality spa. If you need any medications you can head over to Kulud Pharmacy.

Shopping at Hamad International Airport

In addition, Harrods, Swarovski, and a Samsung Shop are located in the airport to offer you a great shopping experience. Not only that, there is Victoria’s secrete shop and a Dior perfume shop for fashion lovers. Au gold shop is also in this airport if you need any golden jewelry. Moreover, Hamad International Airport offers you ATM facilities and money exchange facilities.