HIA, Qatar Airways expect 4 million passengers across 170 destinations

Doha, Qatar: Hamad International Airport (HIA) and Qatar Airways have unveiled comprehensive operational readiness plans as the airline prepares for a high-demand winter season.

During a media tour held yesterday at HIA, officials noted that with operations spanning more than 170 destinations worldwide, the carrier expects approximately 4 million passengers to travel through its global network and hub during the upcoming winter months.

Speaking to the press, Group Chief Executive Officer of Qatar Airways, Hamad Ali Al-Khater, said, “We have indeed managed to overcome a major phase, despite the significant challenge we faced on February 28. Thankfully, we have now reached approximately 90 to 95 percent of the passenger numbers we recorded this year. Load factors on our aircraft are very high, and we have expanded from around 60 destinations to 160 destinations.”Group Chief Executive Officer of Qatar Airways, Hamad Ali Al-Khater speaking to the press during the media briefing.

The announcement follows robust performance figures recorded between January and August 2026, during which the airline operated 96,031 passenger flights. Backed by a diverse fleet of 239 passenger aircraft, Qatar Airways averages more than 510 daily flights across its extensive international route network.

“Since mid-June, operations have continued to recover, and next year, we will receive new aircraft, including the Airbus A350-1000 and the Boeing 777-9,” Al-Khater said. “The Qsuite Next Gen is also expected to be available across our fleet starting next summer.”

At the core of the passenger experience is Hamad International Airport, boasting an annual capacity exceeding 65 million passengers across an expansive 845,000-square-meter single terminal. To streamline transit during peak periods, HIA features 138 check-in counters and 62 contact gates, complemented by the world-famous 6,000-square-meter indoor tropical garden, The Orchard.

HIA also launched a complimentary ‘Travel Recovery Studio’ at the Concourse C Orchard, open from September 6 to October 25, 2026, to help travelers unwind between flights. Guided by expert instructors, the 20-minute wellness sessions blend light stretching, breathing techniques, and red light therapy mats to relieve tension and boost comfort.

Meanwhile, ground services have recorded 9.4 million departing passenger journeys during the first seven months of 2026 alone. Innovation continues to drive efficiency at the hub, with 319,000 passengers using self-service check-in kiosks and 74,000 using self-service bag drops.

“Passenger traffic at Hamad International Airport has reached more than 140,000 passengers per day,” the Group CEO said.