Qatar’s new airport has undergone final trials in preparation for its delayed soft opening in just over a fortnight.
The new Hamad International Airport is in final stages of tests to prepare for the switchover from the existing facility on April 1.
More than 1,000 people have taken part in trials to test check-in, security, immigration, aircraft boarding and arrivals. Further tests involving another 2,500 people will take place in the next two weeks.
The new airport had been due to open on December 12 last year, but problems with a contractor fitting the premium lounges led to a five-month delay. Qatar Airways, the main user of the airport, is due to switch its entire operation to Hamad International by the end of 2013.
Ten airlines will begin 'soft operations' at the new airport from April 1. They will be Air Arabia, Air India Express, Biman Bangladesh Airlines, Flydubai, Iran Air, Nepal Airlines, Pakistan International Airlines, RAK Airways, Syrian Air and Yemen Airways. Qatar Airways’ flights will not be affected initially.
Hamad International will eventually handle 50 million passengers, using two of the world’s longest runways built on reclaimed land. The existing overcrowded Doha International Airport, which last year handled 21 million passengers, will close and the site will be redeveloped.
dohaairport.com