Akbar Al Baker, Qatar Airways Chief Executive Officer ( left ) and Abdul Aziz Mohammad Al-Noaimi, Chairman of Qatar's Civil Aviation Authority together marking the operational transition to Hamad International Airport. DOHA – Qatar Airways commenced on Tuesday full operations at its new state-of-the-art hub, Hamad International Airport (HIA), at 09:00 local time. With the first Qatar Airways commercial flight QR1113 from Bahrain landing at HIA at 09:10 local time, all operations for all airlines have now been transferred to HIA. “The moment we have all been building towards for many years arrived today as QR1113 touched down, marking the historic start of our full operations at the world-class Hamad International Airport,” said Qatar Airways Chief Executive Officer Akbar Al Baker. “This is yet another milestone in the rich history of Qatar Airways, and one that will allow us to fully realize our ambitions, and to offer our passengers the very best of services, both in the air and on the ground. “Qatar Airways will be able to offer an exceptional passenger experience, as HIA has been designed with passengers foremost in mind. The airport will also be able to accommodate the world's largest aircraft, such as our much-anticipated Qatar Airways Airbus A380 which will commence operations to the UK in June and France in July.” Passengers travelling on today's historic day were greeted with roses, dates, coffee, chocolate and Qatari flags. They were also able to take advantage of the many new services available at Hamad International Airport, from the free Wi-Fi to play areas for children, multiple quiet areas to relax, and the amazing array of shopping and eating options. With more than 70 retail outlets offering an unprecedented selection of designer labels, high street fashion, electronics, gourmet foods and much more, Qatar Duty Free at HIA also has more than 30 cafes and restaurants with a sumptuous selection of global and local cuisine. All passengers travelling via HIA are advised to arrive three hours before their flight, with check-in closing one hour before departure for Economy Class, and 45 minutes before departure for First and Business Class. e-Gates are already operational in both the departures and arrivals areas, offering holders of an e-Gate Card a swift journey through the new airport. Helpful HIA staff will also be readily available to assist at information desks and throughout the airport. The new airport is located on the East coast of the peninsula, just 16km from the center of Doha and 4km from DIA. Due to an elaborate newly-built road infrastructure surrounding HIA, arrival time to the airport is around 25 minutes, depending on traffic. Qatar Airways' passengers can travel to HIA via car, bus, taxi or limo services. — SG
