Doha, November 18 (QNA) – Both Hamad International Airport (HIA) and Doha International Airport are intensifying their preparations for welcoming the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 fans, as both airports are currently witnessing flight influx coming from all over the world to watch the matches of the tournament that will kick off on Sunday, taking into consideration that aircraft movement according to takeoff and landing has reached 90 per hour.
Hamad International Airport Chief Operating Officer Engr. Badr Mohammed Al Meer confirmed the full readiness of Hamad and Doha International Airports to receive the influx of visitors and fans of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022.
In his exclusive remarks to Qatar News Agency (QNA), Al Meer said that the readiness of the two international airports is a result of the early planning to overcome any challenges that might face both airports while receiving air flights during the tournament. He indicated that with flight numbers increasing, the air traffic in both airports has now reached approximately 90 take-offs and landings per hour.
For his part, Acting Director of Air Transport and Airport Affairs Department at the Civil Aviation Authority (QCCA) Mohammed Faleh Al Hajri stressed that the civil aviation system is in full readiness to deal with the expected vast increase in air traffic that Qatar is going to witness during the FIFA World Cup 2022.
In his remarks to QNA, Al Hajri ruled out that the coming period will witness any stumbles with the expected congestion in Qatar’s airspace, given the early preparations taken by the state and the concerned authorities to handle the anticipated congestion and at the same time to avoid any complications caused by that congestion.
Al Hajri said that the past period witnessed extensive preparations that took years and that the authority’s Air Navigation Department has completed its preparations with the start of the first phase of the Doha flight information region (FIR/SSR) through which the QCCA will manage air navigation and provide navigational assistance throughout Qatar’s airspace.
In a related context, he pointed out that the upgraded airspace project has been completed, which included several improvements that will lead to greater efficiency in air traffic management.
He explained that through the air traffic development project, the capacity was increased to about 100 air traffic per hour, adding that the upcoming and outgoing air routes to the State of Qatar became 17 separate paths, in order to achieve further movement flow and ensure further safety, as well as increase the aircraft holding areas in air, which are used during peak periods to arrange aircraft during landing, in preparation for the expected increase in traffic during the World Cup.
Al Hajri noted that the efficiency of take-off and landing operations increased, adding that the possibility of accommodating three landings and take-offs (simultaneously) has been reached, and an experiment was successfully conducted in the air traffic control simulator to ensure the effectiveness and safety of this system for operation.
He pointed out that an air traffic flow management device, the first of its kind in the Middle East, was installed. Air traffic controllers and all employees dealing with it were trained to use it efficiently, which helps controllers in arranging the arrival and departure of planes to and from Doha. Additionally, neighboring countries have been provided with a website about the hours of departure from their countries, called SLOT Departure Time, which also contributes to the regularity of air traffic at peak times in preparation for this important event to ensure the provision of highly efficient and distinguished services that fit with the requirements of this major event, which will be an important milestone in the history of the entire region.
He said that aircraft’ air holding patterns were increased to increase the capacity for take-off and landing operations during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022. Also, comprehensive development operations such as adopting advanced technologies and modern equipment, increasing the number of air observers, developing the working mechanism, and others have been carried out to provide safety and create a secured and efficient air traffic status.
Al Hajri stressed that the Authority’s preparations for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 began since the moment the State of Qatar won the bid to host this important event, which is an unprecedented achievement in the Middle East.
He promised a unique travel experience for visitors and fans of the World Cup that reflects the levels of distinguished services provided by the civil aviation system in the country and leaves a special impact during this exceptional tournament.
Al Hajri discussed the virtual tower, which is the first of its kind in the Middle East. He said that the project allows QCAA’s Qatar air control center at Hamad International Airport to monitor blind spots, which improves daily air traffic. It also enables the air traffic controller to fully control and monitor the traffic of aircraft and vehicles remotely.
He added that the tower provides a control unit for all available remote monitoring techniques to enable control over a large area with the least amount of manpower, which will help face the expected operating intensity, and provide great smoothness and flexibility in air traffic during World Cup. He added that the project will also contribute in the future to dispensing with the traditional control towers, given the new ones can be installed everywhere and aircraft can be directed through it using screens and the device.
Qatar activated the virtual tower during the first week of September. The activation was successful and did not meet any challenges. Al Hajri stressed that this activation marks the beginning of a very important stage for the civil aviation industry in the State of Qatar, during which the sector will witness remarkable development and progress for this sector, in conjunction with the many benefits that will be achieved by activating the airspace, which will contribute effectively to enhancing air safety and improving the efficiency of safe and sustainable air transport operations.
And support the work and development plans to be pursued by the civil aviation system in the country during the coming periods, in accordance with international standards, and in line with the latest developments witnessed by this sector worldwide.
He said that the authority has completed the final stages of preparations and training, and has held many meetings and coordination with all relevant authorities, to ensure the readiness of the civil aviation system and the integration of its activities, and to prepare for that important period in which the State of Qatar will witness large numbers of passengers, and unprecedented air traffic to ensure the safety of all flights, and to provide smoothness and great flexibility in air traffic during the World Cup period.
Al Hajri indicated that the Authority’s air navigation department has completed developing and testing the alternative operational emergency plans to ensure that no confusion occurs in air traffic management during the championship, indicating that all these efforts come within a framework to provide a unique travel experience for visitors, and to show the whole world the great development Qatar is witnessing in the civil aviation sector.
Hamad International Airport (HIA) officially unveiled its airport expansion project, enriching passengers’ experiences and transforming HIA into an extraordinary destination where any journey is worthwhile.
The airport now has a capacity to welcome 58 million passengers a year offering global travelers the best services the industry has to offer. Through the expansion, the airport upgraded its facilities and offerings – creating the ultimate destination for passengers.
From world-class services to endless F&B and retail offerings, the expansion further strengthens its status as the best airport in the world.
The airport’s expanded operations will greatly reduce waiting time, thanks to the new transfer hall on concourse C (Transfer Hall C) – the level of security, customer service and efficiency will allow passengers to smoothly arrive and depart the award-winning airport.
As part of the overall expansion, HIA has launched the second airport hotel within its transfer area, the Oryx Garden Hotel. Located in the north plaza, the 100-room hotel focuses on sustainability, with rooms ranging from king to twin, as well as suites strategically located moments away from the boarding gates.
As part of the expansion project, HIA has four brand-new lounges for passengers to relax and unwind, namely the Al Mourjan Business Lounge – The Garden; Gold and Platinum lounge; Oryx Lounge and Al Maha Lounge. (QNA)