Hamad International Airport unveiled its airport expansion project recently, including ORCHARD, a garden at the airport’s heart.

© Hamad International Airport

“We are immensely proud to officially launch our airport expansion. Our growth plan will see us welcome over 58 million passengers annually – offering global travelers the best services the industry has to offer,” said Engr. Badr Mohammed Al Meer, COO, HIA. “Through the expansion, we have upgraded our facilities and offerings – creating the ultimate destination for passengers. From world-class services to endless F&B and retail offerings, the expansion further strengthens our ambition as we look towards maintaining our status as the best airport in the world.”

ORCHARD is an indoor tropical garden with a water feature at center of the terminal expansion. It includes more than 300 trees and more than 25,000 plants, all sourced from sustainable forests around the world.

© Hamad International Airport

With the expansion, travelers can now easily transfer from one area to the next, and enjoy greatly reduced waiting times thanks to a new transfer hall on Concourse C. Qatar Duty Free also debuted new retail and food and beverage outlets, including the world’s first Oreo Café in an airport.

Oryx Garden Hotel, located in the north plaza, is now the second airport hotel. It focuses on sustainability. Additionally, HIA now boasts four new lounges.

“We are very pleased to be launching the expansion of Hamad International Airport, an airport that has truly grown to become the ultimate example of a successful, sustainable global facility. HIA continues to impress with its innovative planning, execution and investment – enhancing its position as the preferred hub for global travelers and reinforcing HIA’s position amongst the top leaders of this industry,” said H.E. Mr. Akbar Al Baker, chief executive, Qatar Airways Group. “The opening of our newly expanded terminal further connects the growing number of travelers to all corners of the world, enriching people’s experiences and proudly representing the State of Qatar’s rich culture and prestige.”