Hamad International Airport announces a record 54.3 million passengers in 2025, driven by tourism growth, new airlines, strong performance, and major infrastructure upgrades.
Hamad International Airport Reports Record 54.3 Million Passengers in 2025
Doha: Hamad International Airport passenger record numbers were broken in 2025, as the airport confirmed it served 54.3 million travelers, marking the busiest year in its history and reinforcing its role as Qatar’s main global gateway.
In a statement released Wednesday, the airport said the milestone reflected strong performance across operations, along with continued investment in comfort, sustainability, and worldwide connectivity.
Passenger traffic rose 3% year-on-year, while the third quarter became the busiest period since the airport opened, handling 14.3 million passengers. August set a new monthly high, welcoming more than five million travelers, the largest figure ever recorded at the airport.
Passenger Growth and Traffic Performance
The surge in Hamad International Airport 2025 traffic highlights Doha’s growing importance as an international aviation hub.
Aircraft movements reached 282,975, up 1% from the previous year. Air cargo stood at 2.59 million tonnes, with a slight dip linked to shifts in global markets. On-time performance remained solid at 85%, supporting smooth passenger flow during peak seasons.
Travel to and from Doha reached 13.5 million passengers, a 5.4% increase, supported by rising tourism, stronger trade activity, and the hosting of major international events.
Global Network Expansion and New Airlines
The airport continued to widen its global reach, working with 57 airline partners during the year.
Several new carriers joined the network, including Virgin Australia, Georgian Airways, and Smartwings, adding fresh routes and boosting Qatar airport passenger growth.
Qatar Airways also expanded its destination list, launching flights to Aleppo in Syria and the Red Sea Airport in Saudi Arabia, strengthening links between Qatar and international markets.
Major Events Drive Travel Demand
Hamad International played a central role in supporting Qatar’s calendar of major sporting, cultural, and business events.
These included FIFA-backed football tournaments such as the Arab Cup 2025 and the Intercontinental Club Cup 2025, alongside large business conferences and cultural festivals. Officials said these events helped push Doha airport traffic higher across the year.
Infrastructure Upgrades and Capacity Boost
Investment in infrastructure remained a major focus.
The integration of Concourses D and E added 17 new boarding gates, increasing the use of passenger boarding bridges and cutting reliance on remote stands and bus transfers, especially during busy travel periods.
These upgrades improved capacity and gave operations teams greater flexibility when traffic surged.
Passenger Experience and Accessibility Improvements
Passenger experience stayed at the heart of airport planning.
Satisfaction levels held steady at an impressive 98%, even during peak months. New efforts also strengthened accessibility, including expanded services for passengers with disabilities.
Hamad International earned Level Two certification under the Airports Council International Accessibility Enhancement Accreditation and launched the Sunflower program to support travelers with non-visible disabilities.
Culture and Art at the Airport
The airport continued blending travel with culture.
Interactive art installations by Gillie and Marc were unveiled in the Orchard garden early in the year. The airport closed 2025 with live performances by the Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra, giving passengers a taste of the country’s cultural identity.
Sustainability Milestone Reached
On the environmental front, the airport announced it achieved its goal of becoming zero waste in 2025.
Waste from terminals, airside areas, and shared facilities was diverted toward recycling, composting, and energy recovery. Officials said the move supports Qatar National Vision 2030 and places sustainability at the core of daily operations.
Looking Ahead to 2026
Looking ahead, airport leadership said 2026 will center on strengthening performance and safety.
Plans include a major phased rehabilitation of the eastern runway to meet International Civil Aviation Organization standards, while maintaining uninterrupted operations.
Officials said the ongoing investments reflect a long-term strategy built around safety, reliability, and collaboration, supporting Qatar’s ambition to expand global connectivity and maintain high operational standards.
