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New Doha International Airport Terminal to be ready by the year-end

The New Doha International Airport (NDIA) is likely to open towards the end of this year and the work is progressing as scheduled, a senior project official revealed.

Speaking during Qatar Projects Conference 2012, the Director of NDIA Steering Committee, Bernardo Gogna, explained that if the thousands of contractors who are currently working on various buildings as part of the development, delivers their work on time, the project will be ready by end of 2012.

However, the committee can only offer necessary support and advice, and pressurize the companies to deliver, but, those working on the project are the ones to ensure that it is completed as scheduled.

According to Gogna, discussions were on about transfer of operations from old airport to new one, with particular focus on whether it should take place in phases, or if it should be an overnight transition.

The committee prefers a phase by phase transition, with the entire transfer process likely to be completed within three months of initial move.

The current site of the airport will then be demolished and re-developed as part of Doha’s overall urban development.

Further, speaking about the medium and long term plans of NDIA, Gogna mentioned that the annual capacity of passengers are likely to be increased to 50mn from 24mn in 2020.

He further said that plans were on to meet the growing demands associated with hosting the FIFA World Cup in 2022, and expected growth of Qatar Airways.

Discussing about the lagoon in front of the terminal, Gogna explained that the committee has been working with the Qatar Museums Authority, and several other international artists to offer passengers a memorable approach towards and from Doha. Gogna is of the firm belief that the airport will be ready by the year-end.

Posted on 7/2/2012