Hamad International Airport (HIA) has been chosen as the ‘Best Airport in the Middle East’ for the fourth successive year by the Global Traveller’s ‘GT Tested Reader Survey Awards’, which is one of the most prestigious accolades in the business travel industry. The award aims to honour the sustained, outstanding customer service offered by HIA.
Global Traveller for the 17th successive year, asked its distinguished readers to vote for their favourite travel products and experience. About 72 percent of the readers of GT travel in first class and business class.
HIA’s commitment in improving passenger wellbeing has made the airport prioritize the airport experience of its passengers. Despite the Covid-19 pandemic, HIA introduced several safety and wellbeing measures apart from new lifestyle offerings that help in alleviating the stress caused by travelling during these times of crisis.
The Publisher and CEO of FXExpress Publications, Francis X Gallagher said that HIA’s dedication to holistic passenger experience is a testament that readers have chosen HIA as the Best Airport in the region for the fourth successive year.
He congratulated HIA on keeping up its role as the avant-grade force in delivering an outstanding airport experience in the region.
“We would like to thank the distinguished readers of Global Traveler Magazine for voting for us for the fourth year in a row. To be recognised for our efforts in ensuring the comfort and peace of mind of our passengers, especially during this unprecedented time, is an honour that bolsters us to continue improving our passengers’ airport experience. In our role as a gateway to the world, we at HIA are committed to the wellbeing of our passengers, which has allowed us to lead the charge in facing the COVID-19 pandemic with proactive safety measures and innovative technologies,” said Engr. Badr. Mohammed Al Meer, COO, Hamad International Airport.
Adopting swift and comprehensive measures towards passenger and employee safety, the airport has adopted latest technologies like fully autonomous disinfectant robots, ultraviolet disinfection tunnels, advanced thermal screening helmets for all checked-in passenger luggage and an in-house developed face mast detection system to ensure mask system.
The Smart Airport Program by HIA will use self-service and biometric technology to provide passengers a contact-free and safe check-in and bag-drop experience.
HIA has also included several other services and amenities to improve its passenger experience. It introduced a sleep lounge recently with sleep pods and cabins wherein visitors get to pay by the hour, relax between flights.
It also introduced new food and beverage options at the terminal including Harrods Tea Room and a vegan café with a healthy, innovative menu. The airport also opened several high-end luxury retail outlets, making products available just for HIA passengers.
Engr. Al Meer pointed-out that Qatar would remain committed to serve US markets and strengthen ties with the US, which is evident by national carrier, Qatar Airways rebuilding its network to eleven destinations in the US by March next year.
HIA continues its expansion project to increase capacity to more than 60 million passengers annually. It also focuses on offering elevated retail and lifestyle experiences.
Based in the US, Global Traveller is a renowned source of global premium travel expertise. The readers surveys of this publication are a prestigious source of information and covers all aspects of travel industry such as First and Business Class Surveys and Best Airport in the World.
