New Doha International Airport will be operational by 2009 and will have an annual operational capacity of 50 million passengers six years later, according to Qatar’s Civil Aviation Authority.
Seen as one of the world’s fastest growing airlines with one of the youngest fleets, Qatar Airways will use the new airport as its hub.
The current terminal has difficulty in coping with the volume of travelers at peak hours. Passengers have had to put up with makeshift arrangements as work continues on the new buildings.
One of the world’s most advertised airlines, Qatar Airways currently operates 49 aircraft among 70 destinations. The company hopes that it will increase to a fleet of 110 traveling to 100 destinations by the 2015 target date.
Until now the company has focused on European and Asian markets, but it is also looking to expand considerably into North America.
One problem the company has is that Qatar tends not to be a final destination. It faces stiff competition from the UAE-based companies, with Dubai already a far more established tourist region.
Much of Qatar’s focus is on business travel.