Manama: Passenger traffic at Doha International Airport (DIA) reached 23.2 million last year, a 10 per cent increase over 2012 with its 21.1 million passengers.
In 2013, the airport has registered a year-on-year growth every month, which shows the “ever-growing importance of Doha as an international hub”, DIA said in a statement.
The growth rate comes as Qatar gears up for the opening of Hamad International Airport “expected to redefine passengers’ experience”.
DIA said it had “successfully accommodated” the different travel season requirements and the ever-growing number of passengers at all times. In addition to the increase in passenger traffic, DIA experienced a 4.7 per cent growth in overall cargo traffic year-on-year.
“The current year is expected to see an increase in cargo traffic as DIA’s cargo facility enhances its unique offering, with the introduction of two new unique services — Q Pharma and Q Fresh, which will optimise the transportation of time and temperature sensitive goods, including high-value pharmaceutical products and perishables,” DIA said, Qatar News Agency (QNA) reported.
The growth in the cargo market has “fuelled massive expansion” and with the recently announced commercial agreement between Qatar Airways and IAG Cargo, an optimal level of service, convenience and flexibility will be delivered to worldwide cargo customers.”
Even though inbound mail to Qatar has increased by more than 20 per cent year-on-year, overall mail traffic has dropped by 1.5 per cent in comparison to 2012, due to a decrease in outbound mail. According to DIA, last year has seen a “distinguished” growth in aircraft movements as DIA witnessed a 7.9 per cent annual increase compared to the previous year.
December 2013 has also recorded significant passenger traffic growth of more than 13 per cent compared with the same month of the previous year, while during the same period cargo traffic saw an increase of over 11 per cent. Overall mail traffic in December followed the decreasing trend noted throughout the entire year despite the increase in inbound mail of over 5 per cent compared with December 2012.
Aircraft movements contributed to a successful December with almost 7.5 per cent year-on-year growth, the report said.
