IATA Director General: Hamad Airport Continues to Lead World of Airports

Doha, September 25 (QNA) - Director General of the International Air Transport Association (IATA) Willie Walsh confirmed that Hamad International Airport (HIA) can accommodate FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 visitors and provide a distinguished service, thanks to its modern and advanced devices and mechanisms that allow the complete flow of fans from all over the world.

In statements to the Qatari newspaper, Al-Sharq, published on Sunday, Walsh indicated that Hamad International Airport is characterized by its qualitative development, outstanding operational efficiency, and ability to provide components of travel that are consistent with international standards, exceeding travelers' expectations.

He indicated that Hamad Airport deserves to win international awards with professionalism and merit, due to its keenness in achieving innovative solutions in the travel sector and facing the challenges of the repercussions of COVID-19 in a professional manner. This has earned the airport the confidence and credibility of international travelers at a time when many international airlines have suspended their flights to the destinations included in their network of operations, he added.

Hamad Airport, according to its design inspired by the highest standards and international engineering lines, will provide all the requirements and needs of travelers from all over the world, Walsh said, pointing out that the airport brings together under one roof all the shopping options for famous brands, modern hospitality, leisure and relaxation facilities, and a group of rare pieces of art by famous international artists distributed throughout the airport.

The IATA Director General expressed his confidence that the expansion of the first phase of Hamad International Airport, which is expected to be completed in mid-October, will have an effective impact in enhancing and supporting its operations, playing a major role in facilitating the movement of passengers and increasing its ability to provide high quality and professional services during the World Cup.

Qatar Airways will provide an exceptional travel experience for all FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 fans thanks to its modern fleet, well-established and strong operational network, and its possession of highly qualified human and technical capabilities, Willie Walsh explained.

He stated that the agreements signed by Qatar Airways with four Gulf airlines, which include a special program for flights for one-day fans, will help those coming from Dubai, Muscat, Riyadh, Jeddah, and Kuwait, who hold tickets for World Cup matches to come to Qatar to attend the events, watch the matches and return in the same day. These agreements will provide visitors the opportunity to enjoy the fun and entertaining atmosphere provided by the State of Qatar and the comprehensive renaissance that Qatar is experiencing in all fields and sectors, he said, adding that the agreements with some Gulf airlines are distinct and will achieve a unique travel experience for fans, enriching the aviation sector in the region.

IATA Director General stressed that the State of Qatar will dazzle the world with an exceptional World Cup and various events that meet the aspirations and desires of football fans, adding that the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 will achieve unprecedented success due to the great efforts made to host it. Qatar is globally famous for its ability to host major international events with high quality and qualitative efficiency, he pointed out.

At the conclusion of his statements to Al-Sharq, Willie Walsh said that the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 is an ideal opportunity to market the components and quality of Qatari tourism. He noted that tourism in the State of Qatar provided an exemplary World Cup atmosphere through the establishment of a series of entertainment projects, offering a modern product by all standards, stressing that Qatar Tourism has worked to enhance the tourism growth process by adding a number of projects that will enrich the experience of visitor to Doha.

(QNA)