How many times have we all taken the obligatory HIA selfie against the illuminated backdrop of Urs Fischer’s iconic ‘Lamp Bear’? Your exit permit’s been approved, you’ve breezed through E-gate, and you’re half-way to the Qatar Duty Free when it hits you. This airport’s alright. Maybe even a bit more than that – it’s kind of half-way to awesome.

Finally, the rest of the world has caught on to what we’ve known all along – HIA is one of a kind. And when Skytrax takes notice, the rest of the world perks up. Just this week HIA was awarded with official ‘5-Star Airport’ designation at a special ceremony here in Doha – adding the airport to an elite list of just half a dozen others worldwide recognized for high-quality customer service in departures, arrivals, and transfers, plus top-tier retail facilities, food and beverage outlets, and ease of service through security, immigration and more.

HIA joins its five-star classmates in Singapore, Hong Kong, Tokyo, Seoul, and Munich, marking a timely entrance after a year of milestones. From its iBeacon mobile app, to its Smart Airport features in-terminal, to the launch of its new passenger shuttle train, and the international accolades garnered from its iconic art installations. In the three short years since its been open HIA has earned its status as Skytrax Middle East’s Best Airport for 2015 and 2016, Skytrax Best Staff Service in the Middle East 2016, and Best Airport Award at the Future Travel Experience Asia Awards 2015.

For Qatar Airways’ Group Chief Executive, Mr. Akbar Al Baker, this recognition is the culmination of a national vision. “Hamad International Airport was designed and built in the modern era, taking into account what passengers want most – convenience and service,” he stated. “HIA more than exceeds passenger expectations by providing what passengers want in an environment that is beautiful, thoughtful and welcoming. HIA’s success is apparent in the fact that it’s now at capacity, and the third phase of its development is highly anticipated. The airport serves more than 30 million passengers every year, and will grow to 50 million, yet each passenger can design their own experience at the airport – whether it’s shopping in the world-class Qatar Duty Free premium stores, relaxing in one of its 12 lounges, resting comfortably in the Airport Hotel or using one of the many amenities at the Vitality Spa, including the squash courts and swimming pool. The airport experience is designed to be as memorable as the journey.”

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Ashlee

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