List of Airports in Qatar
As of 2024, there are 2 airports throughout the country of Qatar according to IATA and ICAO. Through the table below, you can find name of each airport, its abbreviation, city location, and size. Airports in Qatar are listed in alphabetical order. Please note that some airports serve internationally, while the other only serve domestically.
List of All Airports in Qatar
| # | Airport | Abbreviation | Location | Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Al Udeid Airbase | XJD | Al Udeid | Small |
| 2 | Doha International Airport | DOH | Doha | Large |
Major Airports in Qatar
Qatar, a small but influential country in the Middle East, is known for its state-of-the-art infrastructure, particularly in air travel. The nation has developed a world-class aviation network, with its major airports serving as hubs for both international and regional flights. Here is an overview of Qatar’s primary airports, focusing on their history, facilities, and infrastructure.
1. Hamad International Airport (DOH)
Airport Code: DOH
Time Zone: Arabian Standard Time (AST) UTC+3
Address: Hamad International Airport, Doha, Qatar
Nearby Cities:
- Doha (7 miles)
- Al Wakrah (10 miles)
- Al Khor (34 miles)
Major Airlines Served:
- Qatar Airways (primary hub)
- British Airways
- Lufthansa
- Air France
- Emirates
- Turkish Airlines
- American Airlines
Annual Passenger Traffic:
Approximately 38 million passengers annually
Airport Location and History
Hamad International Airport (DOH) is the primary international gateway to Qatar and is located about 7 miles south of Doha, the country’s capital. Opened in 2014, Hamad International replaced the older Doha International Airport, providing the infrastructure necessary to support Qatar’s rapidly growing aviation sector. This modern, state-of-the-art facility is designed to handle the increasing number of travelers visiting the country, particularly in light of Qatar Airways’ expansion as a global airline.
The airport’s development has been part of Qatar’s strategy to position itself as a major global transportation hub, particularly in the Middle East. As the home base for Qatar Airways, one of the world’s leading airlines, Hamad International plays a critical role in Qatar’s economy, supporting both tourism and business travel. It has been consistently ranked among the best airports in the world due to its high levels of passenger service, efficiency, and luxury amenities.
Since its opening, Hamad International has undergone continuous expansion to meet growing demand, and the airport continues to be a central part of the nation’s vision to diversify its economy and establish itself as a global player in aviation.
Facilities and Infrastructure
Hamad International Airport boasts world-class facilities and is known for its innovative and sleek design. The airport features a massive terminal with high-end shopping, dining, and entertainment options, including luxury lounges and duty-free shops. The airport also has numerous amenities such as prayer rooms, medical services, and even a hotel for transit passengers.
The airport has two runways:
- Runway 16L/34R: 4,850 meters (15,912 feet) – Asphalt
- Runway 16R/34L: 4,250 meters (13,943 feet) – Asphalt
Both runways are capable of handling large, wide-body aircraft, including the Boeing 747 and Airbus A380. Hamad International is fully equipped to handle some of the largest aircraft in operation today. The airport’s infrastructure includes advanced air traffic control systems, state-of-the-art security measures, and extensive baggage handling systems.
With a total capacity to handle more than 50 million passengers annually, the airport continues to be expanded to cater to increasing air traffic and growing passenger numbers, especially as Qatar prepares to host major events like the FIFA World Cup 2022.
2. Doha International Airport (DIA) (Formerly operational)
Airport Code: DIA (now closed)
Time Zone: Arabian Standard Time (AST) UTC+3
Address: Doha, Qatar
Nearby Cities:
- Doha (1 mile)
- Al Wakrah (8 miles)
- Al Khor (32 miles)
Major Airlines Served:
- Qatar Airways (before relocating to Hamad International)
- Gulf Air
- British Airways
Annual Passenger Traffic:
Approximately 10 million passengers annually (prior to closure)
Airport Location and History
Doha International Airport (DIA) was the main airport of Doha and the key international gateway to Qatar before Hamad International Airport was opened in 2014. DIA served Qatar for over 50 years, from its opening in 1959 until its closure for expansion and development of Hamad International. During its operation, it played a significant role in the development of Qatar’s aviation infrastructure and was a hub for Qatar Airways and other regional airlines.
The airport’s location was central to the city, making it convenient for travelers. However, with the growing demands of international aviation and the increasing size of Qatar Airways’ fleet, DIA became inadequate in terms of capacity and modern facilities. The decision was made to construct a new, larger airport—Hamad International Airport—which would provide the necessary space and modern amenities to cater to growing passenger traffic.
While Doha International no longer serves as an active airport, its legacy remains significant in the history of Qatar’s aviation growth.
Facilities and Infrastructure
Before its closure, Doha International Airport had one main runway and limited infrastructure in comparison to the new Hamad International Airport.
- Runway 16/34: 4,100 meters (13,451 feet) – Asphalt
The single runway at DIA was capable of handling medium-sized aircraft but was not sufficient for the largest wide-body jets like the Airbus A380, which required a longer runway. Despite this, the airport served the needs of many regional and international airlines, including Qatar Airways, for several decades.
The terminal at DIA was relatively small, with basic amenities and limited shopping options. As Qatar’s aviation industry grew, however, it became clear that a more modern and expansive facility was required, leading to the decision to close DIA and relocate operations to Hamad International Airport.
3. Al Udeid Air Base
Airport Code: OMAA (military use)
Time Zone: Arabian Standard Time (AST) UTC+3
Address: Al Udeid, Qatar
Nearby Cities:
- Doha (20 miles)
- Al Wakrah (25 miles)
Major Airlines Served:
- None (military and government use)
Annual Passenger Traffic:
N/A
Airport Location and History
Al Udeid Air Base is primarily a military airbase located southwest of Doha. It is not a commercial airport, but it plays an important role in Qatar’s air defense and global military operations. The base is one of the largest U.S. military bases in the Middle East, serving as a critical hub for operations in the region. Al Udeid is used extensively by the U.S. Air Force and other allied nations for strategic and defense purposes.
The airbase has also played a role in humanitarian missions, with its vast infrastructure supporting both military operations and cargo flights. The location of Al Udeid, positioned away from the capital, provides a strategic advantage for military operations, while its proximity to Doha and Hamad International Airport allows for logistical coordination.
Facilities and Infrastructure
Al Udeid Air Base is equipped with multiple runways and has large-scale facilities for military aircraft operations. The infrastructure is built to support extensive air movements, including fighter jets, cargo planes, and surveillance aircraft.
The airbase has several runways, including:
- Runway 16/34: 3,600 meters (11,811 feet) – Asphalt
- Runway 09/27: 2,400 meters (7,874 feet) – Asphalt
These runways are capable of handling a wide range of military aircraft, including heavy cargo planes like the C-17 Globemaster. The base also features advanced air traffic control and logistics support systems. While not used for civilian flights, Al Udeid’s role in Qatar’s defense strategy and international operations is crucial.
4. **Doha Airpark (Formerly)
Airport Code: None (Private use)
Time Zone: Arabian Standard Time (AST) UTC+3
Address: Doha, Qatar
Nearby Cities:
- Doha (5 miles)
Major Airlines Served:
- None
Annual Passenger Traffic:
N/A
Airport Location and History
Doha Airpark has historically been used for private and charter flights. This small airstrip was once operational for low volume commercial and private aviation flights but is now a private and administrative terminal handling private charter flights for government and diplomatic officials.