Qatar 2022/ Qatar Records 26,425 Air Traffic at End of World Cup

Doha, December 20 (QNA) - Qatar Civil Aviation Authority (QCAA) has recorded 26,425 air traffic at the end of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 through Hamad and Doha international airports. Air traffic at Hamad and Doha international airports saw a high operational intensity during the World Cup with many Gulf airlines operating shuttle flights to the State of Qatar, in addition to many additional flights from the rest of world countries, including Germany's Lufthansa, Air France, Finland's Finnair, and the Netherlands' KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, in addition to airlines from South America and Africa, which operated regular and charter flights to the State of Qatar. According to QCAA, the significant rise in air traffic was managed professionally and smoothly thanks to the great preparations made by the Authority. September 8, 2022 saw the activation of the new airspace developed for the State of Qatar and the launch of the first phase of the Doha Flight Information Region (Doha FIR), in implementation of the decision issued by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) in March 2022 to establish a Flight Information Region (FIR) and a Search and Rescue Region (SSR) in Doha. Accordingly, the capacity has been increased to about 100 flights per hour, and the number of air routes arriving to and departing from the State of Qatar has increased to (17) separate routes, with the aim of ensuring a smoother flow and a greater safety. Meanwhile, aircraft air waiting areas, that were used during peak periods, have been increased to arrange aircraft during landing. Landing and take-off procedures were separated into two runways (Hamad International Airport and Doha International Airport) with the aim of increasing the capacity for take-offs and landings during the World Cup, giving the possibility of running three take-offs and landings at the same time. Air traffic management simulator tests have been conducted to ensure that all operations are carried out safely and smoothly. The Air Traffic Flow Management (ATFM) system in Qatar is the first of its kind in the Middle East, and has contributed to properly arranging the arrival and departure of aircraft to Doha. In addition, neighboring countries were provided with an electronic page to know the departure hours from their country through the SLOT Departure Time system, which also contributed to regulating air traffic at peak times during the World Cup. QCAA Air Navigation Department also developed alternative operational contingency plans to ensure that no confusion occurs in air traffic management during the period of the tournament. The efforts aim at ensuring a unique travel experience for visitors, and highlighting the great development in the civil aviation sector in the State of Qatar. They also demonstrate the level of distinguished services provided by the civil aviation system in the country, leaving a special imprint during the exceptional World Cup through which Qatar dazzled the world. (QNA)