Tag Archives: HIA

Qatar Airways Group  announced the appointment of Hamad Ali Al‑Khater as Group Chief Executive Officer, effective Sunday, 7 December 2025. Al‑Khater succeeds Engr. Badr Mohammed Al‑Meer. Al-Khater joins Qatar Airways Group from Hamad International Airport, where he has served as Chief Operating Officer. In that role, he was responsible for ensuring the safety and reliability of airport operations, while leading its strategic direction, operational excellence, infrastructure expansion, and the continuous enhancement of passenger experience. Prior to his tenure at Hamad International Airport, Al-Khater held senior roles across QatarEnergy, driving business development, deal execution, and leading large-scale strategic and operational initiatives. Qatar Airways Group Board of Directors Chairman, His Excellency Saad Sherida Al-Kaabi, said: “Qatar Airways Group extends its appreciation to Engr. Badr Mohammed Al-Meer for his service. As we welcome Hamad Ali Al-Khater, we look forward to building on the strong foundations and expansive global network of Qatar Airways, anchored by our exceptional team in Qatar and around the world. With this leadership transition, Qatar Airways Group reaffirms its commitment to delivering world-class experiences, reliability, and innovation to travellers around the globe.”

Hamad International Airport (HIA) marked the inaugural China Southern Airlines flight CZ8059 from Beijing Daxing International Airport (PKX), a milestone in strengthening air connectivity between Qatar and China. China Southern Airlines will operate the Doha–Beijing service three times weekly, providing direct access for passengers and cargo across two key international hubs. This development enhances Qatar’s position as a global aviation hub and offers new opportunities for travel trade partners, including tour operators, corporate travel planners, and freight forwarders, to design packages, facilitate international business travel, and streamline logistics. The route supports growth in tourism and commercial exchanges, enabling increased passenger flow between the Middle East and Asia. With the addition of this service, Hamad International Airport continues to expand its network, strengthening Qatar’s role as a gateway for international connectivity and fostering broader economic and cultural ties. The event featured a traditional water salute, ribbon-cutting, and formal welcomes, highlighting the strategic importance of the new route for trade, tourism, and business between the two nations. Senior representatives from China Southern Airlines and HIA attended the ceremony, reinforcing the collaborative effort behind this expansion.