New Infrastructure: Build and grow

Airports across the region continue to upgrade their facilities to enhance their capacity and operational efficiency, writes Joe Bates.

HAMAD CONTINUES TO ENHANCE ITS FACILITIES

Hamad International Airport (DOH) has officially unveiled its new Concourses D and E as part of its latest terminal expansion programme.

According to the gateway, both new additions are “designed to further elevate the passenger journey” and represent the final phase of a transformational journey initiated in 2022 with the unveiling of the ORCHARD, a 6,000-square-metre indoor tropical garden.

They have also raised the airport’s capacity to handle up to 65 million passengers per annum.

The Qatar hub notes that the new concourses integrate seamlessly into the existing terminal, introducing cutting-edge technology and enhanced facilities to meet growing passenger demand.

Their addition means that DOH’s terminal now spans 842,000 square metres – a 14% increase – while the addition of 17 new aircraft contact gates increases the total to 62, nearly 40% more than before, ensuring greater connectivity, streamlined operations, and significantly reducing bus transfers.

DOH’s chief operating officer, Hamad Ali Al Khater, noted: “Our focus is to deliver operational excellence that supports both current demands and future growth.

“The opening of Concourses D and E marks a significant milestone in expanding our capacity and enhancing operational efficiency.

“This combined development streamlines passenger flow, optimises resource management, and strengthens airline connectivity, ensuring smoother and more efficient passenger services.”

While Qatar Airways Group CEO, Badr Mohammed Al-Meer, said: “Hamad International Airport is more than a gateway, it is a vital pillar of Qatar’s growth and global connectivity.

“While many global airport expansions have faced delays, we are proud to have delivered this major development ahead of schedule. “

RIYADH CELEBRATES OPENING OF ITS NEW-LOOK TERMINAL 1

The first phase of the Terminal 1 expansion at King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh was inaugurated in early 2025, the upgrade effectively raising the airport’s capacity from three million to seven million passengers per annum.

Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Transport and Logistics Services, Saleh Al-Jasser, who also serves as chairman of the General Authority of Civil Aviation, was present at the facility’s opening ceremony.

He said: “This expansion not only boosts the terminal’s operational capacity but also reinforces Riyadh’s role as a global hub for international travel and trade, supporting mobility and economic and tourism growth.

“It also improves the passenger experience, and develops performance as part of achieving the goals of the National Strategy for Transport and Logistics in accordance with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030.”

The newly expanded Terminal 1 features a host of modern amenities, including 38 check-in desks, 10 self-service kiosks, 66 Immigration counters, and 21 E-gates.

In addition, the terminal offers 24 boarding gates and 40 passport control counters in the arrivals area, complemented by 11 self-service gates designed to streamline passenger flow.

When combined with the upcoming enhancements to Terminal 2, the total capacity of both terminals is expected to reach 14 million passengers annually.

BECHTEL TO SUPPORT PERTH AIRPORT’S EXPANSION PROGRAMME

Bechtel has been chosen to support and advise Perth Airport in the delivery of its multi-billion-dollar expansion and upgrade programme that will strengthen its role as Australia’s western gateway.

The programme of major projects will increase the size of the terminal facilities, introduce a new parallel runway, and add the airport’s first hotel, along with two multi-story car parks.

“Bechtel is proud to help shape the next chapter of aviation in Western Australia,” noted Darren Mort, president of Bechtel’s Infrastructure business.

“This significant expansion of Perth Airport will enhance passenger experience, create jobs, strengthen the economy, and benefit local communities.” Passenger numbers are anticipated to grow from 16 million to 20 million annually by 2030. Construction at Perth Airport is already underway, with the new runway set for completion in 2028, followed by the delivery of the new terminal in 2031.

“Perth Airport is a barometer for growth in the Western Australian economy,” said airport CEO, Jason Waters.

“When we’re growing, the State’s economy is growing and prospering.”

NEWCASTLE COMMENCES AIRFIELD RECONFIGURATION

Elsewhere in Australia, in a boost of confidence for the region, Stage One of the airfield reconfiguration work is now underway at Newcastle Airport ahead of the opening of its international terminal on the August 1 this year.

Newcastle Airport’s interim CEO, Andrew Warrender, said the airfield reconfiguration was an important step in the airport’s journey to become a world-class international gateway.

“It really is the last piece of the puzzle with the staged works creating space for Code E widebody aircraft and expanding our ground handler storage capabilities,” he enthused.

“With work on the new terminal building progressing rapidly, the first phase of the airfield programme of works will see the installation of a new storage area for aircraft servicing equipment”.

Newcastle Airport’s new international terminal is the centrepiece of it’s ambitious $250 million expansion project, addressing the growing demand for easy and convenient travel between Newcastle, the Greater Hunter and international destinations.