Qatar Airways has confirmed that it will start operating out of Doha's new Hamad International Airport later this month.
The national carrier, which has been based at Doha International Airport for the last 17 years, will move into its new home on May 27.
Qatar Airways CEO Akbar Al Baker said: "We have been planning for this day for a long time and May 27 will be a momentous day for both the State of Qatar and Qatar Airways as we commence operations from Hamad International Airport.
"This airport will redefine the international traveller experience and set a new benchmark for airport excellence, and will enable Qatar Airways to offer our passengers an unrivalled experience."
Hamad International Airport finally opened to passenger flights two weeks ago after a series of construction delays (see news, April 25).
A soft opening initially saw ten budget carriers move into the airport, operating out of Concourse B. These airlines were Air Arabia, Air India Express, Biman Bangladesh Airlines, Flydubai, Iran Air, Nepal Airlines, Pakistan International Airlines, Syrian Air, and Yemen Airways.
Other airlines, including Qatar Airways, will start flying in and out of the aiport from May 27.
Hamad International Airport was due to have opened in 2012 but has been dogged by nunerous delays, resulting in its opening being postponed a few times (see news, April 2013).
Cargo flights have been operating at the airport since earlier this year (see news, November 2013).
Once fully open, it will accommodate 28 million passengers, increasing to 50 million beyond 2015.
Graham Smith