Hamad International Airport in Doha, Qatar, has been voted the Best Airport in the World in the 2021 Skytrax World Airport Awards.
The 6.46-million-sq.-ft. HOK-designed passenger terminal complex provides an extremely efficient yet inspirational experience for travelers. HOK’s design emphasizes Qatari hospitality and gives visitors a spectacular and lasting impression of the country. The dramatic, curving building silhouette recalls ocean waves and sand dunes to project a powerful image as Qatar’s gateway to the world.
Reflecting Qatari hospitality, the unparalleled guest amenities include a public mosque, spacious prayer rooms, two five-star transfer hotels, 270,000 square feet duty-free shopping, more than 30 restaurants, several lounges, quiet rooms and a QIB branch bank. The state-of-the-art wellness center includes a swimming pool, gym, hydrotherapy tub, showers, squash courts and a spa. An extensive public art program displays the works of acclaimed local and international artists.
“We are delighted to announce that Hamad International Airport has been voted the World’s Best Airport 2021,” said Skytrax CEO Edward Plaisted. “Inaugurated in 2014, Hamad International Airport has rapidly become a customer favorite and moved from No. 3 in the world in 2020 to be ranked the World’s Best Airport this year. Achieving this honor is very much a team effort.”
Skytrax’s annual passenger survey assesses customer service and facilities at more than 500 airports worldwide. The awards are regarded as a quality benchmark for the world airport industry. This year’s awards also recognize the efforts of global airports in adapting to and meeting the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“This award is especially meaningful because it is voted on by the people who use the airport,” said Matt Needham, director of HOK’s Aviation + Transportation practice. “Our goal always is to help our airport clients provide the best possible experiences for their travelers. We commend the entire HIA team and the State of Qatar for their dedication to hospitality and service excellence.”
Hamad International Airport’s 2021 World Airport Awards honors also included being named Best Airport in the Middle East, the World’s Best Airport in the 25 to 35 million Passenger category and Best Airport Staff in the Middle East. It is the Official Airport Partner for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™.
Skytrax also honored Chubu Centrair International Airport in Nagoya, Japan, in four categories: World’s Best Regional Airport, Best Regional Airport in Asia, Best Airport 2 to 5 Million Passengers and COVID-19 Airport Excellence. The joint venture project team included HOK, Nikken Sekkei, Azusa Sekkei and Ove Arup.