#Qatar #Doha #Qatar Airways #Hamad International #Beijing Daxing

Hamad International Airport Strengthens Connections Between China and Qatar

Hamad International Airport (DOH) in Qatar, recognized globally for its excellence, has recently established a Sister Airport Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Beijing Daxing International Airport (PKX). This strategic agreement serves to bolster the cooperation between Qatar and China, enhancing air travel connectivity through Doha, a pivotal hub in the Middle East.

The signing ceremony took place at the terminal of Beijing Daxing Airport, where key officials, including Hamad Al Khater, Chief Operating Officer of Hamad International Airport, and Zhang Lin, CEO of Beijing Daxing International Airport, came together to commemorate this significant collaboration. This partnership is expected to complement existing relations, such as the collaboration between Qatar Airways and China Southern Airlines, as well as initiatives between the Qatar Civil Aviation Authority (QCAA) and the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC).

Enhancing Economic and Cultural Ties

The essence of this MoU is to serve as a catalyst for increased economic growth and cultural exchange, responding to the surging demand for travel between the two nations. The agreement outlines plans for future projects focused on improving both passenger and cargo flows. Key areas of collaboration will include operational advancements, technological innovations, service design, and overall service enhancements, thereby reinforcing both airports' reputations as leaders in global aviation excellence.

Hamad International Airport currently links with nine major cities in China—Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Chongqing, Hangzhou, Xiamen, Chengdu, and Hong Kong. These connections provide access to over 120 destinations worldwide via Doha, solidifying Hamad's status as the preferred Middle Eastern hub for Chinese travelers.

Hamad Al Khater expressed optimism about the partnership: “This opportunity affirms Hamad International Airport's key role in driving aviation diplomacy and advancing Qatar's partnership with China. Through this collaboration with Beijing Daxing, we are well-positioned to meet the evolving needs of future travelers and shape the landscape of global connectivity, with Doha serving as China's trusted gateway to the Middle East and beyond.”

Conversely, Zhang Lin commented on the importance of this relationship from the perspective of Daxing Airport, stating: “As two pivotal international aviation hubs, establishing sister airport relations fosters an in-depth collaboration under the Belt and Road Initiative. Our joint efforts aim to create a ‘golden channel’ for airlines and establish a ‘green corridor’ for freight logistics, ultimately enhancing the global competitiveness of both hubs while facilitating cultural exchanges between China and Qatar.”

Expansion of Flight Services

Following this agreement, Qatar Airways has announced an enhanced codeshare agreement with China Southern Airlines, set to enhance options for travelers. Effective from October 16, 2025, Qatar Airways will share codes on China Southern’s three weekly flights connecting Beijing Daxing with Doha. Furthermore, China Southern Airlines will expand its service on Qatar Airways-operated flights beyond Doha, covering an additional 15 destinations across Africa, Europe, and the Middle East.

These developments contribute significantly to increasing the frequency of flights, with Qatar Airways and its partners offering 64 weekly flights across eight important gateways within Greater China. In addition to the aviation sector, Qatar and China are continuously deepening their ties through various cultural and educational initiatives. This includes academic collaborations, joint exhibitions, and cultural showcases, further emphasizing the commitment of both nations to strengthen their long-term cooperation across diverse sectors.

In summary, this partnership between Hamad International Airport and Beijing Daxing International Airport not only enhances air connectivity between Qatar and China but also epitomizes the growing diplomatic and cultural ties that are facilitating a brighter future for both regions.