Qatar: Hamad International Airport finally opens

The first phase of Doha’s new and much delayed airport, Hamad International Airport, opened on 30 April, welcoming passengers of a handful of airlines, with others – including Qatar Airways – to make the switch from Doha International Airport on 27 May. The airport has been in the works since at least 2004 and was originally due to open in 2009; a litany of problems – including frequently changing plans for parts of the site and interior decoration, the centralisation of decision-making and the mistreatment of contractors – caused the delays to a project which is valued at between £11bn-$17.5bn.