Hamad International Airport (HIA) welcomed a celebratory Qatar Airways’ VIP flight with a soft opening. The airline’s A320 aircraft landed at Hamad International Airport’s Easterly runway. The inaugural QR7450 was greeted by a traditional water salute. Onboard the inaugural flight to Hamad International Airport were VIPs and other dignitaries, including minister of transportation, HE Jassim Al Sulaiti, chief executive officer of Qatar Airways, HE Akbar Al Baker and chairman of Qatar Civil Aviation Authority, HE Abdul Aziz Mohammad Al Noaimi, NDIA project director and Bernardo Gogna, together with other members of New Doha International Airport Steering Committee. Following the soft launch, 10 airlines are now operating fully from Hamad International Airport. Biman Bangladesh Airlines, flydubai, Air Arabia, Iran Air, Air India Express, Yemenia, Pakistan International Airlines, Syrian Airlines, Pegasus Airlines and Nepal Airlines. Qatar Airways will move its entire hub operations to Hamad International Airport on 27 May. Qatar Airways chief executive officer, HE Akbar Al Baker said: “Doha is now ready to open its doors for passengers to experience an airport that transforms travel experience.” The new airport is designed to accommodate 30 million passengers annually, rising to 50 m upon full completion.  Source: Travel Daily