Doha's new airport faces delayed opening date

The highly-anticipated New Doha International Airport is expected to open in the second half of 2013, according to The Moodie Report.

Previously anticipated to open on December 12, 2012, the development has incurred a number of setbacks including the recent termination of Lindner Depa’s $245m fit-out contract a few weeks ago.

During an interview with the Moodie Report, Qatar Airways CEO Akbar Al Baker commented that while the airport wouldn’t be open to the general public until the second half of 2013, a number of other facilities including the cargo, VIP terminal and Qatar Airways maintenance base would be operational as originally planned before the end of this year.

Al Baker argued that NDIA would be a ground-breaking facility once it opens, though.

He said: “We want a world-class facility, we will not compromise on quality. We will not compromise on standards. I think when you put everything together, there will be no other airport of such a high standard… including the high level of finishing and the high quality of materials that have been used.”

In April, Al Baker said the first phase of the NDIA is to hire 8000 employees in the run-up to its opening later this year.