Hamad International Airport and Beijing Daxing Forge Sister Airport Partnership to Boost Qatar-China Connectivity

Strategic Alliance to Enhance Global Air Connectivity

Hamad International Airport (DOH) in Qatar and Beijing Daxing International Airport (PKX) in China officially signed a Sister Airport Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on September 23, 2025. This significant agreement, inked at Beijing Daxing's terminal, aims to bolster aviation cooperation between Qatar and China, expand global air connectivity, and foster stronger tourism and economic ties between the two nations.

The MoU was signed by Hamad Al Khater, Chief Operating Officer of Hamad International Airport, and Zhang Lin, CEO and President of Beijing Daxing International Airport. This partnership builds upon existing collaborations, including the codeshare agreement between Qatar Airways and China Southern Airlines, and a separate MoU between the Qatar Civil Aviation Authority (QCAA) and the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC).

Key Pillars of Cooperation

The newly established sister airport relationship outlines several key areas for joint projects and collaboration:

• Enhanced Passenger and Cargo Flows: Both airports will work together to improve the efficiency of passenger and cargo movements.
• Operational Excellence: Collaboration will focus on sharing best practices in airport operations, including the integration of smart technologies for smoother check-ins, security, and baggage handling.
• Technology and Innovation: The partnership seeks to foster innovation in service design and the application of cutting-edge technology to enhance the overall airport experience.
• Sustainable Aviation: The agreement promotes sustainable aviation practices and green airport operations.

Hamad Al Khater emphasized the strategic importance of the agreement, stating, 'This opportunity affirms Hamad International Airport key role in driving aviation diplomacy and advancing Qatar's partnership with China.' He added, 'By collaborating with Beijing Daxing, one of the world's most forward-looking airports, we are anticipating the evolving needs of tomorrow's travelers and shaping the future of global connectivity, with Doha as China's trusted gateway to the Middle East and beyond.'

Boosting Air Connectivity and Tourism

The agreement is set to significantly enhance air travel options between Qatar and China. Starting October 16, 2025, China Southern Airlines will launch four weekly direct flights between Beijing Daxing and Doha. Furthermore, Qatar Airways will codeshare on these flights, while China Southern Airlines will extend its 'CZ' code to Qatar Airways flights to 15 destinations across Africa, Europe, and the Middle East, as well as routes connecting Doha with Chengdu Tianfu, Chongqing, Hangzhou, and Shanghai, pending regulatory approval.

This expanded cooperation will increase the total number of weekly flights across eight gateways in Greater China to 64. Hamad International Airport currently serves nine cities in Greater China, including Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Chongqing, Hangzhou, Xiamen, Chengdu, and Hong Kong, connecting them to over 120 global destinations via Doha.

Zhang Lin highlighted the mutual benefits, stating that the collaboration will 'enhance the competitiveness of both hubs, while deepening cultural and economic exchange between China and Qatar.' He further noted, 'As two important international aviation hubs, Daxing and Hamad will work together to create a 'golden channel' for airline networks, a 'green corridor' for freight logistics, and promote 'smart innovation' in operations.'