Qatar Airways has announced a major strategic change to its cargo network, confirming that its dedicated freighter operations will move from Hamad International Airport (HIA) to Doha International Airport (DIA) in the second quarter of 2026.
Why Qatar Airways is Moving Cargo Operations?
Qatar Airways’ shift to Doha is believed to maximise its efficiency in operations. After refurbishing Hamad International Airport, it has seen an increase in the number of both passenger and belly-hold cargo flights.
The airline has also planned to make a designated ‘Logistics relief valve’ to focus on e-commerce, livestock, and heavy-lift operations while safeguarding HIA as the premium hub for its belly-hold cargo flights.
Mark Drusch, Chief Officer Cargo at Qatar Airways, had this to say on the change:
“Our return to DIA is not a step back, but a strategic leap forward. As we approach the delivery of our first Boeing 777-8 Freighters in 2027 and expand our joint business with IAG and MASkargo, HIA’s apron capacity must be preserved for high-frequency passenger connections. DIA offers us the dedicated ‘hardstand’ space required for rapid freighter turnarounds without the constraints of a high-traffic passenger hub.”
This shift from Qatar will replicate the dual hub system in cities like London and Tokyo.
A Dual-Hub Cargo Strategy Takes Shape
Doha International Airport (DIA) is the city’s oldest airport. It has partnered with MATAR (Qatar Company for Airport Operation and Management) to reconstruct parts of the airport to welcome Qatar Airways freighters.
The airport has introduced ‘AI-driven Performance Cockpit’ software to manage airfield movements and ensure that it can handle the weight and frequency of modern 777F operations.
This transition will start with a phased relocation of regional GCC ‘feeder’ flights and e-commerce flights from Europe and Asia. DIA will handle ‘direct-to-truck’ transfers for industrial and general freight, which increases the operational efficiency of the airlines’ logistics partners like Qatar Post.
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