Beijing: Hamad International Airport (DOH) in Qatar has entered into a Sister Airport Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Beijing Daxing International Airport (PKX) to bolster Qatar-China cooperation and expand global air connectivity via Doha. The agreement, signed at the Beijing Daxing terminal, complements Qatar Airways’ partnership with China Southern Airlines and the MoU between the Qatar Civil Aviation Authority (QCAA) and the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC), showcasing aviation’s role in driving economic growth and cultural exchange.
According to Qatar News Agency, under the MoU, MATAR, the Qatar Company for Airports Management and Operation, and Beijing Capital International Airport Group Co., Ltd., the operator of Beijing Daxing, will engage in joint projects to enhance passenger and cargo flows. The collaboration will concentrate on operations, technology, service design, and innovation, aiming to position both airports as leaders in hub excellence.
Hamad International Airport currently connects to nine Chinese cities, including Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou, linking these cities to over 120 global destinations through Doha. This reinforces Qatar’s airport as a key Middle East hub for Chinese travelers.
Chief Operating Officer at Hamad International Airport, Hamad Al Khater, emphasized the importance of the collaboration, stating that it confirms Hamad International Airport’s role in advancing Qatar’s partnership with China. Zhang Lin, CEO and President of Beijing Daxing International Airport, highlighted the potential for deeper cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative.
The Sister Airport agreement builds on successful initiatives between Qatar and China, including Qatar Airways’ strategic partnerships with China Southern Airlines and Xiamen Airlines. Qatar Airways recently expanded its codeshare partnership with China Southern Airlines, sharing codes on flights between Beijing Daxing and Doha, and expanding connectivity to destinations across Africa, Europe, and the Middle East.
In addition to aviation, Qatar and China have strengthened ties on cultural and educational fronts, with initiatives such as academic collaborations and joint cultural exhibitions. These efforts underscore the commitment of both nations to enhancing bilateral relations and long-term strategic cooperation.