Qatar cargo terminal construction is advancing following the award of an estimated $400 million contract for a major air freight facility at Hamad International Airport in Doha. The project will expand Qatar’s cargo-handling infrastructure and strengthen the airport’s capacity to accommodate growing international freight volumes. The contract marks another significant development in Hamad International Airport’s long-term expansion program.
The new facility forms part of Qatar’s strategy to reinforce its position as a regional and international aviation logistics hub. It will introduce substantial additional warehouse space and advanced cargo-handling infrastructure. Moreover, the development will support faster freight processing and improve the airport’s ability to accommodate future demand.
Qatar cargo terminal construction targets 3 million tones in annual capacity
The development will introduce a fully automated air cargo terminal with multiple levels of operational space. Qatar Airways’ 2025 prequalification notice outlined approximately 260,000 square meters of total floor space. The facility will accommodate a material handling system supplied under a separate package. This system will provide handling capacity exceeding three million tones of transfer cargo annually.
The construction package also includes an expansion of the airport’s central utility plant. This component will provide approximately 3,200 square meters of additional facilities and 10,000 tonnes of cooling capacity. Furthermore, contractors must deliver associated external infrastructure throughout the air cargo campus.
The airport will locate the development within its midfield area. This positioning will integrate the new terminal with existing airport logistics infrastructure.
Qatar cargo terminal construction incorporates automated freight systems
Automation represents a central feature of the planned cargo facility. The material handling installation will support the movement, storage and distribution of freight across multiple operational levels.
Project design information published by BNP Associates provides additional insight into the airport’s cargo infrastructure planning. MATAR engaged BNP Associates and Dar Al-Handasah for data analysis, engineering, simulation, design and construction support.
The design information describes automated guided vehicles, specialized storage systems and temperature-controlled handling facilities. It also identifies automated storage and retrieval systems for different cargo categories.
These systems can improve warehouse utilization and streamline freight movements. Additionally, specialized refrigerated facilities will support pharmaceutical shipments and perishable goods.
However, the published design information should not be confused with the confirmed construction contractor’s precise contractual scope. The construction award and the specialist handling-system arrangements represent distinct project responsibilities.
Qatar’s cargo terminal expansion reflects wider investment in airport infrastructure across the Gulf. Abu Dhabi, for example, completed the Al Bateen Airport upgrade project in 2022, widening its runway to accommodate larger aircraft and improving airfield infrastructure. The development highlights how regional airports are modernising facilities to meet evolving aviation demands.
Qatar cargo terminal construction requires specialist delivery capabilities
The original procurement process established demanding technical and financial requirements for prospective contractors. Qatar Airways sought companies with proven experience delivering large logistics and material-handling facilities.
The prequalification requirements included:
- Qatar Grade A contractor classification.
- At least two logistics or material-handling projects exceeding 100,000 square meters.
- Experience installing substantial structural steel and concrete quantities.
- Demonstrated capability in refrigerated warehousing and cold-chain facilities.
- Experience delivering at least one project exceeding QAR1.5 billion.
- An average direct workforce exceeding 5,000 employees during specified assessment years.
These requirements reflect the scale and technical complexity of the development. They also emphasize the importance of coordinating building construction with sophisticated airport logistics systems.
The project builds on previous investments in Hamad International Airport’s cargo infrastructure. In December 2021, AECOM secured a six-year program management appointment. Its responsibilities included project and construction management for Cargo Terminal 2 and supporting facilities.
Meanwhile, MATAR engaged specialist consultants BNP Associates and Dar Al-Handasah for cargo terminal planning and engineering. Their work included operational analysis, design development, simulation and procurement support.
As construction progresses, the development will strengthen Qatar’s aviation logistics infrastructure. It will also provide additional capacity for international freight, specialized cargo and temperature-sensitive shipments.
Project Fact Sheet
Name: Hamad International Airport Cargo Terminal 2.
Type: Air cargo terminal construction and airport infrastructure expansion.
Location: Hamad International Airport, Doha, Qatar.
Estimated construction contract value: $400 million.
Client: MATAR, Qatar’s airport operator.
Owner: Qatar Airways Group.
Development program: Hamad International Airport Expansion Project.
Terminal configuration: Multilevel, fully automated air cargo facility.
Published procurement floor area: Approximately 260,000 square meters.
Cargo handling capacity: More than 3 million tones of transfer cargo annually.
Cooling infrastructure: Approximately 3,200 square meters of central utility plant expansion.
Additional cooling capacity: Approximately 10,000 tones.
Material handling system: Specialist automated equipment under a separate package.
Additional works: External infrastructure throughout the air cargo campus.
Project status: Construction contract award reported on November 4, 2026.
Main project objective: Expand air freight handling capacity and strengthen Qatar’s international logistics infrastructure.
Project Team
Owner: Qatar Airways Group Q.C.S.C.
Airport operator and project delivery entity: MATAR.
Program management consultant: AECOM.
Cargo handling system consultants: BNP Associates.
Architectural and engineering consultant: Dar Al-Handasah
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