Hamad International Airport signs Sister Airport agreement with Beijing Daxing International Airport - Get updated on what's happening in tourism!

Hamad International Airport (DOH), Qatar’s award-winning global hub, has signed a Sister Airport Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Beijing Daxing International Airport (PKX). The agreement deepens Qatar–China cooperation and expands global air connectivity via Doha, reinforcing Hamad International Airport’s role as China’s preferred gateway to the Middle East.

Advancing connectivity and cooperation

The MoU was signed in Beijing by Hamad Al Khater, Chief Operating Officer of Hamad International Airport, and Zhang Lin, CEO of Beijing Daxing International Airport. Under the agreement, MATAR – the Qatar Company for Airports Management and Operation – and Beijing Capital International Airport Group Co., Ltd. will pursue joint projects aimed at improving passenger and cargo flows. Collaboration will focus on operations, technology, service design, and innovation, positioning both airports at the forefront of hub excellence.

Strengthening Qatar–China aviation links

The Sister Airport partnership complements existing initiatives, including Qatar Airways’ expanded codeshare with China Southern Airlines and the MoU between the Qatar Civil Aviation Authority (QCAA) and the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC). Together, these moves underscore aviation’s role in driving economic growth, cultural exchange, and rising travel demand.

Hamad International Airport currently connects to nine cities across mainland China—Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Chongqing, Hangzhou, Xiamen, and Chengdu—plus Hong Kong. Through Doha, these gateways link to more than 120 destinations worldwide.

Leadership perspectives

Hamad Al Khater, Chief Operating Officer at Hamad International Airport, said:

“This opportunity affirms Hamad International Airport’s key role in driving aviation diplomacy and advancing Qatar’s partnership with China. By collaborating with Beijing Daxing, one of the world’s most forward-looking airports, we are anticipating the evolving needs of tomorrow’s travellers and shaping the future of global connectivity, with Doha as China’s trusted gateway to the Middle East and beyond.”

Zhang Lin, CEO and President of Beijing Daxing International Airport, commented:

“As two important international aviation hubs, Daxing Airport and Hamad Airport have formally established sister airport relations. We will cooperate under the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative to create a ‘golden channel’ for airline networks, a ‘green corridor’ for freight logistics, and promote ‘smart innovation’ in airport operations. Together, we will enhance global competitiveness and deepen cultural exchange between China and Qatar.”

Expanding airline partnerships

Qatar Airways and China Southern Airlines are expanding their codeshare agreement as part of this growing cooperation. From 16 October 2025, Qatar Airways will codeshare on China Southern’s three weekly direct flights between Beijing Daxing and Doha. In return, China Southern will place its “CZ” code on Qatar Airways flights beyond Doha to 15 destinations across Africa, Europe, and the Middle East.

With these expansions, Qatar Airways and its partners will operate 64 weekly flights across eight gateways in Greater China, including Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen.

Broader cooperation beyond aviation

The Sister Airport partnership builds on Qatar and China’s deepening bilateral ties, which extend to cultural, educational, and academic collaborations, joint exhibitions, and cultural showcases. These initiatives reaffirm the long-term commitment of both nations to broaden cooperation across multiple sectors.

Image Credit: © Hamad International Airport