Hamad International Airport (DOH) in Doha has entered into a Sister Airport agreement with Shenzhen Bao’an International Airport (SZX), strengthening ties between Qatar and China while enhancing passenger and cargo connectivity across the Middle East and Asia.
The agreement, signed between MATAR, Qatar Company for Airports Management and Operation, and Shenzhen Capital Group, creates a framework for collaboration in market insights, route development, and technology adoption. Both airports aim to drive greater efficiency, sustainability, and innovation in air travel and logistics.
The signing ceremony took place at Routes World 2025 in Hong Kong, with Chen Fanhua, Deputy General Manager of Shenzhen Airport Group and Chairman of Shenzhen Airport Co., Ltd., and Hamad Al Khater, Chief Operating Officer of Hamad International Airport, formalizing the partnership. Representatives from the Transportation Bureau of Shenzhen Municipality, Shenzhen Airlines, Qatar Airways, and other industry leaders attended.
Building Stronger Ties Between Doha and Shenzhen
Hamad Al Khater, COO of Hamad International Airport, highlighted the significance of the agreement:
“By linking Doha and Shenzhen, with shared values in technology and service excellence, we are creating smarter, more sustainable journeys for future travellers while advancing stronger economic and cultural ties between our nations.”
Chen Fanhua, Deputy GM of Shenzhen Airport Group, emphasized Shenzhen’s growing role as an international hub:
“Hamad International Airport is a leading hub in the Middle East, this represents a meaningful step in Shenzhen Airport’s journey toward internationalization. Through this partnership, we will expand our global network, enhance hub functions, and deliver greater value to passengers, airline partners, and the economies of both regions.”
Expanding Connectivity Across China and Beyond
Hamad International Airport currently connects to nine major cities in China — Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Chongqing, Hangzhou, Xiamen, and Chengdu — as well as Hong Kong. The new Sister Airport relationship is expected to deepen cooperation in both passenger services and air cargo, supporting trade, tourism, and technology exchange between Qatar, China, and global markets.