Published on
September 27, 2025
Hamad International Airport (HIA) has announced a strategic partnership with Shenzhen Bao’an International Airport (SZX) to enhance connectivity between the Middle East and China. This collaboration aims to strengthen trade, technology, and passenger travel, creating a dynamic bridge between two of the world’s fastest-growing regions. By leveraging HIA’s world-class facilities and Shenzhen Bao’an’s cutting-edge technological infrastructure, the partnership seeks to foster economic growth, facilitate the flow of goods and services, and improve the overall travel experience. This alliance reflects the growing importance of Sino-Gulf relations and marks a significant step forward in establishing Qatar as a global hub for commerce and tourism, while also supporting China’s Belt and Road Initiative.
Hamad International Airport (DOH) has forged a pivotal Sister Airport partnership with Shenzhen Bao’an International Airport (SZX), further strengthening the relationship between Qatar and China. This agreement enhances the flow of both passengers and cargo, creating more connectivity between the Middle East and China. Both Doha and Shenzhen are renowned for their innovative cities, with thriving trade and technology sectors, and this collaboration aims to harness the power of aviation to drive economic growth, facilitate technological exchange, and foster cultural ties.
The partnership, formalized between MATAR, the managing body of Hamad International Airport, and Shenzhen Capital Group, the operator of Shenzhen Bao’an, sets up a strategic foundation for cooperation. Key areas of focus include the exchange of market data, joint route development, and adopting new technologies. This agreement taps into both airports’ roles as innovation centers, aiming to enhance connectivity and improve trade flows between China, the Middle East, and other global regions.
The memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed at the 2025 Routes World event in Hong Kong by Mr. Hamad Al Khater, Chief Operating Officer of Hamad International Airport, and Mr. Chen Fanhua, Deputy General Manager of Shenzhen Airport Group and Chairman of Shenzhen Airport Co., Ltd., with representatives from the Shenzhen Municipality’s Transportation Bureau, Shenzhen Airlines, Qatar Airways, and both airport executives in attendance.
Hamad Al Khater, Chief Operating Officer of Hamad International Airport said: “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 General Manager of Shenzhen Airport Group, said: “Hamad International Airport is a leading hub in the Middle East, and partnering with it represents a meaningful step in Shenzhen Airport’s journey toward internationalization. As one of the gateways of the Guangdong–Hong Kong–Macao Greater Bay Area, Shenzhen Airport is committed to expanding its global network and enhancing its hub functions. Through this partnership, we will work hand in hand with Hamad International Airport to provide passengers with more seamless and convenient travel experiences, open new opportunities for trade and tourism, and deliver sustainable value to passengers, airline partners, and the broader economies of both regions.”
Hamad International Airport offers connections to nine cities in China, including Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Chongqing, Hangzhou, Xiamen, Chengdu, and Hong Kong. These cities are linked to over 120 global destinations via Doha. From January to August this year, the airport facilitated more than 1.1 million passengers traveling between these Chinese cities and Doha.
At the Routes World summit, a global event focused on route development and connectivity, Hamad International Airport engaged with key airline partners to bolster Qatar’s international network. The goal was to improve both passenger and cargo movement while boosting Doha’s appeal as a travel destination. The airport highlighted its strong performance as a hub and its growth in point-to-point passenger services, reinforcing its role as a critical connector between Asia, the Middle East, and the rest of the world.
Recent developments highlight the strengthening of Qatar and China’s aviation collaboration. In October 2024, Shenzhen Airlines introduced a thrice-weekly flight service between Doha and Shenzhen, marking its inaugural route to the Middle East and Doha’s ninth Chinese connection.
As part of its growing ties with China, Qatar Airways recently expanded its codeshare agreement with China Southern Airlines. Starting on 16 October 2025, Qatar Airways will share its code on China Southern’s three weekly flights between Beijing Daxing and Doha. Additionally, China Southern will add its “CZ” code to Qatar Airways flights traveling beyond Doha to 15 destinations across Africa, Europe, and the Middle East.
China Southern will also extend its code to Qatar Airways-operated flights connecting Doha to major Chinese cities, including Chengdu Tianfu, Chongqing, Hangzhou, and Shanghai, pending approval from Chinese authorities.
Hamad International Airport (HIA) has partnered with Shenzhen Bao’an International Airport (SZX) to strengthen trade, technology, and passenger connectivity between the Middle East and China. This collaboration aims to boost economic growth, enhance travel experiences, and support the growing Sino-Gulf relationship. The alliance positions Qatar as a key global hub for commerce and tourism.
This new agreement between Hamad International Airport and Shenzhen Bao’an International Airport builds on Qatar’s recent Sister Airport Memorandum of Understanding with Beijing Daxing International Airport, further solidifying Qatar’s strategic aviation connections with China.
