DOHA, Qatar _ Qatar Airways has moved all of its operations to a new multi-billion dollar airport in its capital of Doha.

The Mideast airline says the move to Hamad International Airport marks “a milestone” for the national carrier, which began operations just 17 years ago.

A ceremonial Qatar Airways flight landed in the new airport last month.

Tuesday marks the official move of Qatar Airways to Hamad International, making the airport fully operational. Qatar Airways says passengers on the first flight that touched down were greeted with roses, dates, coffee, chocolate and Qatari flags.

Like the nearby United Arab Emirates, Qatar has invested heavily in its aviation sector in recent years. The airport cost at least $15 billion to build.

Source: Canadian Press