The opening of the new $15.5 billion Hamad International Airport in Doha, Qatar has been delayed again.

The new airport, originally scheduled to open last year, was set to open on April 1st but remains closed after failing a last minute safety inspection.

Abdulaziz Al Noaimi, chairman, General Authority for Civil Aviation, Qatar explained the airport’s opening had been delayed for not meeting the new safety standards set by the department of civil defence.

In a statement he explained: “The NDIA Steering Committee commends the efforts of the ministry of interior represented by the department of civil defence for their commitment to raising standards of safety and security in Qatar.

“The Hamad International Airport project has been completed by a number of international contractors who have supervised the system readiness of the airport and have already issued international certificates in the domain of safety and security.”

Operated by Qatar Airways, Hamad International Airport will be able to accommodate 28 million passengers annually, increasing to 50 million after 2015.

Construction on the project started eight years ago in 2005, and the opening has experienced a series of delays so far.