Doha International Airport's steering committee has invited four pre-qualified groups to bid by October 14 for a contract to build an extension to the passenger terminal, known as the north node or phase 3a, MEED has reported. The terminal extension is a five-level structure with a total floor area of 127,000 square metres, where the ground floor will accommodate passengers for transfers; the first floor is for departures, and the second for arrivals. The third and fourth levels will house a 100-room hotel. The first phase of the airport is scheduled to open in 2011.