Wondering how things looked at Qatar’s airports this morning? Here’s an explanation of how things went as several carriers moved from the Doha International Airport to the new Hamad International Airport.
And here’s what the shift looked like in pictures:
Did you fly through DIA or HIA today? Thoughts?
For those who have never been to HIA before, here is a helpful guide to navigating the new airport.
And for those who are feeling nostalgic, here’s a list of what we’ll miss (and won’t miss) about Doha’s old airport.
Look closely.. Tear drops ..
وايد Øساس 🙂
The empty arrivals hall is somewhat eerie.
Why is her name “Allow Me”? Would fancy the real name…
This is why women should cover up. No wait sorry, we are punishing the victim. 🙂
Does anyone know why the St.Regis staff were greeting arrivals at the new airport? Are they going to operate a new hotel at the airport in the future?
DD
Business lounge not ready, very long lines at food kiosks.
It’s a shame that the business class lounges aren’t ready. This was a wonderful selling point at Doha International Airport. Big oversight by the planners.
Fresh news: Qatar Airways are not letting people on flights from Dubai to Doha if their GCC residency is valid less than 6 months.
It was 3 months previously and it seems that the move to the new airport has brought this un-announced change also.
Not great being turned away at departures in dubai by qatar airways staff.
I travelled to Dubai a few months back and I was told that I need 6 months valid visa in Jan, and I got my visa renewed. So, No! It has got nothing to do with the move.
I departed from HIA for the first time night before last on KLM. I have to say I was most impressed. I have traveled all over the world, most of my life, and this was a good experience. Good of the operators to have lots of staff, greeters, ready to give directions or explain things. To all those doubters and nay sayers, I say forget it. The wait has been long, but well worth it, at first experience.
I flew out of the mew airport this morning and I can’t describe the experience as pleasant. I headed to the business class laines only to be greated by a very rude East European QR attendant (who was dressed in Black – which signifies a supervisor) who ordered me to go to the economy laines. Luckily a more pleasant South African attendant pleaded with me to ignore the rude gestures and spent nearly 30 mins processing my boarding pass!!! The experience with Immigration was much smoother and faster than the old airport. Getting proper info is another story. I asked at the information desk if there are lounges other than Oryx and I was informed no. I went to Oryx and I was informed to go QR’s dedicated lounges. I went to QR dedicated lounge inly to be met by another rude QR attendant (most likely a Morrocan or Tunisian guy) who ordered me to go back to Oryx. Luckily a more sensible attendant (after noticing I was very upset) corrected the matter, apologised and I was allowed into the lounge. The lounge it self was not ready. My flight was delayed by more than 30 mins for no apparent reason. On a positive note, I think that the new airport is most likely to be better than the old one. If I were Qr, I will most certainly invest more in staff training especially in relation to ettiqette and proper behaviour – especially in relation to their ground staff.