Doha International Airport
Even though there is a new international airport currently under construction in Doha, the current Doha International Airport is one of the busiest facilities in the Middle East. It currently handles more than 18 million passengers each year, and is the base hub for Qatar Airways, the national carrier and only commercial carrier of Qatar. More than 135,000 aircraft movements occur at the airport annually. Qatar Airways is by far the busiest carrier at the airport. More than 100 cities across the Middle East, Europe, and other parts of the world are connected to Doha. Direct flights are offered to several US cities, including New York and Chicago. United Airlines also flies to Doha from Washington Dulles Airport, with connections to Dubai. Another option is for US travelers to fly to another Middle Eastern destination like Dubai, Abu Dhabi, or Bahrain, and connect to Doha from there.
The Departure and Transfer Terminal is the largest and busiest building at the facility. All Qatar Airways departures and transfers are handled at this terminal. Terminal A is the check-in zone for Qatar Airways departures. All international and non-Qatari owned air carriers fly into and out of Terminal B. Commercial airlines like Emirates, Kuwait Airlines, Lufthansa, and United Airlines utilize this facility. There is also a Qatar Airways Premium Terminal for first-class and exclusive travelers, and an Arrival Terminal on site too. Some of the facilities found inside these terminals include airline lounges, money exchange bureaus, automatic teller machines, and spacious seating facilities. Plenty of restaurants can be found throughout the terminals, including fast food and sit down restaurants. Passengers should head straight to the Sterling Food Court, which houses dozens of magnificent dining choices. Qatar Duty Free is the main shopping facility at the airport.
Traveling from the airport to downtown Doha or any of the major cities in Qatar is relatively straight forward. Car hire is available, but passengers must show a local or international driver’s license before renting a car is possible. Some of the globally renowned car hire companies at Doha International Terminal include Hertz, Budget, and Avis. Taxis are operated by Karwa Taxi Services, providing a magnificently convenient way to travel from the airport. Bookings can be made from the Arrivals Terminal. Most hotels in the capital city also provide airport-hotel coaches, which will save visitors time and hassles.