Monday, 07 July 2025
Explore Qatar

Maximizing Your Time at Hamad International Airport: A Comprehensive Guide to Seamless Transfers and Luxurious Amenities

Everything You Need to Know for a Seamless Journey
Published: Thursday, March 27, 2025
Maximizing Your Time at Hamad International Airport: A Comprehensive Guide to Seamless Transfers and Luxurious Amenities

Hamad International Airport in Doha, Qatar, is renowned for its efficiency and luxury. Whether you have a quick layover or hours to spare, HIA offers a seamless transfer experience with its integrated facilities and rich amenities. Here’s how to make the most of your time at this world-class hub.

Navigating the Airport

 

  • Transfer Halls: Upon exiting your aircraft, head directly to the Transfer Halls located at concourses A, B, C, and D. These areas are well-signposted, but if you need assistance, don’t hesitate to ask at an information desk or use the airport map available on digital screens or printed copies.

  • Integrated Facility: HIA operates as a single integrated facility, allowing you to arrive, transfer, and depart from the same terminal building. This eliminates the need to change terminals, making your transit process much simpler.

Assistance and Services

 

  • Transfer Desks: If you need help with boarding passes, re-scheduling flights, or have general queries, visit one of the transfer desks. These desks are equipped to assist with re-booking missed connections, upgrading travel classes, and more. They can also provide information on visa requirements if you plan to exit the airport.

  • Special Assistance: Special assistance travelers, Al Maha customers, and unaccompanied minors receive priority processing and are met at the aircraft or aerobridge upon arrival. This ensures that they receive the support they need throughout their journey.

Exiting the Airport

 

  • Exploring Qatar: If you have an extended stopover and wish to explore Qatar, the transfer desks can assist with exit procedures. Ensure you confirm visa and immigration requirements beforehand. Note that a transit visa is not required if you stay within the airport. However, if you plan to leave the airport, check if you need a visa based on your nationality.

  • Transit Tours: Discover Qatar offers exclusive transit tours for those with six hours or more of transit time. These tours allow you to explore Doha’s iconic sites like the Corniche, Museum of Islamic Art, and Souq Waqif, or experience unique desert tours where the Arabian desert meets the sea.

Security Check

 

  • Baggage Screening: Your hand baggage will undergo security screening for prohibited items. Dedicated security lanes are available for First Class and Business Class passengers, ensuring a quicker and more convenient process.

  • Prohibited Items: Ensure your baggage does not contain prohibited items, as these will be confiscated. Check the airport’s Security & Customs page for more information on what items are allowed and what are not.

Things to Avoid

 

  • Avoiding Delays: Do not follow the signs to ‘Arrivals’ unless you intend to exit the airport. Approach the transfer desks for assistance instead, as they can guide you through the correct procedures.

  • Punctuality: Be punctual for your onward flight, as boarding gates close 20 minutes before departure. Plan your time wisely to avoid missing your connection.

Relaxation and Activities

 

  • Airport Hotel: The Airport Hotel offers four-star hospitality for short stays, including massages, swimming, and gym facilities. This is ideal for those who want to relax and rejuvenate during their transit.

  • Transit Tours: As mentioned, Discover Qatar offers a range of transit tours:

    • Discover Doha: A three-hour coach city tour that takes you around Doha’s key attractions.

    • Discover the Desert and Inland Sea: A four-hour private tour to Khor al Adaid.

    • Shuttle Bus Service: Visit the Qatar National Museum, Museum of Islamic Art, or Doha Beach Club with a hassle-free shuttle service.

    • Discover Doha by Air: A 45-minute flight over Doha’s iconic sites.

    • Discover Doha Your Way: Explore Doha with a private vehicle and chauffeur.

  • Airport Facilities: Enjoy complimentary Wi-Fi throughout the terminal, and access internet kiosks and Mac computers for browsing.

  • Dining Options: Choose from more than 30 restaurants and cafes offering a wide variety of global cuisine.

  • Lounge Access: You may be entitled to complimentary lounge access depending on your ticket or privilege club membership, or you can pay for lounge access. Relax in one of the quiet rooms that offer recliners and soft lighting.

  • Cultural Experiences: HIA is renowned for its art installations. Experience an innovative and immersive visual experience by exploring the airport’s permanent and temporary exhibitions.

  • Family-Friendly: There are five activity nodes designed for children of all ages, offering play areas, televisions, internet points, retail stores, and food and beverage options. Parents’ rooms and family toilets are also available for added convenience.

  • Duty-Free Shopping: Qatar Duty-Free offers an extensive selection of designer labels, electronics, gourmet foods, and more across 70 retail outlets. Express stores are available if you are in a hurry.

Overall, Hamad International Airport provides a comprehensive and enjoyable transit experience, ensuring that your journey is both efficient and memorable.

Ryanair Boeing 737 Fire Forces Wing Evacuation at Palma Airport, Leaving 18 Injured

Published: Monday, July 07, 2025
Ryanair Boeing 737 Fire Forces Wing Evacuation at Palma Airport, Leaving 18 Injured

In the early hours of July 5, Palma de Mallorca Airport became the scene of panic and confusion when a Ryanair Boeing 737, moments from departure to Manchester, was abruptly evacuated following a fire alert. The incident left eighteen passengers injured, with dramatic footage capturing travelers scrambling onto the aircraft’s wing and leaping to the tarmac below.

The ordeal began just after midnight as the Ryanair flight, still grounded at Palma Airport, prepared for takeoff. Suddenly, a fire warning light triggered an emergency call from the cockpit. Within minutes, airport firefighters, police, and four ambulances two basic and two advanced life support units were dispatched to the scene.

Passengers, gripped by fear, bypassed standard evacuation procedures. Many ignored the inflatable slides and instead climbed out emergency exits onto the wing, jumping to the ground in a rush to escape. Social media videos show the chaos: passengers sprinting across the tarmac, some injured from the fall, while an airport worker can be heard urging others to use the proper exits.

Eyewitness accounts describe a scene of utter carnage, with people falling over each other in the scramble to exit. One passenger recounted, “You could see people just jumping off of the wings... People were covered in scratches. It was proper terrifying.”

Eighteen people required medical attention for injuries ranging from sprains to fractures, with six transported to local hospitals—Clinica Rotger and Palmaplanas Hospital. Despite the panic, there were no reports of severe burns or life-threatening injuries, suggesting the fire was either quickly contained or, as later confirmed, did not actually exist.

Ryanair later clarified that the emergency was triggered by a false fire warning light. The crew, following protocol, initiated an immediate evacuation to ensure passenger safety. In a statement, the airline apologized for the disruption: “This flight from Palma to Manchester discontinued take-off due to a false fire warning light indication. Passengers were disembarked using the inflatable slides and returned to the terminal.”

Airport authorities and aviation safety officials have launched an investigation, reviewing flight logs, maintenance records, and the crew’s response. The exact cause of the false alarm remains under scrutiny.
To minimize further delays, Ryanair arranged a replacement aircraft, which departed Palma at 7:05 a.m. the same morning. Airport operations quickly returned to normal, and the airline reiterated its apology to affected passengers.

The incident at Palma de Mallorca Airport stands as a vivid reminder of the unpredictability of air travel emergencies and the importance of clear communication and calm during crisis. Thanks to the swift actions of emergency responders and airport staff, a night of chaos ended without serious harm, but for those on board, the memory of leaping from a plane wing into the darkness will not soon fade.

Abu Dhabi Tests Flying Taxi for the First Time Successfully

Published: Sunday, July 06, 2025
Abu Dhabi Tests Flying Taxi for the First Time Successfully

Abu Dhabi has achieved a major milestone in urban transportation by successfully conducting its first test flight of a flying taxi at Al Bateen Executive Airport, signaling the emirate’s rapid progress toward launching commercial air taxi services by early 2026. The test was carried out in partnership between US-based Archer Aviation and the Abu Dhabi Investment Office (Adio), utilizing Archer’s fully electric, driverless Midnight eVTOL (electric vertical takeoff and landing) aircraft.

This aircraft is designed to carry four passengers and a pilot, reach speeds up to 241 km/h, and cover distances of about 150 km, making it ideal for short urban commutes such as airport-to-downtown routes.

The test flight is part of a broader strategy to establish Abu Dhabi as a regional leader in advanced air mobility. The initiative extends beyond simply operating air taxis; it aims to develop a comprehensive aviation ecosystem.

This includes pilot training, maintenance and repair operations (MROs), talent development, and manufacturing, with plans for Archer to set up a production facility in Al Ain that could eventually export aircraft across the region. There are also collaborations with local universities to create specialized curricula and short diploma programs, ensuring a skilled workforce for the sector’s future needs.

The ongoing testing phase will continue through the harsh UAE summer, focusing on the aircraft’s performance in extreme heat, humidity, and dust—conditions critical for ensuring reliability and safety in the local environment. According to officials, the tests are structured not just for demonstration but for commercial readiness, with the goal of integrating the air taxi service seamlessly into Abu Dhabi’s transportation infrastructure.

The project also includes the development of vertiports, with the first dual-use heliport expected to be operational at Mina Zayed Cruise Terminal by the end of 2025, close to major city landmarks. When commercial operations begin, customers will be able to book rides via a smartphone app, similar to current ride-hailing services, with pricing anticipated to be competitive with premium ride-sharing options—previous estimates suggest inner-city trips could cost around Dh300 to Dh350.

Archer Aviation and Abu Dhabi authorities emphasize that the service is intended for the general public, not just luxury travelers, and as the network expands, costs are expected to decrease, making flying taxis a practical daily transport option. Manufacturing is set to begin in 2027, with ambitions to export the technology regionally. This achievement places Abu Dhabi at the forefront of the global race to deploy sustainable, efficient, and futuristic urban air mobility solutions

Pakistan to Build New Airports – See the Planned Locations

Published: Saturday, July 05, 2025
Pakistan to Build New Airports – See the Planned Locations

The Pakistan Airports Authority (PAA) is advancing a comprehensive infrastructure development program to expand and modernize the country’s aviation network, focusing on new airports in Mirpur (Azad Kashmir), Dera Ismail Khan, and Hyderabad, alongside the reconstruction and expansion of Sukkur Airport. These projects aim to enhance regional connectivity, stimulate economic growth, and address long-standing accessibility challenges in underserved areas.

The feasibility report for the Mirpur Airport is in its final stages, signaling imminent progress on this key project that will improve air travel options for Azad Kashmir. In Dera Ismail Khan, land acquisition is actively underway, with authorities emphasizing that the new airport will resolve persistent connectivity issues affecting southern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and neighboring regions. The strategic location of Sukkur Airport has prompted plans for its reconstruction and the development of a new terminal, intended to transform it into a regional aviation hub serving northern Sindh and adjacent areas.

At Hyderabad Airport, the government has directed the Pakistan Airports Authority to initiate commercial flight operations. In parallel, plans are moving forward to establish an aviation training school at Hyderabad, designed to boost technical education and professional skills development within the aviation sector, supporting workforce capacity building.

These infrastructure initiatives are part of a broader modernization effort by the PAA, which also includes the recent launch of an e-gates implementation project at major international airports in Islamabad, Lahore, and Karachi. This project, expected to be completed within 24 months, will introduce automated passenger processing systems aligned with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards, enhancing security and passenger experience.

Additionally, approvals have been granted for the construction of two new international airports in Sukkur and Muzaffarabad, with land acquisition and development activities underway. These airports are projected to be completed within five years, representing a significant investment in Pakistan’s aviation infrastructure.

The PAA’s ongoing runway upgrades, such as the 53% completion of the Runway 07L/25R upgrade at Karachi’s Jinnah International Airport as of May 2025, further demonstrate the authority’s commitment to enhancing airport capacity and safety.

Collectively, these projects reflect Pakistan’s strategic vision to modernize its aviation facilities, improve regional and international connectivity, foster economic development, and create employment opportunities in underdeveloped regions. The involvement of international consultants and adherence to global standards underscore the commitment to delivering world-class infrastructure and services.

UAE Summer Airfares Plummet to London, Istanbul, New York – Tickets Start from Just Dh1,300

Published: Saturday, July 05, 2025
UAE Summer Airfares Plummet to London, Istanbul, New York – Tickets Start from Just Dh1,300

For the first time in years, UAE residents can enjoy affordable last-minute summer getaways, with airfares dropping to their lowest levels since before the pandemic. Traditionally, July and August see a surge in ticket prices, but this year, connecting economy flights from Dubai to London are available for as little as Dh1,300—a significant decrease from last year’s Dh2,500 for similar routes.

Travellers departing from Abu Dhabi are finding even better deals. For example, flights to Mumbai are currently listed at Dh708 for travel between July 15 and 31, making Abu Dhabi an attractive starting point for budget-conscious holidaymakers.

“We are seeing a much more manageable increase in airfares this July,” said Rashid Abbas, Managing Director at Arooha Travels. “Some fares to CIS and Indian destinations have dropped to between Dh610 and Dh800. These prices are certainly more attractive than what travellers have had to contend with in the last couple of years.”

Are these the lowest fares since 2020? According to Abbas, “Yes and no. While some destinations are seeing dramatic drops, others especially certain European cities still command higher prices, between Dh2,500 and Dh3,800 for last-minute bookings. However, these are still well below the peaks of 2022, when airfares soared to unprecedented levels.”

Direct flights to major European cities such as London, Stockholm, Lisbon, and Barcelona remain in the Dh2,500–Dh3,000 range. Yet, budget carriers are offering competitive alternatives; for example, Dubai to Paris on a low-cost airline is available for Dh2,815, and flights to Berlin can be found for Dh1,860.

Here are some of the best last-minute deals for travel between July 15 and 31:

From Dubai:

  • Dubai to Tbilisi on flydubai: Dh1,300
  • Dubai to Istanbul on AJet: Dh653
  • Dubai to Chisinau, Moldova on Wizz Air Abu Dhabi: Dh538
  • Dubai to Cairo on Air Arabia Express: Dh1,430
  • Dubai to New York on United Airlines: Dh2,945

From Abu Dhabi:

  • Abu Dhabi to Yerevan on Etihad: Dh618
  • Abu Dhabi to Manama on Etihad: Dh415
  • Abu Dhabi to Muscat on Etihad: Dh485
  • Abu Dhabi to Istanbul on Etihad: Dh1,006
  • Abu Dhabi to Athens on Etihad: Dh1,635

From Sharjah:

  • Sharjah to Istanbul on AJet: Dh706
  • Sharjah to Doha on Qatar Airways: Dh755
  • Sharjah to Tbilisi on Air Arabia: Dh1,432

From Ras Al Khaimah:

  • RAK to Mumbai on IndiGo: Dh742
  • RAK to Istanbul on AJet: Dh653

Travel agents attribute the drop in fares to changing travel habits among UAE residents. “Couples and singles often travel home during off-peak months to save on fares,” said Sapna Aidasani, Head of Marketing at Pluto Travels. She noted a trend toward shorter trips, typically lasting one to two weeks, rather than extended summer holidays. Many are also exploring destinations closer to the UAE, such as Azerbaijan or Schengen countries, and Africa is gaining popularity.

Corporate leave policies also play a role, with most employees preferring to split their travel into multiple shorter trips throughout the year. Dubai residents usually return by early August and then plan additional holidays for winter or Diwali, breaking up their summer travel.

With schools closed and temperatures soaring, residents are encouraged to keep up with the latest events, deals, and safety tips through Summer Vibes in collaboration with Dubai Summer Surprises (DSS). There’s plenty happening across the Emirates this July and August, making it easier than ever to plan a memorable and affordable summer.

Qatar Airways Compensates Passengers with $200 After 42-Hour Ordeal

Published: Saturday, July 05, 2025
Qatar Airways Compensates Passengers with $200 After 42-Hour Ordeal

A routine international journey turned into a 42-hour test of patience for passengers on Qatar Airways Flight QR579, after a technical fault in Delhi triggered a domino effect of missed connections, late arrivals, and what travelers describe as “zero accountability” from the airline and regulators.

The trouble began on November 22, 2024, when Flight QR579 from Delhi to Doha was delayed by more than five hours due to technical issues, departing at 9:10 AM instead of the scheduled 3:40 AM. This delay caused passengers to miss their connecting flight to Cape Town, leaving them stranded in Doha. Rather than providing immediate rebooking, Qatar Airways rescheduled the group for a flight the following day, ultimately delivering them to Cape Town at 8 PM on November 23 over 26 hours behind schedule.

The extended delay upended travel plans and, according to one passenger, created a safety risk due to the late-night arrival. “We endured 42 hours of fatigue, disrupted plans, and a complete lack of accountability from the airline,” the passenger wrote in a widely shared online post. The airline’s response offering $200 non-refundable vouchers per person, valid only for future bookings was met with frustration. 

Multiple attempts to escalate the matter with Qatar Airways’ senior customer service staff yielded no further compensation, and a formal complaint to the Qatar Civil Aviation Authority (QCAA) was dismissed. The QCAA argued it could not intervene since Doha was only a transit point, a stance passengers say contradicts the Montreal Convention, which sets global standards for airline liability in cases of delay.

The Montreal Convention allows international travelers to claim damages for delays, including reimbursement for out-of-pocket expenses up to a capped amount, regardless of where the delay occurs. However, as this case illustrates, enforcement can be inconsistent. “QCAA refuses to enforce it,” the passenger noted, after their claim was rejected. With few options left, the traveler is now considering whether to pursue the matter with India’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) or in consumer court, though they question whether the effort will be worthwhile.

The story has resonated with many, drawing responses from others who report similar experiences with international flight delays and minimal accountability. As one commenter put it, “It’s when things go wrong airlines really show their true colours, and in this case Qatar were very poor”. With regulatory protections like the Montreal Convention often difficult to enforce, the burden of seeking redress continues to fall on the passengers themselves.