Renowned as one of the world’s premier airports, Hamad International Airport (HIA) is a vibrant hub bursting with activities for travelers during layovers. Opened in 2014, HIA has quickly established itself as a leading global gateway, connecting passengers to over 160 destinations worldwide. Recognized in the 2024 Skytrax World Airport Awards as the "World’s Best Airport," it has also claimed the title of "Best Airport in the Middle East" for ten consecutive years.

HIA is not just an airport; it’s a destination in itself, featuring state-of-the-art design, luxurious amenities, and a commitment to passenger comfort. With its spacious terminals, cutting-edge technology, and exceptional customer service, the airport offers an unparalleled experience. Whether you’re traveling from the Indian subcontinent to Europe, Africa, or the United States, your layover at HIA can be both enjoyable and productive.

As you explore the airport, you’ll discover a wealth of attractions, from art installations and wellness centers to gourmet dining options and shopping galore. Here’s a closer look at what you can do during your layover at this remarkable airport.

Get Moving at the Vitality Centre

For fitness enthusiasts, the Vitality Wellbeing and Fitness Centre is a must-visit. Located on the fourth floor of the Oryx Airport Hotel, this award-winning facility features a fully equipped gym, a stunning 25-meter swimming pool with panoramic views of the runway, a premium golf simulator, and squash courts.

The center also offers yoga classes and personal training sessions, making it easy to stay active during your layover. Open daily from 6 AM to 2 AM, it’s the perfect spot to energize before your next flight!

Art and Culture Await

Art lovers will be captivated by the airport’s impressive collection of installations. Marvel at the whimsical "Lamp Bear" by Swiss artist Urs Fischer, a 20-foot sculpture that delights visitors of all ages.

Another highlight is the "Wildlife Wonderscapes" installation by artists Gillie and Marc Schattner, which features life-sized sculptures of endangered animals, prompting reflection on conservation efforts. With approximately 30 art pieces scattered throughout the terminal, HIA transforms waiting time into a cultural journey that showcases both local and international talent.

Find Tranquility at The Orchard

Step into The Orchard, a lush indoor garden that provides a peaceful sanctuary for weary travelers. Spanning 6,000 square meters, this serene space boasts over 300 trees and 25,000 plants, creating a tropical atmosphere. The innovative design utilizes a stunning 85-meter grid shell roof, allowing natural light to flood the area while regulating temperature for comfort.

As part of the LEED Gold-certified Central Concourse, The Orchard emphasizes sustainability and passenger well-being, making it a perfect spot to unwind.

Luxurious Lounges for Work and Relaxation

HIA offers several world-class lounges, including the exclusive Al Mourjan Lounge, which features a serene garden, spa facilities, and a restaurant serving gourmet meals. Other options like the Al Safwa First Lounge for Qatar Airways first-class passengers provide private sleeping rooms and showers.

The Muzn Lounge caters to families and children with special needs, featuring a sensory room designed for relaxation. Day passes are available for most lounges, allowing travelers to enjoy luxurious amenities and high-speed Wi-Fi to stay productive during their layover.

Indulge in Wellness Treatments

Pamper yourself at the Vitality Wellbeing and Fitness Centre with an array of rejuvenating treatments. Choose from soothing massages, invigorating aromatherapy sessions, and beauty treatments that include manicures and pedicures.

Hydrotherapy and hot stone treatments are also available, ensuring you feel refreshed and revitalized before your next adventure. Booking treatments in advance is advisable, especially during peak travel times.

Shop 'Til You Drop

With over 50 retail outlets, shopping at HIA is a delightful experience. Explore high-end brands like Burberry, Rolex, and Gucci, or find unique local souvenirs at Souq Al Matar, which recreates a traditional Qatari souq experience.

This vibrant area features shops selling traditional clothing, handicrafts, and Qatari delicacies. Don't miss out on duty-free deals, as many shops offer exclusive products that are available only at the airport, making it a great opportunity to stock up on gifts and luxury items.

Savor Culinary Delights

Dining options at HIA are virtually limitless! Sip expertly brewed coffee at Fendi Café, enjoy high tea at the elegant Harrods' Tea Room, or indulge in a meal at Gordon Ramsay’s Burger and Street Pizza. For a truly unique experience, dine at the Louis Vuitton Lounge, where chef Yannick Alléno creates exquisite dishes.

Many restaurants also offer takeout options, so you can enjoy a meal on the go. Be sure to try local Qatari specialties, such as Machboos and Harees, available at various dining venues.

Rest Easy

Feeling fatigued? The sleep’n fly lounge offers comfortable accommodations on a pay-by-the-hour basis, with options ranging from cozy sleep pods to family cabins designed for multiple occupants.

Additionally, numerous quiet rooms throughout the airport provide a serene atmosphere for resting or catching up on reading. Travelers can also take advantage of the 24-hour baggage storage service, allowing you to explore the airport unencumbered.

Transportation and Connectivity

Hamad International Airport is well-connected to the city and surrounding areas. If you have a longer layover, consider taking a short trip into Doha. The airport offers convenient transportation options, including taxis, ride-sharing services, and public transport.

The Doha Metro provides an efficient way to access the city, with a dedicated station at the airport. If time allows, visit the Museum of Islamic Art or explore the Souq Waqif, a bustling market where you can experience traditional Qatari culture.

Additional Tips for Travelers

• Check Visa Requirements: If you plan to leave the airport during your layover, ensure you check visa requirements for Qatar. Many nationalities can obtain a transit visa on arrival.
• Stay Hydrated: Airports can be dehydrating environments. Drink plenty of water during your layover, and consider carrying a refillable water bottle.
• Plan Your Time: Make sure to keep an eye on your flight schedule. Allow ample time to return to your gate, especially if you plan to explore outside the airport.
• Use the Airport App: Download the HIA mobile app for real-time flight updates, maps of the airport, and information on shops and dining options.
• Explore Family Facilities: If you’re traveling with children, take advantage of the family rooms and play areas, which provide a fun and safe environment for kids.
• Enjoy Free Activities: Some lounges and areas offer complimentary activities, such as movie screenings or art workshops—check schedules to participate.
• Be Mindful of Cultural Norms: Qatar has a rich cultural heritage. Dress modestly and respect local customs, especially in dining areas and public spaces.
• Currency Exchange: If you need cash, currency exchange counters and ATMs are readily available throughout the airport. Credit cards are widely accepted, but having some local currency can be beneficial.
• Relaxation Areas: Take advantage of the numerous relaxation zones throughout the airport, where you can unwind on comfortable seating.
• Emergency Contacts: Familiarize yourself with emergency contacts and medical assistance available at the airport, just in case.

In summary, Hamad International Airport is more than just a transit point; it’s a destination filled with engaging activities, luxurious amenities, and practical services. Make the most of your layover at HIA and experience all it has to offer!

A Saudia Airlines flight carrying 442 Hajj pilgrims was diverted in Indonesian airspace on Tuesday after a bomb threat was received via email. The aircraft, a Boeing 777 operating as Flight SV 5276 from Jeddah to Jakarta, was carrying 207 men and 235 women on their pilgrimage journey when the threat was reported at around 7:30 am local time. The message, sent by an unidentified individual, threatened to "blow up" the plane while it was en route to Jakarta International Airport.

In response to the security alert, the pilot diverted the flight to Kualanamu International Airport in Medan, North Sumatra, landing safely just after 10:00 am. Upon arrival, all passengers and crew were immediately evacuated without incident. Indonesian authorities, including a joint team from the police bomb disposal unit, military, and airport security, thoroughly searched the aircraft, baggage, and cargo compartments. The sweep concluded at 6:47 pm and found no evidence of explosives or other threats.

During the inspection, the aircraft was moved to an isolated area of the airport to ensure normal operations continued at Kualanamu. Passengers and crew were accommodated in nearby hotels while the investigation proceeded. After the aircraft was cleared and declared safe, it was allowed to continue its journey to Jakarta with its original passengers and crew on Wednesday morning.

Saudia Airlines emphasized that the safety and well-being of its guests and crew remain the highest priority. The airline provided full care and support to all onboard and arranged onward travel. Indonesian authorities praised the swift and coordinated response of the airline, airport security, and local government for maintaining calm and ensuring passenger safety throughout the incident.

The Directorate General of Indonesian Civil Aviation confirmed that the bomb threat was a hoax, and no one was harmed during the incident. The quick action prevented any disruption to other airport activities, and the situation was resolved without further incident.

The recent escalation of the Israel-Iran conflict has resulted in over 500 flights being cancelled or delayed across key international airports in Israel, the UAE, Qatar, and Turkey. This turmoil, characterized by missile attacks and extensive airspace disruptions, has forced airlines such as Delta, Air India, United, Emirates, Saudia, and Qatar Airways to alter their operations drastically.

As regional tensions rise, major airports—including Ben Gurion, Dubai International, Hamad International, and Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen—have become focal points of aviation chaos, impacting countless travelers as they approach the busy summer season.

Ben Gurion Airport, Israel: 53 Flights Cancelled

In Israel, Ben Gurion International Airport near Tel Aviv faced significant disruptions, with 53 flights cancelled on Saturday alone. This surge in cancellations was largely due to safety concerns following Iran's missile retaliation against Israeli airstrikes that targeted prominent Iranian officials and nuclear scientists. While there were no reported delays, multiple airlines opted to suspend operations altogether.

United Airlines cancelled five flights, effectively halting their operations for the day. Similarly, Delta Air Lines and KLM cancelled all their scheduled flights. FlyDubai reported 10 cancellations, affecting over 60% of its daily operations. Other regional carriers, including Israir, El Al, and Cyprus Airways, also faced total cancellations on some routes.

Dubai International and Sharjah Airports, UAE: 362 Disruptions Combined

The UAE's aviation sector was hit particularly hard, with Dubai International Airport reporting a staggering 85 cancellations and 184 delays, summing up to 269 disruptions—the highest for any single airport in the region. Sharjah International Airport added to this chaos with 34 cancellations and 23 delays, bringing the national total to 362 flight disruptions.

FlyDubai, based in Dubai, suffered significantly, cancelling 62 flights and delaying 57 more, which impacted nearly one in five of its operations. Emirates, the UAE's flagship airline, experienced 16 cancellations and 86 delays. This ripple effect extended to other carriers such as Air India, Air India Express, SpiceJet, and Royal Jordanian, showcasing the widespread impact on airlines not directly operating in Israel.

Hamad International Airport, Qatar: 105 Disruptions

In Qatar, Hamad International Airport experienced a wave of complications, with 22 cancellations and 83 delays, totaling 105 impacted flights. Qatar Airways, the national carrier, was responsible for the majority of these disruptions, cancelling 22 flights and delaying 74, which accounted for roughly 12% of its daily schedule. Other airlines, such as Finnair, China Southern, and Jazeera Airways, also reported minor delays.

Despite Qatar's neutral position in the Israel-Iran conflict, the escalating regional instability and the risks associated with overflight prompted many airlines to reroute or suspend their operations through Qatari airspace.

Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen International Airport, Turkey: 68 Flights Affected

Turkey's Sabiha Gökçen Airport in Istanbul reported 15 cancellations and 53 delays, primarily driven by regional carriers. Pegasus Airlines was particularly affected, leading the disruption count with 34 delays and 15 cancellations. Turkish Airlines, while reporting 10 delays, managed to avoid cancellations.

Although Turkey is geographically distanced from the immediate conflict zones, the substantial number of connecting flights through its airports resulted in cascading effects on operations. Factors like repositioning of flight crews and regulatory detours contributed to the delays.

Understanding the Flight Disruptions

The extensive wave of flight cancellations and delays across Israel, the UAE, Qatar, and Turkey is a direct consequence of the rapidly escalating military tensions between Israel and Iran. The conflict began with Israel launching a significant air offensive aimed at Iranian nuclear facilities, military leaders, and scientists, which reportedly resulted in considerable damage and loss of life.

In retaliation, Iran launched approximately 200 ballistic missiles and drones toward Israel in successive waves, prompting air raid sirens and emergency shelter protocols in cities such as Tel Aviv. The ensuing chaos not only led to civilian casualties but also created a perilous environment for air traffic, forcing Ben Gurion Airport to suspend or limit its operations.

The conflict's repercussions quickly spread across the region, impacting airlines operating in Dubai, Doha, Sharjah, and Istanbul. Increased risks of airspace intrusions and the potential for misidentification by military radar created significant pressure for airlines to cancel or reroute flights. Countries like Qatar, Turkey, and the UAE, while not directly involved in the conflict, found themselves vulnerable due to their proximity and status as major aviation hubs.

In addition to physical threats, airspace closures and logistical challenges—including the repositioning of aircraft and crew shortages—compounded the operational impact. Airlines such as Emirates, Qatar Airways, FlyDubai, United, Delta, and Saudia had no choice but to preemptively cancel flights or implement major delays to safeguard passengers and crew members.

Aviation regulators and defense agencies issued warnings and no-fly advisories for certain air corridors, further diminishing safe routing options. Consequently, what began as a localized military conflict evolved into one of the most significant aviation disruptions in the region this year, leaving many passengers stranded and airline operations fractured.

With tensions remaining high and both nations signaling potential further military action, these disruptions are likely to persist or even escalate in the coming days.

Conflict Fallout and Airspace Concerns

The current flight disruptions are unfolding amid one of the most dangerous escalations in the Middle East in recent history. Israel's military actions targeted Iranian nuclear capabilities, while Iran's response involved a concerted missile assault. Air raid sirens rang out across multiple Israeli cities, prompting a temporary grounding of civilian flights.

U.S. military forces have assisted Israel in intercepting some missile threats, yet the situation has compelled precautionary measures from aviation authorities throughout the region. Airlines have rerouted flights away from potential conflict zones, leading to widespread scheduling chaos.

Carriers operating through major regional hubs like Dubai, Doha, and Istanbul have faced severe disruptions to long-haul connections, particularly those connecting to Asia, Europe, and North America. Airlines, including Delta, United, Emirates, Qatar Airways, and Saudia, either paused services or made significant network adjustments over the weekend.

Economic Impact: Oil Prices and Tourism Concerns

In conjunction with the aviation disruptions, oil prices surged by 7% in global markets, driven by concerns that the conflict could extend into the Strait of Hormuz, a vital oil transit artery. The situation has raised alarms within the global tourism sector, especially with the summer travel season in full swing.

With over 500 flights cancelled or delayed, travelers across the Middle East are now bracing for ripple effects that may linger for days or even weeks. Airlines are striving to rebook passengers and redirect aircraft, but ongoing security uncertainties could lead to additional suspensions or timetable adjustments.

Airlines and Airports Affected

Here’s a detailed overview of the airlines impacted across the region:

Ben Gurion International Airport (Israel)

• Total Flights Cancelled: 53
• Total Flights Delayed: 0
• Airlines Affected:
  • FlyDubai: 10 cancellations (62% of flights)
  • Aegean Airlines: 8 cancellations (50%)
  • Israir: 7 cancellations
  • United Airlines: 5 cancellations
  • KLM: All flights cancelled
  • Delta Air Lines: All flights cancelled
  • El Al: Total cancellations on select routes
  • Cyprus Airways: Total cancellations on select routes

Dubai International Airport (UAE)

• Total Flights Cancelled: 85
• Total Flights Delayed: 184
• Airlines Affected:
  • FlyDubai: 62 cancellations, 57 delays
  • Emirates: 16 cancellations, 86 delays
  • Air India: Various delays
  • Air India Express: Various delays
  • SpiceJet: Various delays
  • Royal Jordanian: Various delays
  • Mahan Air: 2 cancellations
  • Syrian Arab Airlines: 1 cancellation

Hamad International Airport (Qatar)

• Total Flights Cancelled: 22
• Total Flights Delayed: 83
• Airlines Affected:
  • Qatar Airways: 22 cancellations, 74 delays
  • Finnair: Minor delays
  • China Southern Airlines: Minor delays
  • Jazeera Airways: Minor delays
  • Royal Jordanian: Minor delays

Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (Turkey)

• Total Flights Cancelled: 15
• Total Flights Delayed: 53
• Airlines Affected:
  • Pegasus Airlines: 15 cancellations, 34 delays
  • Turkish Airlines: 10 delays
  • Smart Lynx: 1 delay
  • Flynas: 1 delay

Summary of Disruptions

• Dubai International (UAE): 269 disruptions
• Hamad International (Qatar): 105 disruptions
• Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen (Turkey): 68 disruptions
• Sharjah International (UAE): 57 disruptions
• Ben Gurion (Israel): 53 cancellations

In summary, the ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran has led to a significant surge in flight cancellations and delays, with over 552 flights affected across the Middle East. Travelers now face a volatile environment for air travel, as major airlines scramble to adjust their schedules amid escalating tensions. International aviation authorities are closely monitoring the situation, anticipating further disruptions as military operations continue.

An easyJet flight from Geneva to Edinburgh was forced to declare a mid-air emergency and return to Geneva shortly after takeoff on Sunday evening due to a bird strike, cutting the journey short and causing flight cancellation.

The Airbus A320, flight EZY3294, took off from Geneva Airport around 6:06 PM local time but encountered a bird strike during its initial climb. The pilots immediately declared an emergency and circled near Geneva before safely landing back about 40 minutes after departure. The bird strike caused a technical defect on the aircraft that maintenance crews could not quickly resolve, leading easyJet to cancel the flight rather than attempt repairs, prioritizing passenger safety above schedule adherence.

EasyJet issued formal notices to affected passengers, apologizing for the inconvenience and providing information on rebooking options and accommodations for those impacted. Emergency services attended the aircraft upon landing as a precaution, and all passengers disembarked safely without incident.

This incident adds to a recent string of easyJet emergencies in mid-June 2025. Two other flights were forced to make emergency landings within days: one from Paphos to Bristol diverted to Izmir due to smoke detection, and another from Manchester to Enfidha diverted to Paris Orly for unspecified reasons. Both flights landed safely with no injuries reported.

These events underscore the operational challenges airlines face in ensuring safety amid technical issues and environmental hazards like bird strikes. EasyJet's response in following established emergency protocols demonstrates its commitment to passenger safety despite the disruption to travel plans.

In summary, the Geneva-to-Edinburgh easyJet flight's emergency return following a bird strike highlights ongoing aviation safety vigilance during the busy European summer travel period, with the airline taking all necessary precautions to protect its passengers.

Vietnam’s aviation authority has taken the unprecedented step of temporarily closing Tho Xuan Airport in Thanh Hoa Province after a series of unauthorized drone sightings near the runway raised serious safety concerns and disrupted flight operations over several days.

The suspension began at 6:00 p.m. on Monday and will last until 6:00 a.m. Tuesday, affecting at least 10 civilian flights. This move follows three consecutive days of drone incursions near the airport, which forced multiple flight diversions and delays. On Sunday alone, two Vietjet Air flights from Ho Chi Minh City were rerouted one to Hanoi’s Noi Bai Airport and the other to Vinh Airport in Nghe An Province.

Authorities described the situation as “increasingly complex and difficult to control,” prompting the urgent suspension of all flights in and out of the airport. The Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam (CAAV) has directed airport officials to work closely with air traffic controllers, police, and military units to detect and neutralize unauthorized drones.

The Thanh Hoa People's Committee has been tasked with investigating the breaches and holding violators accountable. Joint patrols have been deployed in nearby residential areas to prevent further incidents and raise public awareness about aviation safety regulations.

Vietnamese law strictly prohibits any unmanned aerial vehicles within an 8-kilometer radius of airports, especially near takeoff and landing zones. This ban includes drones, flycams, sky lanterns, kites, balloons, laser pointers, and signal flares. Violators face fines ranging from VND 3 million to VND 40 million ($115–$1,530) and confiscation of their equipment.

Tho Xuan Airport, located in Sao Vang Town, north-central Vietnam, is a joint civil-military facility handling 10 to 15 commercial flights daily alongside military operations. The recent drone incidents have exposed vulnerabilities in airport security and prompted urgent measures to safeguard civil aviation safety in the region.

The first four months of 2025 have brought a mixed bag of passenger traffic trends across Oman’s airports, reflecting shifting travel dynamics in the region. According to the latest data from the National Centre for Statistics and Information, a total of 4,701,055 passengers passed through the country’s airports from January to April, marking a slight 4.1% decrease compared to the same period last year.

Muscat International Airport, the nation’s primary aviation hub, handled 4,222,789 passengers by the end of April  down 4.7% from 4,428,726 in early 2024. Flight operations also saw a notable dip, with the number of flights falling 8.6% to 29,731, compared to 32,520 last year. Despite the decline, Muscat remains the busiest airport in Oman, serving as the gateway for millions of travelers.

Indian nationals continue to dominate the passenger demographic at Muscat International Airport, with 182,628 travelers recorded so far this year. Omanis rank second with 101,087 passengers, followed by Pakistanis at 47,078, highlighting the strong regional connectivity and expatriate travel patterns.

In contrast to Muscat’s slight downturn, Salalah Airport experienced a positive surge in passenger numbers, increasing by 6.8% to 458,394 compared to 429,181 last year. This growth underscores Salalah’s rising appeal as a travel destination and transit point. However, flight operations at Salalah saw a marginal decrease of 0.2%, totaling 2,974 flights.

Sohar Airport recorded the most dramatic drop in activity, with flights plunging 62.5% to just 72 from 192, and passenger numbers plummeting by a staggering 98.7% to only 307 travelers, down from 23,842 last year. This sharp decline signals significant operational challenges or changes in airline services at Sohar.
Duqm Airport also experienced a slight downturn, with flights decreasing by 1.9% to 204 and passenger numbers falling 2.7% to 19,565 from 20,106 in the previous year.

While Oman’s overall airport passenger traffic has softened slightly in early 2025, the varied performance across its airports highlights evolving travel trends and regional economic factors. Muscat International remains a vital hub, Salalah shows promising growth, and the steep declines at Sohar and Duqm suggest areas needing strategic focus to boost connectivity and passenger confidence.

As Oman continues to develop its aviation infrastructure and tourism offerings, monitoring these trends will be key to sustaining growth and enhancing the travel experience for both residents and visitors alike.