Doha International Airport is preparing to open Terminal B, dedicated to foreign airlines, before the end of June.The check-in area of the existing Transfer and Departures terminal – to be renamed Terminal A – will be used exclusively for Qatar Airways.
Designed to enhance the departure experience for travellers leaving Qatar, the airport upgrade will facilitate increased passenger traffic through Doha International Airport until New Doha International Airport opens in 2012.
The 2,000sqm Terminal B, developed on the premises of the former arrivals terminal, will be dedicated to the 30-plus foreign airlines operating services from Doha.
It includes an enlarged check-in area with 35 counters, online check-in lounge, customer service desk for oversized luggage, currency exchange bureau, ATM machines, a new high-tech baggage handling system, and food and beverage outlets.
An enlarged 600sqm immigration hall with 10 counters and three e-gates aim to prevent long queues and ensure seamless passport clearance.
Following their respective immigration counter areas in both terminals, passengers walk into the common airside environment of the existing Transfer and Departures building and have access to the same shopping, airport lounges, prayer rooms, food court and other facilities.
The move of foreign airlines to the brand new Terminal B allows Qatar Airways to ramp up service for its passengers, who will benefit from a more spacious check-in area at the current Departures facility, renamed Terminal A.
Terminal A forms part of a multi-million dollar DIA re-development plan that will also see further boarding gates being introduced and the Oryx Lounge undergo a significant revamp.
The lounge, located airside on the upper level of DIA, caters to first and business class passengers of other airlines or can be accessed for $40 per person when travelling in economy class on any carrier.
It contains a business centre, shower facilities and a wide selection of snacks and refreshments and allows travellers to relax and unwind during longer transits.
As part of the DIA infrastructure development project, there will be new exterior roadway signage directing passengers to the two airport terminals.
Doha International Airport is managed and operated by Qatar Airways.
Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive Officer Akbar Al Baker said the changes were aimed at enhancing passengers’ experiences ahead of the opening of the New Doha International Airport.
“After the opening of the new stand-alone Doha Arrivals Terminal last December, we are now pleased to inaugurate the new Departures Terminals as the latest step in the infrastructure improvements to handle the increased influx of passengers through the airport,” he said.
With its thriving economy fuelled by multi-billion dollar projects and the 2022 FIFA World Cup, the State of Qatar is receiving a growing number of business travellers (click here to read our special report on Qatar in the May-June issue).
For more information, visit dohaairport.com.
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