Doha International Airport (DIA) has geared up to meet the large increase in passenger traffic in the departure terminals from the weekend in view of the forthcoming school midterm holidays that begin on February 10.
The arrivals terminal at DIA is also expected to be extremely busy for holidaying families returning to Doha from February 1.
DIA has advised passengers to check-in online and arrive at least three hours before their scheduled departure time as increased queuing times throughout the terminals are expected.
Doha International Airport will deploy additional staff in the departure and arrival terminals and open more check-in counters at the departure lounges to reduce queues, ensuring that passengers continue to enjoy a pleasant experience at the airport.
To help reduce traffic congestion and delays for passengers in front of the departures and arrivals terminals, it is advisable for those seeing off passengers, as well as meet and greet individuals to park their vehicles in the short term parking.
Passengers are also encouraged to use the web check-in facility provided by Qatar Airways and most other airlines. The web check-in service enables passengers to check-in between 24 and 48 hours prior to their scheduled flight departure time depending on the airline. Check-in can be done at home, office or anywhere through their mobile devices. Passengers can print their boarding passes before arriving at DIA to reduce their check-in time upon arrival.
Doha Airport handles more than 21mn passengers in 2012
Doha International Airport (DIA) handled more than 21mn passengers in 2012 with passenger numbers growing by 17.4% last year compared with 2011.
DIA expects the passenger numbers to grow even further with operations getting switched in phases to Hamad International Airport from April 1.
“The outlook for 2013 is anticipated to be very positive for Doha International Airport,” the authorities said yesterday.
Doha International Airport has undergone a drastic change over the last three years, virtually doubling in size to cope with the huge demand for air travel to and from Qatar, which has been spearheaded by the huge infrastructure improvements taking place in the country.
Operations will switch to Hamad International Airport, formerly known under the project working name New Doha International Airport, within weeks.
It will be a world class aviation hub, set to initially open for some 11 airlines on April 1, before beginning full operations by the second half of this year.
The new airport will offer a convenient and efficient passenger gateway for the region, with an initial capacity for 24mn passengers annually.
