Hamad Doha Airport

I can say that from all the airports in the Middle East that I have been to, Doha Hamad International Airport is the best one. I went to the Qatar Airways Al Mourjan Business Lounge and it was the best one I have been to. The staff were also very nice and friendly. Immigration and security checks there are very fast, so no need to worry if you have a short transit there.

Doha is one of the best airports in the region for a transit going to or from Asia. Very modern and clean. Great WiFi that works and works well. Superb options for typical duty free shopping as well as more high end luxury retailers. Big bonus for me were the smoking lounges. Now depending whether you have to go through security once you land will mean how much time you have to transit and the stress that comes with it. I transit through the airport about 3 times a year and on my trip in July for the first time we were allowed straight to the departures area without having to be screened by security. This is really a welcomed bonus since you probably save 40 min to an hour during peak times. Excellent signs and staff are very helpful to direct you and sometimes even take you to where you were asking them for directions. Beats Dubai and Abu Dhabi airports by a long mile.

The airport is very beautiful, clean, with lots of shops and restaurants. There are quiet areas of rest for all passengers with comfortable chairs and airport signs are clear. I find the duty free a little overpriced compared to other airports. While transiting in Doha upon entering the terminal one must go through a body and luggage screen which is carried out quickly and efficiently. Connectivity isn't always fast but acceptable. Overall a nice and modern airport.

Despite ample provision of unused airbridges, Doha - in common with other airports in the region - continues to insist on using buses as a matter of routine to transfer passengers to / from the terminal and aircraft. Whether this decision rests with the airport or airline is not known but does leave a nasty taste, and offers a level of service no better than that offered at the old airport where, at least, there were no long walks. Other than the hateful buses, transit was hassle free. Interestingly, and quite randomly by the looks of things, no requirement to pass through security - the bus from the aircraft discharged directly into the departure lounge. Long walk, however, from the far end of terminal D to the far end of terminal A - 20 minutes at least. Insufficient time to check out the shopping and refreshments. No queue for the toilet albeit this was located at the aforementioned far end of terminal D.

Doha airport is really only set up as a one airline facility (Qatar Airways). Check-in facilities for the few other airlines that persist with trying to fly into Doha are crammed into a small area about one third of the entire departures floor and the overcrowding and cramped check-in even for first class is awful. The desks essentially do not function during peak times for other airlines - while check-in desks for Qatar Airways next door are empty / unused. Signage at the airport is also poor - if you are not looking at the right place at the right time, you very easily get lost (and this is even as a regular user). Terminal "information" people try to help but generally speak very little English and even when they do generally have no training and no idea about where anything is. This is a pity because otherwise the airport is new, clean and attractive - quite aesthetically pleasing. It is just not user friendly.

One of the worst transit experience ever at Hamad Doha. Had 75 minutes for transfer from a flight arriving from Berlin to another flight to Dubai. It was peak time, but nevertheless there was only two transfer counters open and one Fast Lane. The queue was unbelieveable long and while knowing about my short transit time I asked the staff if I could use Fast Lane. I was not allowed to and had queue up. It took me around 1 hour to get in the security queue and likely another 30 mins to pass security. I asked security and I was allowed to pass using the fast lane and finally made my connection. It's unbelievble that they open only 2 counters at peak time. On my return flight the experience was very good. Nice clean airport with many shopping and dining facilities.

Ultra modern airport, one of the best in the world, if not the best. All facilities for a transit passenger, shopping, eating are very comfortable even in the public areas, it is never congested, so this airport surpasses the neighbouring Dubai. The transit time (I was flying HKG-CDG on Qatar) is not a waste of time but something to enjoy, especially if you can use the Qatar Business Lounge.

Very clean airport over all but many flaws in management and in design. It's very difficult to find a power outlet if you want to charge any portable device, even in the food court or the quiet rooms you can not find one. In some areas outlets are available but in limited quantity (lets say one per 40 passengers). The other thing which irritates me is the attitude of the janitors who do everything to receive a tip from passengers. Another funny things about this airport is the Monorail train, it exists but apparently not permitted for everyone. Not a bad airport in general.

Love this airport and everything to do with Qatar Airways. Facilities are great. However during the holy month of Ramadan the business lounge which we pay a premium for through our first class and business tickets is dry. May not be important to some. However airside in transit the choice should be mine not theirs. Next time alternative airline bookings for this time of year will be made. First semi negative report in 7 years.

There are no toilets available at peak times, there are a few at off peak times. Really unacceptable. The business class lounge advertises "showers" but at least a 90 minute wait, I only had just over an hour. This is a brand new airport. Also, very long distances between gates.