Our Review of Doha Airport (DOH)

Table of contents: Our Review of Doha Airport (DOH) Pros and Cons of Doha Airport (DOH) Mini-Guide of the Airport (2' Guide) How we calculate On Time Performance Some Stats

Our Review of Doha Airport (DOH)

At Plan Your Trips, we have analyzed hundreds of airports around the world, gaining a clear understanding of what users expect when visiting an airport. With this know-how, we have created this guide, placing passengers at the forefront of everything, aiming to simplify and enhance the airport experience.

In this Guide, our goal is to present information in a manner that is both quick and reliable. Recognizing that passengers often have limited time and may be in a hurry, we strive to ensure that they do not waste time unnecessarily.

Another key focus of our guide is to highlight the strengths of the airport and also the weaknesses, and in some cases, offer recommendations to travelers. In alignment with this approach, we provide users with aggregated information on delays and on-time performance, analyzing both airlines and individual flights.

Other Reviews

Reviews for Hamad International Airport (DOH) on Google and Skytrax highlight both positive and negative aspects of the passenger experience. On the positive side, many travelers praise the airport’s cleanliness, modern facilities, and exceptional Wi-Fi connectivity. For example, one reviewer on Skytrax described their 8-hour transit as an "unforgettable experience," citing the perfect atmosphere, well-maintained toilets, and helpful staff. Another passenger appreciated the assistance from customer service agents, particularly in navigating luggage pickup and connecting to Wi-Fi. The airport’s shopping experience also stands out, with Hamad International winning the award for "World’s Best Airport Shopping" in 2024.

However, there are criticisms regarding operational inefficiencies. Some passengers reported long immigration queues and issues with eGate functionality, which led to frustration during arrivals. Others noted challenges such as crowded buses to terminals and loud announcements in quiet areas, detracting from the overall experience. Additionally, limited transportation options, such as the absence of Uber or a 24-hour metro service, were flagged as inconveniences for passengers.

Despite these shortcomings, Hamad International Airport was named "World’s Best Airport" in 2024 by Skytrax for the third time. This recognition reflects its commitment to innovation and passenger satisfaction. Based on these reviews and accolades, a fair rating for Hamad International Airport would be 4.5 out of 5, justified by its world-class facilities and services while acknowledging areas for improvement in operational efficiency and transportation options.

Pros and Cons of Doha Airport (DOH)

Pros

Luxury and Comfort: The airport offers luxurious facilities, including a hotel, spa, gym, and internal transportation via golf carts, making it a destination in itself.
Art and Culture: It features an impressive collection of public art and a traditional souk, Souq Al Matar, where travelers can immerse themselves in Qatari culture without leaving the airport.
Wellness Services: The Vitality Wellbeing & Fitness Centre offers a pool, jacuzzi, and massages, providing a relaxation haven for passengers.
Global Connectivity: Strategically located, it is within a six-hour flight from 80% of the world’s population, making it a major hub for international travel.
Advanced Technology: It provides free Wi-Fi and zones equipped with computers and mobile charging stations, enhancing the traveler’s experience.

Cons

Connection Delays: Some passengers have reported delays in flight connections, which can be frustrating, especially during long layovers.
Immigration Queues: Long immigration lines have been noted, slowing down the arrival process.
Transportation Limitations: Although it offers several transportation options, the absence of services like Uber can be inconvenient for some travelers.
High Costs: Some services, such as access to wellness facilities, may incur additional costs, which are not accessible to all passengers.
Congestion in Public Areas: During peak times, public areas can become very crowded, affecting the overall traveler experience.

Mini-Guide of the Airport (2' Guide)

Located in Doha, Qatar, Hamad International Airport is one of the world’s most modern and luxurious airports. It serves as the main hub for Qatar Airways and connects travelers to over 250 destinations worldwide.

Key Features

Luxurious Facilities: Enjoy a hotel, spa, gym, and internal transportation via golf carts.
Art and Culture: Explore an impressive collection of public art and visit the traditional Souq Al Matar.
Wellness Services: Relax at the Vitality Wellbeing & Fitness Centre with a pool, jacuzzi, and massages.
Global Connectivity: Strategically located for easy access to most of the world’s population.

Practical Information

Address: P.O. Box 24659, Doha, Qatar
Phone: +974 4010 6666
Email: contact-us@hamadairport.com.qa
Website: www.dohahamadairport.com

Tips for Travelers

Transportation: Use taxis, private transfers, or the metro to reach Doha city center.
Shopping and Dining: Enjoy duty-free shopping and international cuisine options.
Wi-Fi: Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the airport.

Awards and Recognition

World’s Best Airport: Awarded by Skytrax in 2024 for the third time.

Conclusion

Hamad International Airport offers a unique blend of luxury, culture, and efficiency, making it a standout in global aviation. Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or just passing through, DOH ensures a memorable experience.

How we calculate On Time Performance

On various pages of our website, you will encounter a metric widely utilized in aviation and other forms of transportation known as OTP (On Time Performance). We believe that providing this metric assists passengers in planning their trips and exploring alternatives before purchasing their flight tickets.

We calculate the On Time Performance for all flights and airlines, when we have enough data to do so. In certain instances, it may not be feasible to accurately compute the On-Time Performance for a specific flight or airline due to inadequate or non-representative data, which could result in misleading conclusions.

Our calculation of On Time Performance and delay information solely relies on arrival times. This approach is chosen over calculating departure delays, as we consider arrival punctuality to be of primary concern to passengers.

The On Time Performance displayed on our website is calculated as follows:

On Time: Flights that arrive within 15 minutes of their scheduled arrival time, or earlier. In the absence of data for a specific flight, we assume the flight arrives on time, to avoid penalizing airlines for data unavailability.
Moderate Delay: Flights that arrive with a delay of 15 to 30 minutes.
Significant Delay: Flights that arrive with a delay of 30 to 60 minutes.
Major Delay: Flights that arrive with a delay exceeding 60 minutes.
Average Delay: The average delay is calculated by considering flights that arrive early as having a delay of 0 minutes. Early arrivals do not contribute to reducing the average delay calculation