The new 2,000q m international Departures Terminal B is set to open at Doha International Airport (DIA) before the end of this month, which will be entirely dedicated to more than 30 foreign airlines operating services from Doha, while Qatar Airways will operate exclusively from the existing departures terminal.

The new terminal opening will take place just before the traditional summer holiday rush period and the existing check-in area of the Transfer and Departures terminal will be renamed Terminal A.

All passengers will still have easy access to the same present-day retail shopping, F&B and other facilities in the common airside environment of the existing Transfer and Departures building once clearing immigration in their respective terminals.

Qatar Airways says that the new terminal has been designed and built to ‘to greatly enhance the departure experience for travellers leaving Qatar’ and while it is a major upgrade, this is only a temporary measure to handle increased passenger traffic through Doha International Airport until the state-of-the-art New Doha International Airport (NDIA) opens next year.

[The Qatar Duty Free team is already working on creating over 25,000sq m of new retail space at the $14.5bn New Doha International Airport (NDIA). As reported, this will include exclusive branded boutiques. Management at NDIA is also seeking expressions of interest from construction companies to build and fit out the new retail concession space. For more information, click here: www.trend-news.com/default.asp?newsid=10086″]

MULTIPLE NEW FACILITIES
The new terminal will include an enlarged check-in area with 35 counters, including an online check-in lounge, a dedicated customer service desk for oversized luggage, a currency exchange bureau, ATM machines, a new high-tech baggage handling system, plus food and beverage outlets.

An enlarged 600sq m immigration hall with 10 counters and three e-gates is designed to prevent long queues and make passport clearance as hassle free as possible.

Qatar Airways says that new Terminal B will enable the airline to improve its service for its passengers with a more spacious check-in area at the current Departures facility.

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 Oryx Lounge, located airside on the upper level of DIA, caters to First and Business Class passengers of other airlines and it can also be accessed for a nominal fee of $40 per person when travelling in Economy Class on any carrier.

It offers a business centre, shower facilities and a wide selection of snacks and refreshments to help travellers relax and unwind during longer transits.

ENHANCING THE CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE
As part of the DIA infrastructure development project, there will also be new exterior roadway signage directing passengers to the two airport terminals.

Qatar Airways Group Ceo Akbar Al Baker said all these changes are aimed at enhancing the customer experience 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.

“Our aim is to provide travellers with an enhanced travel experience. The upgrade of Doha International Airport is part of a multi-million dollar investment in improved facilities ahead of the opening of the New Doha International, which promises to be one of the most advanced airports in the world,” added Al Baker.

INCREASING PASSENGER TRAFFIC
The State of Qatar is currently attracting a growing number of business and leisure travellers, with its thriving economy fuelled by several multi-billion dollar projects and the 2022 FIFA World Cup not so far on the horizon.

Qatar’s only international airport has received several upgrades since November 2006, including the opening of Qatar Airways’ exclusive Premium Terminal for First and Business Class, the expansion of the airport’s Eastern Apron, increased aircraft parking space, a dual carriageway perimeter road to the Main terminal, and the establishment of a new Satellite Transfer terminal. 

Doha International Airport is managed and operated by Qatar Airways, the national airline of the State of Qatar and currently handles more than 17m passengers a year. Qatar Duty Free is the second largest airport duty free operation in the Middle East, with an estimated sales turnover of between $150m to $200m.

QDF’s LATEST MILLIONAIRE WINNER
Meanwhile, in separate news, Qatar Duty Free yesterday announced the winner of its latest US$1m draw, creating its seventh instant millionaire since the raffle series began in 2006. 

The draw was conducted within the Qatar Duty Free retail shopping area at Doha International Airport, with 46-year-old Doha resident Joseph Sangese from the US emerging as the lucky winner.