DIA opens dedicated departures terminal for foreign airlines

All passengers travelling on flights with over 30 international airlines will now depart from Terminal B, while all Qatar Airways flight departures will continue to operate from the existing Departures Terminal – now renamed Terminal A.

The new-look Terminal B - adjacent to Terminal A - is the result of a six-month transformation of the old arrivals building, which closed down in December last year and moved to a new location on the edge of the airport.

The move to separate flight departures follows the continued rapid growth of the State of Qatar’s national carrier, Qatar Airways, which has meant infrastructure changes at the airport to cope with the expansion.

Also officially launched today is a revamped website for Doha International Airport www.dohaairport.com  providing information about the airport, airline operators, departures, arrivals, baggage tracing, hotels, booking Al Maha Meet and Greet and Service, visa regulations and much more. It also features a mobile SMS feature that can provide instant updates about flight departure and arrival timings. 

Present at the official launch of Terminal B today, Qatar Airways group ceo Akbar Al Baker reinforced the importance of expanding capacity at Doha’s International Airport’s facilities, at a time when passenger traffic is growing exponentially.

Above: Chief executive officer of Doha International Airport, Akbar Al Baker addresses the media during a press conference following the opening of the airport’s new Terminal B.

He said: “After the opening of the new stand-alone Doha Arrivals Terminal last December, we are now pleased to inaugurate the new Departures Terminal B as the latest step in the infrastructure improvements to handle the increased influx of passengers through the airport.”

“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 Airport, which promises to be one of the most advanced airports in the world when it opens next year.”

Highlights of the new terminal 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, and food and beverage outlets.  There will also be an enlarged 600sqm immigration hall featuring 10 counters and three e-gates.

Both Terminals A and B share the same Duty Free shopping, lounge facilities and parking at DIA. Passengers walk through into the common airside environment of Terminal A and have access to the same present-day retail shopping, airport lounges, prayer rooms, food court and other facilities.

Terminal A will see a more spacious check-in area, additional boarding gates over the next few months and a significant revamp of the Oryx Lounge.