Spa, Jacuzzi, Duty Free And Fine Dining Restaurants Among Key Features US$90 Million Facility Built In Just Nine Months Investment Part Of US$200 Million International Airport Upgrade

Qatar Airways has opened the world’s only dedicated First and Business Class terminal at Doha International Airport.

Built in just nine months at a cost of US$90million, the 10,000sqm Premium Terminal features facilities ranging from exclusive check-in, duty-free shopping, conference rooms, nursery and play area to spa treatment rooms, sauna, jacuzzi and fine dining restaurants. Water features are evident throughout the Premium Terminal offering tranquil and serene surroundings.

The innovative facilities are designed to provide Qatar Airways’ most loyal customers with the best levels of comfort and hospitality prior to catching their flight. The development is part of a US$200million expansion at Doha International Airport.

The Premium Terminal – open round-the-clock, 24 hours a day, seven days a week – is being seen as a benchmark in the region and, indeed, rest of the world, for Qatar Airways passengers beginning their international journeys in style. First and Business Class passengers flying Qatar Airways from Doha or transiting through the Qatari capital are able to take advantage of the new facilities.

From the moment they step into the Premium Terminal, where they will be met by a concierge, passengers are able to enjoy a hassle-free and memorable experience. They can relax, unwind and shop before catching their flight to any one of the award-winning airline’s 70 destinations worldwide.

More than 150 specially-trained staff from the hospitality industry around the world have been recruited to work in the new facility. UK-based spa specialist Elemis is providing all the treatments, which include manicures, facials and massages.

Highlights of the new Premium Terminal are: -

? Atrium and water features
? Dedicated First and Business Class check-in desks
? Concierge meet and greet service for passengers prior to check-in
? Self-service check-in kiosks for passengers with hand baggage
? Dedicated e-gates to speed up immigration formalities
? Dedicated First and Business Class lounges
? Fine dining with wide choice of hot and cold Arabic and international cuisine
? Duty-free shopping area of 500sqm selling many leading international brands
? Spa, jacuzzi and sauna for passengers to relax and unwind before their flight
? Massage treatment rooms
? Shower and wash rooms
? Children’s play area and nursery
? Conference and meeting rooms
? Business centre with secretarial services
? Free Internet access stations
? Simulator games and Sony PlayStation games
? Prayer rooms for men and women
? 24-hour medical centre
? Five boarding gates


Qatar Airways, which manages and operates Doha International Airport, is also responsible for the new Premium Terminal. Located before the main departures building, the Premium Terminal is accessible via a new road with ample parking space.

An additional 21,000sqm of space has been added to the existing airport terminal. The number of boarding gates has increased from 10 to 16; there are two additional immigration counters; new e-gates in arrival and departure to speed up processing of passengers; and a sharp increase in the number of aircraft parking bays to cope with the huge expansion of Qatar Airways’ fleet.

By early 2007, the number of parking bays at Doha International Airport will more than double from 19 to 40. Qatar Airways is the airport’s largest customer, operating at least 90 per cent of flights in and out of Doha.

Qatar Airways operates a modern fleet of 57 all-Airbus aircraft to 75 online destinations across Europe, Middle East, Africa, Indian subcontinent and the Far East. During 2007, Qatar Airways expands its network further with direct non-stop scheduled flights from Doha to New York, Bali, Ho Chi Minh City, Lagos, Dar Es Salaam, and two points in eastern Europe and northern Europe.