Hamad International Airport (HIA) is expecting high departure and arrival passenger volumes during the upcoming Eid al-Adha holiday, from June 15 to July 10, and passengers have been advised to plan their trip accordingly to ensure a seamless travel experience.
The short-term parking at HIA will be available for all passengers, with the first 60 minutes free from June 15-30. After 60 minutes, the standard parking rates will apply.
The free 60-minute parking at the short-term car park will be reinstated from July 6-10, within the following specified time frames: 5am–8am; 5pm–7pm; and 10.30pm–2.30am. After 60 minutes, the standard parking rates will apply.
Motorists are advised to use the short-term car park for pick-up and drop-off and private vehicles accessing the curbside should not be left unattended. Arrival and departing travellers can also avail of the multiple public transport options available, such as taxis, buses and the metro.
The airport recommends passengers to arrive three hours prior to their flight departure time, unless specified otherwise by their respective airline.
From June 15 to 30, passengers flying with Qatar Airways to various destinations, except the US and Canada, have the option for an early check-in from 12 hours and up to four hours prior to the flight departure time, at Row 11 located in the Vertical Circulation Node (VCN).
Dedicated check-in at Row 6 is allocated for Qatar Airways passengers travelling for Haj. Passengers arriving from the Haj pilgrimage are requested to adhere to carrying no more than a single container of five litres of Zamzam water per passenger, unless specified otherwise by their respective airline.
At HIA, passengers can also utilise the self-service check-in and bag-drop facilities, which enables passengers to check in, print boarding passes and bag tags; tag their bags; and drop them at the bag drop swiftly before proceeding to immigration. Bag wrap facilities are also available at the airport.
Passengers over the age of 18 years can avail of e-gate services at the airport using their passport, HIA said and reminded travellers that check-in closes 60 minutes prior to departure time, while boarding gates close 20 minutes prior to the departure time.
During security checks, passengers are requested to ensure they are not carrying any prohibited items such as liquids, aerosols and gels, and to pack any liquid containers in a clear, re-sealable plastic bag with each being 100ml or less.
Electronic items larger than mobile phones need to be removed from bags and placed in trays for X-ray screening. Small vehicles powered by lithium batteries, such as hoverboards, are prohibited for carriage.
For a seamless journey, HIA has urged travellers to follow the signage available at the terminal or ask airport staff for assistance.