HIA gears up to handle peak travel season rush

Qatar’s gateway to the world, Hamad International Airport (HIA) has geared up for a surge in passengers in the coming days as many of the country’s residents prepare to travel during the summer vacation.

Sources said the airport will see heavy rush of passengers for the next three to four days as most schools and other educational institutions in the country begin their summer break on Thursday.Until July 9, Qatar Airways passengers will be able to check in baggage four to 12 prior to departure, subject to certain terms, the airline has said. Such passengers can utilise ‘Row 11’ at Hamad International Airport to avail of this service, the airline said.This will help passengers avoid rush during the period, the national airline said.Sources said Row 11 is easily identifiable to passengers who are using the car park facility near the HIA departure terminal. Besides the Indian sub-continent, some of the preferred destinations for Qatar residents are Turkey, UK, France and Malaysia and Singapore, industry sources said. Hamad International Airport has already made elaborate arrangements to handle passenger rush during the peak travel season.Various airlines have advised passengers to check-in online, arrive three hours prior to their flight and use the E-gates (wherever applicable) to avoid queues. Check-in will close 60 minutes prior to flight departure and passengers should properly identify their gates, if they are planning to do a tour of the HIA facilities, dine at one of the restaurants or do shopping at the Qatar Duty Free.QDF is offering a 10% discount (subject to terms and conditions) to passengers who make early check-in.Passengers also have the option of parking their vehicles at the airport’s short or long-term car park facility, depending on their needs.According to information posted on the HIA website, short-term car parks are located on either side of the passenger terminal. It offers covered and secured parking for up to 15 days with easy access to the terminal building via dedicated walkways.Long-term car park facility is located on the southern end of the passenger terminal. It offers covered and secured parking for up to 60 days with "complimentary shuttle service" to the terminal every 15- 20 minutes. The east short-term car park is more convenient for passengers flying with Qatar Airways, while the west short-term car park is better suited for passengers travelling with all other airlines. Cash payment can be made at payment machines located on each car park level. Card payments can be made at payment desks located on level one in east and west car park areas, according to the HIA website.