Feb 17, 2008 12:33 AM
1969 Views
How is Doha airport? It depends on where you're coming from.
If you're here from Dubai or Abu Dhabi, then it gets a B. It's allright. Nothing to write home about. They expanding. The place is abuzz with economic boom and there is a new terminal being built. This one is a vestige of the old stuff. It still does the job allright.
If you're here from Bangalore or Mumbai, then this is heaven. I won't get into what ails Bangalore and Mumbai except saying they suck!
If you're here from any of the European or most American airports, then this is pretty darn good.
Doha is experiencing mega growth. Cranes all around. Construction. New stuff, new business. An American base. Every darn American university. All for a few lakh people. Oh well - Allah Meharbaan to Gadha Pahelwan. That having said, these people are trying to build something long term. And the airport, while still playing catch up, is in fine shape.
Qatar air has aggressively launched new routes in recent years. So the traffic at the airport has grown a lot. High ceilings and plenty space all around, it doesn't get too crowded. The thing I didn't like was security lines for transit passengers upon disembarking. It's one of those bad American things that everyone is trying to imitate. People just got off a plane. Why do you need to pat them down again?
Food choices at the airport were not to my liking. Very European style. If you like Starbucks type FOOD you will like it here. Thank God most airport is smoke free - with areas for Cancer Stick holders. Bathrooms are aplenty and reasonably well-maintained. Airport staff seemed friendly enough.
