Oryx Appeal

Akanksha Maker explores Hamad International Airport.

- Akanksha Maker

Picture 138 check-in counters spread across five islands, more than 50 passport control counters, direct access between 41 boarding gates and of course, its snazzy passenger train that can carry 190 persons per trip. Opened only two years ago, sprawling across an area that spans one third the size of Doha, Hamad International Airport welcomes you with a 90-metre high Air Traffic Control tower alongside a magnificent Passenger Terminal Complex that emulates waves of the Arabian Gulf. And if you’re still not charmed, a vibrant aquatic-themed public mosque with a glass dome could do the trick.

Arriving at Hamad International Airport at 5am after a rather smooth Qatar Airways’ flight from Mumbai, I was welcomed to a futuristic looking arrival hall. Overlooking the departure hall below us, the sheer size of the airport was overwhelming. We watched the dual passenger train (doors on both sides of the carriage open to let passengers exit and enter at the same time) shuttle between the South and North Station near Concourses D and E, making the airport almost seem like a mini-township with shops and eateries around.

QATARI CHARM

I only had the chance to experience the airport and take it all in while departing Doha. Qatar Airways’ sleek oryx logo welcomed us to the dedicated check-in area for business and first class passengers of the airline. The staff was simply superb in facilitating a smooth check-in and we rested for some time at the waiting area in front of the check-in counters, with some Arabic dates and refreshments. The washrooms, as spick and span as those in 5-star hotels, are worth a mention too because of their immaculate condition. Passing through separate passport control and security for business and first class customers of Qatar Airways, we arrived at the enormous departure hall of this 22 sq km airport.