An airport has been hailed as one of the world’s best thanks to its range of attractions and luxurious hospitality.Doha’s Hamad International Airport in Qatar is a huge 600,000 sq metre travel hub, equivalent to about 75 football pitches.
It is so big in fact, that it covers a third of the city of Doha. According to reports, it cost an estimated £12billion to build before a £6billion expansion – totalling £18billion.
Not only that, but the airport also has numerous features to keep passengers entertained while they wait for their flights.
Visitors can go shopping in stores such as Burberry, Gucci, Rolex, and Swarovski. In waiting areas, passengers can kick back and relax in comfortable leather seating.
Door-to-door service is also available so members of staff can help direct passengers to their gates.
Another interesting feature is the airport’s lack of loud-speakers, enduring that the atmosphere remains quiet and peaceful in waiting areas.
The most exciting parts of the airport, however, include a 25-metre swimming pool, a gym, two squash courts, hydrotherapy and spa treatments, and more.
The first-class Al Mourjan lounge also has a restaurant and bar. In 2022, a 10,000 square metres indoor tropical garden was completed.
For art enthusiasts, you will find a variety of pieces displayed throughout the airport – including a huge yellow bear with a lampshade on its head.
Hamad International Airport was named the best airport in the world in the Skytrax World Airport Awards this year.
It has traded blows with Singapore’s Changi Airport for the top spot in recent years. After winning the award, Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive Officer Badr Al Meer said: “This year HIA celebrates its milestone 10th year of operations and we are truly honoured that passengers have voted us Best Airport in the World for a third time.”
Skytrax’s top 10 went as follows:
1. Hamad International Airport, Qatar
2. Singapore Changi, Singapore
3. Seoul Incheon, South Korea
4. Tokyo Haneda, Japan
5. Tokyo Narita, Japan
6. Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport, France
7. Dubai International Airport, UAE
8. Munich Airport, Germany
9. Zurich Airport, Switzerland
10. Istanbul Airport, Turkey