Passengers who will be departing through Hamad International Airport (HIA) or Doha International Airport (DIA) will be able to enjoy the Passenger Overflow Area where numerous football-themed and entertainment activities are arranged.
Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive H E Akbar Al Baker, in a press conference, said the launching is to “provide another great space for people to enjoy during their time here just before they leave.” “It’s always important to create the first and last impression that is to remember, setting new standards for global travel at major sporting events, Passenger Overflow Area have been built to provide fans with a unique facility to complete their World Cup journey.”
Al Baker highlighted that such a project is the world’s first. “This special pre-departure experience will provide enjoyment activities to all passengers departing Qatar.”
The free is available for all passengers, regardless of which airline they are flying and the service will run until December 31 at both airports. “Our goal is to inspire people to come together from every corner of the globe for once in a lifetime experience,” said Al Baker.
“Get ready because Qatar is ready,” he concluded.
The Passenger Overflow Area at DIA will welcome over 12,000 departing passengers per day, while HIA can accommodate 24,000 passengers per day. It will operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week. It features various food and beverage options, retail stores, quiet zone, gaming zone, football pitches for children, luggage storage, a lost and found desk, flight information screen, and a free Wi-Fi area.
HIA COO, Engr. Badr Mohammed Al Meer said the Passenger Overflow Area “will offer our visitors a remarkable chance to experience the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 at dedicated premises. The overflow area is part of MATAR’s initial airport operations plan set to improve overall flow at both airports and accommodate thousands of visitors at any given time throughout the tournament.”
He also revealed that they are expecting 44,000 arriving passengers daily and upwards of around 900 aircraft movements per day for both airports. Departing passengers can access the Passenger Overflow Area at HIA by taking a shuttle bus from the airport’s metro station, while at DIA, it can be accessed either by Taxi or use of public transportation to the Al Mater Al Qadeem Metro Station. The area is only accessible for passengers who are coming to the airport over four to eight hours prior to their scheduled departure flight time.
Engr. Al Meer also clarified that the Passenger Overflow Area does not have a check-in service desk. He advised passengers to check in at HIA’s or DIA’s main terminals check-in halls, and through online check-in on their respective airline’s website.
To coincide with the opening of the Passenger Overflow Area at both airport, a Qatar Airways FIFA World Cup anthem recorded by internationally acclaimed singer Cheb Khaled and superstar DJ Rodge entitled “C.H.A.M.P.I.O.N.S.” has been released on the airline’s official YouTube channel and will be played onboard flights arriving in Qatar. The uplifting lyrics are sung in English, French and Arabic and its catchy melody reflects the passion of all fans uniting across the globe in this shared experience.
