Qatar’s Hamad International Airport has become the first airport in the Middle East and North Africa to be awarded 5 star status.
Qatar’s national travel hub, the Hamad International Airport has been awarded 5 star status by Skytrax.
This puts the airport on the map as one of the world’s most elite travel hubs since on six airports around the world share the same status. Formerly, the 5 star airports were Hong Kong International, Munich, Seoul Incheon, Singapore Changi and Tokyo Haneda, and now Hamad International.
Speaking to media on the occasion, Qatar Airways CEO Akbar Al Baker said that the honor was due to its modern design that took into account the passengers needs and wishes.
Hamad International’s regional competitors scored slightly lower according Skytrax. Abu Dhabi International enjoys a 4 star status, while Dubai International only has 3 stars.
Skytrax is a London-based company that rates airports and airlines across the globe. They use surveys taken from travelers to rate cabin staff, airports, airlines, airline lounges, in-flight entertainment, on-board catering, and several other elements of air travel.
One of the airports newest services that provide ease and facilitates travelers voyage is the E-gate that opened up to all expats days ago.
With the E-gate,expats can skip immigration queues and check in digitally, avoiding the need to stand in line and meet with an immigration officer.
The Qatari Ministry of Interior recently announced that the E-gate service will be free for any expat traveler who is over the age of 18, without the need of prior registration for the service.
