The World Cup celebrations may have ended in Doha, but not at Qatar’s two airports, where the Passenger Overflow Areas are still open until December 31.
This allows departing travellers to partake in a variety of football-themed activities, completing their football journey before they leave Qatar.
Qatar’s two airports activated the said project early November at Hamad International Airport (HIA) and Doha International Airport (DIA).
MATAR Chief Operations Officer, Eng. Badr Al Meer earlier said that the area is considered a fan zone and are accessible for passengers arriving four and up to eight hours prior to their flight. “The Passenger Overflow Area will allow fans to experience the exciting FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 excitement until the very end of their journey in Qatar.”
Aside from roaming parades, picturesque La’eeb statue, it features food and beverages booths, 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.
Several tourists have lauded the Passenger Overflow Areas saying that it’s a unique idea where football fans get entertained even before they leave the country.
Aksh Rodriguez from Portugal said: “It’s fun and there are a lot of activities to keep us busy before our flight. I’m travelling with my two kids and this area is superb! We have also watched a match before departing on a big screen where sits are provided; it’s very comfortable and amusing.” Rodriguez stayed in Qatar for a week before travelling back to his country.
Bensar Añonuevo from Philippines who left the country on December 10 and got to watch the Portugal vs Morocco match at HIA Passenger Overflow Area said spending the few hours before his flight there is astounding.
“I and my family enjoyed especially my five-year-old daughter where she was running everywhere, playing all the games. The project is also commendable because beyond the pitch, travellers are able to experience the football fever, and is perfect to spend our waiting time period.”
The special pre-departure experience provides enjoyment activities to all passengers departing Qatar and is free of charge.
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 Metro – Al Mater Al Qadeem 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.
HIA has noted that the Passengers Overflow Area does not have check-in service desks and passengers can only check-in at HIA’s or DIA’s main terminals check-in hall, or through online check-in on their respective airline’s website.
