Bringing Back the Magic of Travel: Hamad International Airport Sets the Standard
By Karen Temple
When I was young, travelling was thrilling. It wasn’t just the anticipation of the destination that excited me; the journey itself was an adventure. Times have changed, though, since I received my BOAC Junior Jet Club pin from a friendly stewardess—as they were then called—who invited my sister and me to the cockpit to meet the captain. The decline has been gradual but undeniable.
It started with overbooked flights that left paying customers stranded at the gate. Then came the elimination of in-flight meals, the shrinking of legroom, and the disappearance of blankets and pillows. But even before stepping onto the plane, the travel experience begins at the airport, which has also seen a decline in hospitality.
Departing from Montreal-Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport recently, I found myself in line to access the National Bank Lounge—a space that promises an elevated experience for those willing to pay for the privilege. The attendant at the entrance greeted us with a curt, almost dismissive, announcement that the lounge was “very busy” and there was “simply no room.” Her rushed tone and frantic demeanour made me question whether this was some sort of exclusive access I wasn’t aware of, but as there was a steady stream of people leaving, I decided to remain in line.
Once I was finally “allowed” upstairs, the experience was far from luxurious—or even welcoming. I was promptly informed that my stay would be limited to just four hours. The lounge was packed, and it didn’t feel like a special place. The remaining staff were friendly enough, but it seemed they were simply trying to manage the chaos. What was supposed to be a premium experience felt more like an afterthought—a far cry from the comfort and elevated service one might expect when paying extra for access.
The contrast when I arrived at my layover at Doha’s Hamad International Airport couldn’t have been more striking. Qatar has truly mastered the art of air travel, offering a hospitality-driven experience that is not only welcoming but also economically beneficial.
Hamad International Airport, celebrating its tenth anniversary, is a marvel of modern design. Its spacious, light-filled main concourse, with soaring ceilings and polished aesthetics, serves as a global gateway. My overnight flight landed at 5:00 p.m. local time, and the airport was relatively quiet. It was so pristine and inviting that I felt compelled to explore.
Having heard about The Orchard, an indoor tropical garden, I walked—though a tram was also available—to the other end of the concourse. The first thing that greeted me was the sound of a two-story waterfall, accompanied by birdsong. Though I never saw any birds, the ambient sound was uplifting, almost melting away my jetlag. Climbing the stairs, I admired the lush surroundings: 300 trees and 25,000 plants within a 6,000-square-foot atrium. Even airport staff on break were taking in the tranquil scenery.
Back at ground level, The Orchard is a beautifully landscaped garden with various seating areas for travellers to unwind. The three tent-like structures provided space for weary passengers to catch some rest, while the #HIAturns10 sign proved a popular selfie spot. Surrounding this tropical oasis were some of the 30 restaurants and cafés, each offering a variety of cuisines.
As I made my way back toward the main terminal, I passed multiple public art installations, including the striking 10-metre-tall Small Lie sculpture by American artist KAWS. Nearby, sleep ‘n fly accommodations offered paid sleep, lounge, and business pods available for pre-booking. The airport also featured smoking rooms, prayer rooms, TV nooks, quiet areas, and children’s play structures—an array of amenities that cater to every type of traveller.
Near the A Gates stands the impressive Lamp Bear sculpture by Urs Fischer, flanked by luxury boutiques, a Harrods Tea Room, and even a gold souk. I spotted an elevator leading to the Oryx Airport Hotel, which boasts a spa, fitness centre, 25-meter swimming pool, squash courts, and a golf simulator. While these amenities are complimentary for hotel guests, any traveller can purchase a day pass ($50 USD) to enjoy them. Fortunately, I had packed a swimsuit in my carry-on, allowing me to take full advantage of the facilities.
After my revitalizing visit to the Oryx, I descended the escalator to find the airport had come alive. European flights had begun arriving, filling every corner with travellers eating, shopping, and resting. Despite the influx of people, the airport never felt overcrowded—perhaps a testament to its ability to accommodate up to 75 million passengers annually. To put that in perspective, Canada’s entire airport system handled 150.7 million passengers in 2023.
I made my way to the Oryx Lounge, one of two business-class lounges, where my experience sharply contrasted with Montreal’s. The attendant scanned my boarding pass and welcomed me inside. A grand check-in counter staffed with multiple attendants outlined the lounge’s many amenities, including shower rooms, sleeping pods, two restaurants, and workspaces. A staff member even escorted me to the lockers to store my carry-on and winter coat.
Despite accommodating up to 200 guests, the lounge felt like an oasis. One of its most delightful features is a serene water installation designed to mimic a low-ceilinged cave, where water appears to drip gently into a reflecting pool. Upon closer inspection, the effect is achieved through tiny bursts of water shooting up from the pool.
Ascending a sweeping staircase, illuminated by a stunning central chandelier, I reached the second-floor restaurant. The spacious dining area featured a salad buffet and a chef serving hot meals. A QR code at each table provided an additional menu of made-to-order options. Downstairs, a more casual restaurant at the opposite end of the lounge also offered a buffet and QR code menu for sandwiches and light meals. I opted for a Moroccan-spiced pumpkin soup and a smoked salmon sandwich—both delicious.
Before I knew it, it was time to head to my gate. My layover at Hamad International Airport rekindled my childhood excitement for air travel. The welcoming staff, first-class services, and thoughtful amenities left such a lasting impression that I now look forward to including a stopover in Doha in any future travel plans.
