As you embark on your journey, Hamad International Airport stands ready to provide a seamless and inclusive travel experience. Whether you're a premium passenger or require special assistance, the airport's commitment to accessibility and comfort ensures that every traveler feels valued and supported. From barrier-free facilities to dedicated lounges and personalized assistance, Hamad International Airport is designed to make your travel experience stress-free and enjoyable.

Special Assistance Services

Barrier-Free Accessibility

The airport is designed to be entirely barrier-free, ensuring ease of movement for passengers with reduced mobility. Features include elevators, escalators, ramps, walkways, and passenger trains connecting various parts of the terminal. Boarding gates for A380 aircraft are equipped with elevators to facilitate access to the upper deck.

Reserved Parking Spaces

Dedicated parking spaces are available in both short-term and long-term parking areas for passengers with reduced mobility. These spaces are conveniently located near terminal entrances, making it easier for travelers to access the airport facilities.

Adapted Check-In Counters

Every check-in row includes an adapted service desk specifically designed for passengers with reduced mobility. For Qatar Airways passengers, seated check-in desks are provided, ensuring comfort during the check-in process. The location of these counters can be identified using the airport planner or by asking at an information desk.

Dedicated Lounge Facilities

Travelers requiring special assistance can unwind in a dedicated lounge equipped with comfortable seating, televisions, and trained attendants. Adapted washrooms are located nearby for convenience, ensuring a relaxing environment while waiting for flights or transfers.

Wheelchairs and Mobility Assistance

Complimentary wheelchairs are available throughout the terminal. Passengers needing assistance with wheelchair movement should notify their airline in advance to arrange for a personal helper. This service ensures smooth navigation through check-in, security checks, passport control, baggage claim, and customs.

Accessible Washrooms

Washrooms adapted for passengers with reduced mobility are strategically placed across the terminal. Travelers can locate them using signs, airport maps, or by asking at information desks.

Additional Recommendations

• Priority Boarding: Passengers requiring special assistance are boarded first and off-boarded last to ensure a stress-free experience.

• Advance Notification: Notify your airline well in advance if you require personal assistance or medical equipment such as oxygen or stretchers during your journey.

• Documentation: Ensure all necessary travel documents are prepared ahead of time to avoid delays.

• Personal Helper Arrangement: Airlines can arrange personal helpers to accompany you throughout your journey, assisting with all airport procedures.

Additional Useful Information

1. Airport Navigation

   • Use the airport's interactive map or mobile app to navigate the terminal and locate facilities such as check-in counters, lounges, and accessible washrooms.

2. Special Dietary Needs

   • Inform your airline about any special dietary requirements in advance to ensure availability of suitable meal options on your flight.

3. Medical Equipment

   • If you require medical equipment during your journey, ensure it is compatible with airline policies and regulations.

   • Pack essential medical supplies in your carry-on luggage in case of unexpected delays.

4. Travel Insurance

   • Consider purchasing travel insurance that covers medical emergencies and trip cancellations to protect against unforeseen circumstances.

5. Airport Amenities

   • Take advantage of the airport's amenities such as duty-free shopping, dining options, and entertainment facilities while waiting for your flight.

Hamad International Airport is a beacon of excellence in providing a seamless and inclusive travel experience. With its comprehensive range of special assistance services, travelers can enjoy a stress-free journey from start to finish.

Whether you're a premium passenger or require extra support, the airport's commitment to accessibility and comfort ensures that every moment of your travel is enjoyable and memorable. As you embark on your next adventure, let Hamad International Airport be your gateway to a world of convenience and hospitality.

In a landmark move to simplify travel and enhance bilateral relations, Kuwaiti citizens can now apply for Indian e-visas entirely online beginning Monday, July 14, 2025. The announcement was made by Dr. Adarsh Swaika, India’s Ambassador to Kuwait, who described the launch as a “qualitative shift” in India-Kuwait engagement.

The new digital platform covers five visa categories: tourism, business, medical, conference, and AYUSH (alternative medicine including yoga and Ayurveda). Applicants no longer need to visit visa centers; all steps including application submission, document upload, and payment are completed online.

Key features of the e-visa system include:

Tourist visas valid for up to five years at a fee of $80
Other visa fees range from $40 to $80 depending on type and duration
Biometric data collection upon arrival at Indian airports
Typical processing time of three to four days, with minor technical issues possible during rollout

Ambassador Swaika emphasized that this initiative responds to a long-standing request from Kuwaiti citizens and reflects the deep historic and cultural ties between the two nations. The move also aligns with India’s broader efforts to modernize consular services and strengthen diplomatic and people-to-people connections in the Gulf region.

The e-visa allows for a variety of short-term activities such as tourism, business meetings, medical treatment (including under Indian traditional medicine systems), attending conferences, and participation in yoga or Ayurveda programs.

Applicants must hold a passport valid for at least six months and possess a return or onward ticket. The Indian Consulate in Kuwait will continue to accept paper visa applications for those who prefer traditional processing.

This digital visa rollout is expected to boost travel, trade, and cultural exchange between India and Kuwait, supporting the growing interest among Kuwaitis in Indian tourism, healthcare, and business opportunities.
For more information and to apply, Kuwaiti citizens can access the official Indian e-visa portal, which provides guidance in both English and Arabic.

This development marks a significant step forward in facilitating seamless cross-border travel and enhancing the longstanding friendship between India and Kuwait.

Riyadh Air is ramping up preparations to finally launch its long-awaited Boeing 787 flights, following an extended period on the sidelines. As the calendar moves past the midpoint of 2025, the new Saudi Arabian carrier remains optimistic that it will take to the skies before the year concludes.

If current plans hold, Riyadh Air aims to inaugurate service to two European cities by the end of 2025. This marks the start of a broader expansion strategy, with more global destinations expected to be added as additional 787s and other aircraft join the fleet.

The journey to launch has been anything but smooth for Riyadh Air. Securing an Air Operator Certificate (AOC) from the General Authority of Civil Aviation in April 2025 was a major milestone, following a rigorous six-month testing campaign. However, the celebration was short-lived: just days after receiving the AOC, the airline announced another postponement, pushing the anticipated first flight to the fourth quarter of 2025.

This latest delay scrapped earlier plans for a Q3 debut. In fact, Riyadh Air’s inaugural flight was originally expected much sooner, but a series of setbacks have kept the airline grounded.

A significant factor behind the repeated delays has been Boeing’s well-publicized delivery challenges. Riyadh Air, like many other airlines worldwide, has struggled to receive new aircraft on schedule. These industry-wide setbacks have forced airlines to reconsider fleet plans, delay retirements of older jets, and, in Riyadh Air’s case, postpone the launch of scheduled passenger operations.

Despite the hurdles, Riyadh Air remains committed to its vision of becoming a major player in international aviation. With regulatory approval secured and preparations underway, the airline is poised to make its long-anticipated debut—pending timely aircraft deliveries and the resolution of industry supply chain issues.
As the end of 2025 approaches, all eyes are on Riyadh Air to see if it can finally turn plans into reality and begin connecting Saudi Arabia to the world.

Qatar Airways has introduced Privilege Club Pro, a new subscription service within its loyalty programme that enables members to earn additional Avios and Qpoints each month. This marks the first time a loyalty programme using Avios has launched a subscription model allowing members to collect status points, setting a new standard for boosting rewards and advancing tier status.

Developed in partnership with Points, a Plusgrade company specializing in ancillary revenue solutions, Privilege Club Pro allows members to accelerate their Avios balances. Subscribers can enjoy a range of rewards, such as bidding on exclusive experiences through Privilege Club Collection, booking award seat flights, shopping at Qatar Duty Free, and accessing hundreds of partners worldwide.

Christophe Guittard, Senior Vice President Business-to-Consumer at Qatar Airways, commented, “As a lifestyle loyalty programme, Privilege Club continues to expand the way members engage with their everyday transactions by ensuring steady, predictable progress toward meaningful rewards. Our latest addition, Privilege Club Pro, is a flexible subscription offering that brings members closer to their goals.

 By boosting their monthly Avios and Qpoints balance, members can now plan ahead for their dream trip or elevate their journey with upgrades and exclusive moments at Qatar Duty Free home to one of the most expansive collections of luxury brands in any airport, alongside curated boutiques and world-class dining options. It reflects our continued commitment to rewarding loyalty in more personal, relevant, and exciting ways, and we look forward to welcoming members to this new chapter.”

Members can subscribe to Privilege Club Pro via qatarairways.com or the Qatar Airways app, choosing from monthly or yearly plans across four tiers:

• Access: 2,500 Avios per month; USD 50/month or USD 500/year
• Select: 7,500 Avios per month; USD 130/month or USD 1,300/year
• Exclusive: 15,000 Avios per month; USD 240/month or USD 2,400/year
• Ultimate: 20,000 Avios and five Qpoints per month; USD 350/month or USD 3,500/year

The Ultimate tier includes Qpoints, which help members maintain or upgrade their loyalty status. The required Qpoints for tier upgrades are as follows: Burgundy to Silver – 150 Qpoints, Silver to Gold – 300 Qpoints, and Gold to Platinum – 600 Qpoints.

Privilege Club members can spend Avios on curated sports, entertainment, lifestyle, and culture packages through Privilege Club Collection, including access to global events like the FIFA World Cup 2026, Formula 1, and UEFA Champions League. Travelers passing through Hamad International Airport recently named the ‘Best Airport in the Middle East’ by Skytrax in 2025 can also redeem Avios at Qatar Duty Free, which features over 200 outlets offering luxury shopping, unique dining, and convenient express shops.

ge Club Pro offers members a flexible and rewarding way to accelerate their travel benefits, providing more opportunities to enjoy exclusive experiences and elevate their loyalty status.

Air Arabia Abu Dhabi is set to launch a new direct flight service connecting Zayed International Airport and Sialkot International Airport in Pakistan, starting July 17, 2025. This exciting development will see the airline operate three weekly flights, enhancing connectivity between the UAE capital and one of Pakistan’s key industrial hubs.

The new route will operate on Mondays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, with flight 3L 311 departing Abu Dhabi at 1:35 a.m. and arriving in Sialkot at 6:00 a.m. The return flight, 3L 312, will leave Sialkot at 6:50 a.m., landing in Abu Dhabi at 9:20 a.m. This schedule is designed to cater to the growing demand from business travelers and the large expatriate community linking the two regions.

Sialkot, located in the northeast of Punjab province near the Kashmir hills and Chenab River, is renowned as a vital industrial and export center in Pakistan. The new service will expand Air Arabia Abu Dhabi’s footprint in Pakistan beyond its existing routes to Faisalabad and Multan, providing passengers with more options for direct and affordable travel.

Air Arabia Abu Dhabi operates a modern fleet of 12 Airbus A320 aircraft, known for their efficiency and passenger comfort. The airline offers value-added services such as free in-flight streaming through ‘SkyTime’ and affordable onboard catering with ‘SkyCafe.’ Additionally, travelers can benefit from the ‘Air Rewards’ loyalty program, allowing them to earn and redeem points.

Tickets for the new Abu Dhabi–Sialkot flights are now available for booking via Air Arabia’s website, call center, and authorized travel agencies, marking a significant boost in air connectivity between the UAE and Pakistan’s thriving industrial regions.

Air Arabia, one of the UAE’s leading low-cost carriers, is set to launch a new direct route from Sharjah International Airport to Munich, Germany, starting December 15, 2025. This exciting development offers travelers an affordable gateway to one of Europe’s most vibrant cities, with one-way fares starting at just Dhs794 and round-trip tickets from Dhs1,393.

The timing of the launch is perfect for those eager to experience Munich’s famous Christmas markets, historic landmarks, and cultural highlights such as the English Garden, Oktoberfest festivities, and live football matches at the Allianz Arena. Munich, a key economic and cultural hub in southern Germany, is a strategic addition to Air Arabia’s expanding European network, which already includes destinations like Vienna, Athens, Milan Bergamo, Krakow, Warsaw, and Prague.

Air Arabia will operate daily non-stop flights using its modern Airbus A320neo aircraft, known for fuel efficiency and passenger comfort. The airline’s CEO, Adel Al Ali, emphasized that the new route underscores Air Arabia’s commitment to providing affordable, value-driven travel options while supporting long-term growth. He highlighted Munich’s appeal to both business and leisure travelers and expressed enthusiasm about welcoming passengers onboard for a seamless travel experience.

This new service enhances connectivity between the UAE and Germany, complementing existing routes operated by Emirates and Etihad to German cities including Frankfurt, Dusseldorf, and Hamburg. Munich Airport officials have welcomed the route, noting its importance in strengthening ties between the Gulf region and Germany.

Passengers can book their flights through Air Arabia’s website, call center, or travel agencies, and enjoy onboard amenities such as the free SkyTime streaming service and the SkyCafe buy-on-board menu. The launch of the Sharjah–Munich route not only broadens travel choices but also supports tourism, business, and cultural exchange between the two regions, marking a significant milestone in Air Arabia’s European expansion strategy.