Friday, 18 July 2025
Explor Qatar

What to Do When You've Lost Something at Hamad International Airport

From Lost to Found: A Guide to Recovering Your Items
Published: Monday, April 21, 2025
What to Do When You've Lost Something at Hamad International Airport

Thank you for choosing to travel through Hamad International Airport (HIA)! We understand how distressing it can be to misplace personal belongings, and our dedicated Customer Service Team is committed to helping you recover any lost items. The Lost Property Office is your go-to resource for registering lost belongings, addressing inquiries, and facilitating the retrieval of items that may have been lost within the Passenger Terminal Complex.

Items Lost on Flights

If you believe you’ve left an item on a Qatar Airways flight, please take the following steps:

  • For Qatar Airways Flights: Click the link provided on our website for quick assistance. Alternatively, you can send an email detailing your situation to Click here. Be sure to include your flight number, date of travel, and a description of the lost item to expedite the process.

  • For Other Airlines: If your item was lost on a flight operated by another airline, please contact Qatar Aviation Services (QAS) Lost and Found by emailing [email protected]. They will guide you through the necessary steps to locate your belongings.

Items Lost Inside the Passenger Terminal

For items misplaced within the terminal, we recommend the following:

  • In-Person Assistance: Visit the nearest HIA Information Desk where our friendly staff can provide immediate help and guidance.

  • Outside the Airport: If you are currently off airport premises, you can reach out directly to the HIA Lost Property Office by clicking on the 'Contact Us' link on our website or by emailing Click here. When you do, please provide a comprehensive description of the lost item, which should include:

    1. Brand/Model and Color: This helps us identify the item more accurately.
    2. Flight Number and Date: Include the specific flight you were on when the item was lost.
    3. Time and Location: Mention the approximate time and specific area (like a terminal zone or specific gate) where the item was last seen.
    4. Photographic Evidence: If possible, attach a photo of the item to assist our staff in identifying it swiftly.

Important Information

Hamad International Airport is authorized to assist with inquiries regarding items lost within the airport's premises. Our Lost Property Office operates with specific policies regarding the handling of lost items:

  • Retention Period: Items submitted to the Lost Property Office will be retained for up to 30 days. This duration varies based on the category of the item.

  • Post-Retention Policy: After the retention period, unclaimed items may be donated to charitable organizations. Unfortunately, these items will not be available for retrieval after being donated.

  • Liability Disclaimer: The airport does not accept liability for any items lost or left behind within its premises. We encourage all travelers to keep personal belongings secure and to report any lost items promptly.

Retention Policies by Item Category

Direct Disposal:

    • Items that fall under this category will be disposed of immediately and include excess baggage, perishables, and dangerous goods.

7-Day Policy:

    • This includes items like neck pillows, water tumblers, unbranded clothing, caps, toys, umbrellas, walking sticks, wheelchairs, and Zamzam water. These items will only be held for a week before being discarded or donated.

30-Day Policy:

    • Precious Metals and Gems: Items such as gold, silver, rubies, emeralds, sapphires, and diamonds.
    • Transaction Cards and Cash: This includes credit and debit cards and currency (excluding loose petty cash).
    • Official Documents: Items like IDs, passports, driving licenses, and other important documents.
    • Electronic Items: Laptops, smartphones, tablets, headsets, smartwatches, power banks, SIM cards, card adapters, and world adapters fall into this category.
    • Miscellaneous: Luxury or branded clothing items are also retained for 30 days.

Additional Tips 

  • Keep Important Items Together: Use a designated pouch or bag for crucial items like passports, wallets, and electronics to minimize the risk of losing them.

  • Label Your Belongings: Attach tags or labels with your contact information to bags and valuable items, making it easier for staff to return them if found.

  • Use Tracking Devices: Consider using Bluetooth trackers for high-value items like luggage and electronics, so you can locate them easily.

  • Stay Aware of Your Surroundings: Pay attention to where you place your belongings, especially in busy areas like lounges, cafes, and boarding gates.

  • Review Security Footage: If you lose something near a security checkpoint, request to review footage; staff may assist in identifying where the item was left.

  • Know Where to Go: Familiarize yourself with the layout of the airport and the locations of information desks and the Lost Property Office.

  • Keep Digital Copies: Maintain digital copies of important documents (like your passport and IDs) on your phone or in a secure cloud service for easy access.

  • Travel Insurance: Consider getting travel insurance that covers lost belongings, providing peace of mind during your travels.

Thank you for your understanding and cooperation. The goal of Hamad International Airport is to help you recover your lost items as efficiently as possible. Your continued trust in Hamad International Airport is greatly appreciated!

Riyadh Air Confirms Launch of Boeing 787 Operations

Published: Tuesday, July 15, 2025
Riyadh Air Confirms Launch of Boeing 787 Operations

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 launches Privilege Club Pro for faster rewards.

Published: Tuesday, July 15, 2025
Qatar Airways launches Privilege Club Pro for faster rewards.

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 launches non-stop flights to Sialkot, Pakistan

Published: Thursday, July 10, 2025
Air Arabia Abu Dhabi launches non-stop flights to Sialkot, Pakistan

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.

Fly Direct from UAE to Germany for Less Than Dhs800

Published: Thursday, July 10, 2025
Fly Direct from UAE to Germany for Less Than Dhs800

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.

Armenia to allow visa-free entry for GCC citizens and residents from July 2025.

Published: Thursday, July 10, 2025
Armenia to allow visa-free entry for GCC citizens and residents from July 2025.

Starting July 1, 2025, Armenia has opened its doors visa-free to citizens and residents of all Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, including the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain, and Oman. This landmark policy allows GCC passport holders and expatriates with valid residency permits (valid for at least six months) to visit Armenia for tourism, leisure, or business stays of up to 90 days within any 180-day period—without the need for a visa.

This move marks a significant expansion of Armenia’s visa-free regime, which previously applied only to select GCC nationals such as those from the UAE, Qatar, and Kuwait. By extending visa-free access to all GCC countries and their residents, Armenia aims to position itself as an accessible and welcoming destination in the South Caucasus, capitalizing on growing interest among Gulf travellers seeking authentic cultural experiences, scenic landscapes, and unique culinary offerings.

Armenia’s rich historical heritage, including ancient monasteries and vibrant urban culture in its capital Yerevan, combined with its natural beauty such as Lake Sevan and Dilijan National Park make it an attractive choice for GCC visitors. The country’s strategic location at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, coupled with direct flights from Gulf carriers like flydubai, Air Arabia, and Wizz Air, further enhances its appeal.

Officials highlight that the visa exemption will not only boost tourism but also strengthen economic and cultural ties between Armenia and the Gulf region, fostering increased business exchanges and investment opportunities. The policy also broadens accessibility for the substantial expatriate communities residing in the GCC, facilitating easier travel and deeper regional connections.

In summary, Armenia’s new visa-free entry for GCC citizens and residents is a strategic step to attract more visitors from the Gulf, offering them hassle-free access to explore its rich culture, stunning landscapes, and business potential starting mid-2025.