Doha International Airport (DIA)

While Hamad International Airport (OTHH/DOH) is Doha's primary international gateway, the user specifically requested reviews for Doha International Airport (OTBD/DIA). It's important to note that DIA (OTBD) largely ceased commercial passenger operations in 2014, with most scheduled commercial traffic moving to Hamad International Airport. However, DIA temporarily reactivated for selected commercial flights to handle increased traffic during the 2022 FIFA World Cup, and some recent data suggests limited, specific operations or continued use for general aviation, military, and state flights. Recent traveler experiences directly related to commercial passenger services at DIA (OTBD) are scarce, but some insights from 2023 refer to its temporary commercial use.

What Travelers Love (from temporary commercial use in 2023):

• Terminal Environment: The terminal was described as "quite clean and roomy".
• Family-Friendly Amenities: A "nice play area for young kids" was appreciated.
• Connectivity: Travelers noted "reasonably good quality free WiFi".
• Security Process: Security checks were generally "quite fast" with "not so much hold up".

Common Complaints (from temporary commercial use in 2023):

• Washroom Cleanliness: Some found the "Washroom are no so clean mainly due to culture of people using them and mostly wet".
• Limited Food Options: There were "not so much food option" available.
• Ground Staff Support: Travelers reported that "Ground staff are not that helpful".
• Bus Transfers: Embarking and boarding planes often involved "transporting to plane by coach".
• Passport Control: One recent (November 2025, though likely conflated with HIA based on the website) review mentioned "Terrible service from woman at passport control".

Security and Customs Experience:

• Recent estimates (updated December 2025) for Doha International Airport (DIA) show security wait times averaging 26-30 minutes.
• Immigration wait times are estimated at around 8 minutes.
• For international flights from DIA, it is recommended to arrive 3 hours before departure, accounting for check-in, security screening (around 30 minutes), and passport control (around 8 minutes).

Terminal Facilities, Amenities, and Cleanliness:

• The terminal was noted for being "quite clean and roomy" during its temporary commercial operation. It offered a play area for kids and free WiFi.
• However, cleanliness of washrooms was a recurring issue.

Transportation Connections and Parking:

• Recent traveler reviews specifically detailing commercial transportation connections and parking for Doha International Airport (OTBD/DIA) are limited due to its non-primary commercial status. The airport is primarily used for military, state, and private aviation.

Overall, recent traveler sentiment regarding Doha International Airport (OTBD/DIA) as a commercial hub is sparse, given that Hamad International Airport handles the vast majority of commercial traffic. Experiences during its temporary reactivation for the 2022 World Cup highlight basic but functional facilities, with some concerns about washroom cleanliness and limited food options. Wait times for security and immigration are reported as manageable.