Calm haven for seafarers at Hamad International Airport passes 50,000 visitors in under seven months

The world’s first airport lounge for the exclusive use of seafarers and offshore workers has surpassed more than 50,000 visitors since it opened its doors in late 2020 and to mark the International Maritime Organization’s “Day of the Seafarer”, Qatar Airways held a ceremonial opening event.

Located at Qatar Airways’ hub at Hamad International Airport in Doha, the Mariner Lounge was officially opened by the Group Chief Executive of Qatar Airways, His Excellency Mr. Akbar Al Baker on the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Day of the Seafarer on 25 June.

The provision of dedicated lounge facilities provides ship’s crews and those working in offshore industries travelling with Qatar Airways an exclusive and luxurious haven during their journeys. In addition to an international selection of food and beverages, facilities include unlimited high-speed wi-fi, shower facilities, a television area, reading materials and a Business Centre.

Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, His Excellency Mr. Akbar Al Baker said: “Qatar Airways is pleased to have played a leading role in the repatriation of seafarers stranded due to the pandemic, working closely with governments and the maritime industry. The international shipping industry is the lifeblood of the world economy, and as a leading global airline, Qatar Airways is truly proud to support the crews who, along with us, keep the world moving.

“We offer something no other airport or airline in the world currently provides – a peaceful space for these key workers to relax during their flight transfer as they make their way home or to their next posting. I hope many more maritime workers will sample our hospitality at the Mariner Lounge.”

Eligible seafarers & offshore workers can relax in style and experience exclusive benefits of the new lounge in addition to our world-class service and hospitality.

During the pandemic, Qatar Airways has carried more than 380,000 seafarers and offshore workers since April 2020, including repatriations and crew changes, and there have been around 100 charters carrying around 28,000 mariners.

The global COVID-19 pandemic has created unprecedented challenges for the aviation industry and, despite this, Qatar Airways never ceased operations and worked diligently to take people home safely and reliably throughout the crisis. The airline has also added eight new destinations in the past 12 months including San Francisco and Seattle in the US, Abidjan, Abuja, Accra and Luanda in Africa, and Brisbane and Cebu in Asia Pacific.