DOHA International Airport (DIA) has opened its new Terminal B – a dedicated departures facility for foreign airlines, which was inaugurated prior to the holiday season. All passengers travelling on flights with more than 30 international airlines will now depart from Terminal B, while all Qatar Airways departures will continue to operate from the existing departures terminal – now renamed Terminal A. The new-look Terminal B, situated adjacent to Terminal A, is the result of a six-month transformation of the old arrivals building, which closed down in December last year and moved to a new location on the edge of the airport. Both Terminals A and B share the same duty free shopping, lounge facilities and parking at DIA. The move to separate flight departures follows the continued rapid growth of Qatar’s national carrier, Qatar Airways, which has meant infrastructure changes at the airport to cope with the expansion. A revamped website for Doha International Airport has also been launched at http://www.dohaairport.com/ offering a comprehensive portal of information about the airport, airline operators, departures, arrivals, baggage tracing, hotels, booking Al Maha Meet and Greet and Service, visa regulations and much more. A unique functionality launched with the web site is a mobile SMS feature which can provide instant updates about flight departure and arrival timings. "Our aim is to provide travellers with an enhanced travel experience. The upgrade of Doha International Airport is part of a multi-million dollar investment in improved facilities ahead of the opening of the New Doha International Airport, which promises to be one of the most advanced airports in the world when it opens next year," said Qatar Airways CEO Akbar Al Baker. Highlights of the new terminal include an enlarged check-in area with 35 counters and an online check-in lounge, a dedicated customer service desk for oversized luggage, a currency exchange bureau, ATM machines, a new high-tech baggage handling system and food and beverage outlets. There is also an enlarged 600-sq-m immigration hall featuring 10 counters and three e-gates. Passengers walk through into the common airside environment of Terminal A and have access to the same present-day retail shopping, airport lounges, prayer rooms, food court and other facilities. Terminal A will see a more spacious check-in area and additional boarding gates over the next few months and a significant revamp of the Oryx Lounge, which caters to first and business class passengers of other airlines, or can be accessed for a nominal fee when travelling in economy on any carrier. The lounge offers a business centre, shower facilities and a wide selection of refreshments and allows travellers to relax and unwind during longer transits.