Qatar Airways has been playing its part in the repatriation of seafarers stranded due to the pandemic, working closely with governments and the maritime industry to operate hundreds of chartered and scheduled flights to help bring home over 150,000 workers. Understanding the difficulties and challenges many of these vital workers have faced in returning home or completing crew changes, Qatar Airways has recently established a dedicated Mariner Lounge at Hamad International Airport.

The airline has operated charters for maritime workers to many destinations not previously served by Qatar Airways, including Abidjan, Ivory Coast; Bridgetown, Barbados; Lomé, Togo; Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago; and Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea.  In addition, Qatar Airways sustained operations throughout the pandemic to many important locations for seafarers, such as Amsterdam, Barcelona, Copenhagen, Jakarta, Kuala Lumpur, Oslo, Sao Paulo, Seoul and Singapore.  With the support of the maritime industry, Qatar Airways was also able to establish scheduled services to Cebu and Clark in the Philippines.

Qatar Airways CEO Akbar Al Baker commented on the launch of the new lounge:

“Qatar Airways recognises the vital role shipping plays and how seafarers are essential to keeping the global economy open and operating. As a gesture of our thanks and to show our support to the industry, we have established a dedicated Mariner Lounge at Hamad International Airport that is complimentary for all seafarers and offshore workers travelling with Qatar Airways. While waiting for their connecting flight they can relax in comfort and enjoy the wide variety of refreshments on offer.”

How to access the Qatar Airways Mariner Lounge?

The lounge is centrally located on the second level of the Duty-Free Plaza at Hamad International Airport and only a short distance from the gates and other facilities. Qatar Airways has clubbed some existing lounges which were closed due to low capacity and brought this lounge together at a quick speed.

Seafarers and offshore workers who travel on Qatar Airways flights and show valid documentation can experience exclusive complimentary Mariner Lounge access while transiting at Hamad International Airport.

Seafarers and offshore worker passengers can relax and enjoy refreshments in the exclusive Mariner Lounge while they wait for their onward flight. 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.

I think this is a great offering and another creative solution from Qatar Airways. I’ve heard many stories from Indians who have been trying to get back to their duties and Qatar Airways has been operating special charters for this specific segment of the market. Also, this is a great way to make feel welcome this particular segment who don’t get their fair share of mindshare in the ordinary course of business but are a crucial bunch of folk operating maritime services.

What do you think of the new initiative from Qatar Airways to launch a Mariner Lounge?

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