FlightLogic

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FlightLogic is an independent, advertising-supported information service that lets you compare airlines, airports, hotels, and travel products. We do not provide financial advice and we do not recommend specific products or providers. Links marked * are advertising links and may earn us commission at no extra cost to you — always read the terms of any product before booking or applying. Learn more about how we make money.

Verdict

Hamad International Airport (DOH) scores higher overall at 9.2/10 versus Islamabad International Airport (ISB) at 7.4/10.

Score comparison

Metric Hamad International Airport Islamabad International Airport
FlightLogic Score 9.2 7.4
On-Time Performance 9.0 7.2
Passenger Experience 9.2 7.3
Facilities & Comfort 9.4 7.7
Lounge Score 9.8 7.5
City Doha Islamabad
Country Qatar Pakistan
Terminals 1 terminal (single building) 1 integrated terminal (New Islamabad Airport)
Annual passengers 45M+ 8M+

Operational comparison

Transport links, lounge access, connection times, and UK261 eligibility — verify locally before travel.

Policy DOH — Hamad ISB — Islamabad
Rail / public transport No direct metro; taxi and hotel shuttles; future Doha Metro link
To city centre ~25–40 min to West Bay by taxi
Lounge day pass Al Mourjan Business only for eligible tickets; paid access limited
Min. connection time 45–60 min — single-terminal design
Primary hub carriers Qatar Airways (exclusive hub carrier)

Detailed profiles

Doha, Qatar · DOH · #1 in this comparison

Hamad International Airport

1 terminal (single building) · 45M+ passengers/year

9.2 / 10

How good is Hamad International Airport?

Hamad International Airport (DOH) scores 9.2/10 (Exceptional) on FlightLogic's airport index — combining on-time performance (9.0), passenger experience (9.2), and facilities (9.4). Lounge quality rates 9.8/10. See full airport guide →

In short

Hamad International (DOH) is Qatar Airways' sole hub, rated 9.2/10 on FlightLogic with the highest lounge score (9.8/10) of any rated airport. Al Mourjan lounge is world-class. Efficient connections for Europe-Asia-Africa itineraries. Oryx airside hotel available for long layovers.

FlightLogic Score 9.2 Exceptional
On-time 9.0 Departure reliability
Experience 9.2 Staff, queues, cleanliness
Facilities 9.4 Food, shops, seating
Lounges 9.8 Lounge quality
Rating basis Editorial FlightLogic methodology

Score breakdown

Modelled on industry airport indices — on-time data, facilities ratings, and editorial experience signals combined into a single FlightLogic score.

On-Time Performance
9.0
Passenger Experience
9.2
Facilities & Comfort
9.4
Lounge score 9.8/10

Highlights

  • Al Mourjan Business Lounge — one of the world's largest airline lounges at 10,000+ sqm with a la carte dining, shower suites, and quiet rooms
  • Oryx Airport Hotel airside for transit passengers — bookable by the hour without clearing immigration
  • Art installations including the Lamp Bear and small gallery spaces throughout the terminal
  • Hamad scores 9.2/10 on FlightLogic with lounge score 9.8/10 — highest lounge rating of all rated airports

Overview

Stunning art installations, Al Mourjan lounge, and efficient connections for Qatar Airways.

Al Mourjan lounge and premium experience

The Al Mourjan Business Lounge at DOH is among the largest airline lounges globally, spanning two levels with a la carte dining, buffet stations, shower suites, quiet rooms, and a dedicated family area. Qatar Airways business class passengers and oneworld Emerald/Sapphire members access it free.

Al Safwa First Class Lounge (for Qatar First passengers) offers private dining rooms, spa treatments, and a more exclusive atmosphere. First class passengers on partner airlines do not automatically access Al Safja — check oneworld rules.

Connecting at Doha

Hamad is a single-terminal airport designed for efficient connections — most Qatar Airways connections require 60–90 minutes minimum. The terminal is modern and walkable, with moving walkways throughout.

DOH is ideal for Europe-to-Asia and Africa routing via Qatar Airways. Compare connection times and fares against Emirates (DXB) and Turkish Airlines (IST) for similar itineraries.

Islamabad, Pakistan · ISB · #2 in this comparison

Islamabad International Airport

1 integrated terminal (New Islamabad Airport) · 8M+ passengers/year

7.4 / 10

How good is Islamabad International Airport?

Islamabad International Airport (ISB) scores 7.4/10 (Very Good) on FlightLogic's airport index — combining on-time performance (7.2), passenger experience (7.3), and facilities (7.7). Lounge quality rates 7.5/10. See full airport guide →

In short

Islamabad ISB scores 7.4/10 — Pakistan capital gateway. PIA from MAN/BHX; Gulf hub connections via QR/EK. See /guides/uk-pakistan-flights-guide-2026 and /guides/islamabad-airport-lounge-guide-2026.

FlightLogic Score 7.4 Very Good
On-time 7.2 Departure reliability
Experience 7.3 Staff, queues, cleanliness
Facilities 7.7 Food, shops, seating
Lounges 7.5 Lounge quality
Rating basis Editorial FlightLogic methodology

Score breakdown

Modelled on industry airport indices — on-time data, facilities ratings, and editorial experience signals combined into a single FlightLogic score.

On-Time Performance
7.2
Passenger Experience
7.3
Facilities & Comfort
7.7
Lounge score 7.5/10

Highlights

  • Primary UK–Pakistan gateway for Islamabad, Rawalpindi, and northern Punjab
  • PIA direct MAN–ISB and BHX–ISB; Gulf carriers via DXB/DOH most competitive on price
  • New integrated terminal (2018) — Marhaba and Priority Pass lounges
  • e-Visa or visa on arrival for UK passport holders — apply online before travel

Overview

Pakistan's capital gateway — PIA direct from Manchester and Birmingham plus one-stop via Dubai, Doha, and Istanbul for UK–Punjab and KPK VFR traffic.

UK VFR routing

Compare direct PIA vs one-stop Qatar/Emirates — Gulf carriers often cheaper in business with superior lounge product.

Allow 60+ min immigration at peak UK arrival banks (Jun–Aug, Dec–Jan).

FAQ

Which is better, Hamad International Airport or Islamabad International Airport?

Hamad International Airport (DOH) scores higher overall at 9.2/10 versus Islamabad International Airport (ISB) at 7.4/10.

Which has better lounges, DOH or ISB?

Hamad International Airport (DOH) scores higher for lounges at 9.8/10, versus Islamabad International Airport at 7.5/10.

Which airport is more on-time, DOH or ISB?

Hamad International Airport (DOH) has stronger on-time performance at 9.0/10 versus Islamabad International Airport (ISB) at 7.2/10.