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 New York John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) at 7.2/10.

Score comparison

Metric Hamad International Airport New York John F. Kennedy International Airport
FlightLogic Score 9.2 7.2
On-Time Performance 9.0 6.8
Passenger Experience 9.2 7.0
Facilities & Comfort 9.4 7.8
Lounge Score 9.8 8.4
City Doha New York
Country Qatar United States
Terminals 1 terminal (single building) 6 active terminals (T1, T4, T5, T7, T8 + T6 opening)
Annual passengers 45M+ 62M+

Operational comparison

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

Policy DOH — Hamad JFK — New
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.

New York, United States · JFK · #2 in this comparison

New York John F. Kennedy International Airport

6 active terminals (T1, T4, T5, T7, T8 + T6 opening) · 62M+ passengers/year

7.2 / 10

How good is New York John F. Kennedy International Airport?

New York John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) scores 7.2/10 (Very Good) on FlightLogic's airport index — combining on-time performance (6.8), passenger experience (7.0), and facilities (7.8). Lounge quality rates 8.4/10. See full airport guide →

In short

JFK (JFK) is New York's primary international airport, rated 7.2/10 on FlightLogic with lounge score 8.4/10. Terminal 4 has the deepest lounge mix (Delta, Virgin, Centurion, Priority Pass). Terminal 8 is American's flagship hub. Allow extra time — security and terminal transfers are slower than European hubs. See /guides/jfk-airport-lounge-guide-2026 for terminal-by-terminal access.

FlightLogic Score 7.2 Very Good
On-time 6.8 Departure reliability
Experience 7.0 Staff, queues, cleanliness
Facilities 7.8 Food, shops, seating
Lounges 8.4 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
6.8
Passenger Experience
7.0
Facilities & Comfort
7.8
Lounge score 8.4/10

Highlights

  • Terminal 4 is the international hub — Delta Sky Club, Virgin Clubhouse, Amex Centurion, and Plaza Premium
  • Terminal 8 hosts American Flagship Lounge and Admirals Club for AA long-haul departures
  • No unified post-security connector — lounge access is terminal-specific; misconnects often require re-security
  • FlightLogic lounge score 8.4/10 — among the strongest US airport lounge ecosystems when you depart from the right terminal

Overview

Primary US gateway for transatlantic traffic — terminal-specific lounges, fragmented airside connections, and strong premium options in T4 and T8.

Terminal layout and lounge access

JFK is split across six terminals with no single airside link between all of them. Your lounge options depend entirely on which terminal your flight departs from — Amex Centurion in Terminal 4 is useless if you depart from Terminal 8 without a long landside transfer.

Terminal 4 serves Delta, Virgin Atlantic, and many SkyTeam and international carriers. Terminal 8 is American Airlines' home. JetBlue Mint Lounge in Terminal 5 is among the best domestic US airline lounges. British Airways still uses Terminal 7 on select departures.

UK traveller notes

Most UK–JFK routes arrive into T4 (Virgin, Delta, BA on some flights) or T8 (BA, AA). For connections onward within the US, verify whether your itinerary stays airside or requires baggage reclaim and re-check — many JFK connections are not protected through a single terminal.

Global Entry and Mobile Passport can shorten immigration; TSA PreCheck helps on domestic connections. Pair with /guides/jfk-airport-lounge-guide-2026 and Heathrow guides for round-trip transatlantic planning.

FAQ

Which is better, Hamad International Airport or New York John F. Kennedy International Airport?

Hamad International Airport (DOH) scores higher overall at 9.2/10 versus New York John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) at 7.2/10.

Which has better lounges, DOH or JFK?

Hamad International Airport (DOH) scores higher for lounges at 9.8/10, versus New York John F. Kennedy International Airport at 8.4/10.

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

Hamad International Airport (DOH) has stronger on-time performance at 9.0/10 versus New York John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) at 6.8/10.