DOH vs STN — Doha or London?

Verdict

Hamad International Airport (DOH) scores higher overall at 9.2/10 versus London Stansted Airport (STN) at 6.9/10.

Score comparison

Metric	Hamad International Airport	London Stansted Airport
FlightLogic Score	9.2	6.9
On-Time Performance	9.0	6.7
Passenger Experience	9.2	6.8
Facilities & Comfort	9.4	7.0
Lounge Score	9.8	6.8
City	Doha	London
Country	Qatar	United Kingdom
Terminals	1 terminal (single building)	1 main terminal
Annual passengers	45M+	28M+

Operational comparison

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

Policy	DOH — Hamad	STN — London
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.

London, United Kingdom · STN · #2 in this comparison

London Stansted Airport

1 main terminal · 28M+ passengers/year

6.9 / 10

How good is London Stansted Airport?

London Stansted Airport (STN) scores 6.9/10 (Good) on FlightLogic's airport index — combining on-time performance (6.7), passenger experience (6.8), and facilities (7.0). Lounge quality rates 6.8/10. See full airport guide →

In short

London Stansted (STN) is rated 6.9/10 on FlightLogic — primarily a Ryanair and Jet2 leisure hub. Stansted Express to Liverpool Street ~45 min. Escape Lounge for Priority Pass. UK261 covers all departures. See /guides/stansted-airport-lounge-guide-2026.

FlightLogic Score 6.9 Good

On-time 6.7 Departure reliability

Experience 6.8 Staff, queues, cleanliness

Facilities 7.0 Food, shops, seating

Lounges 6.8 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

6.7

Passenger Experience

6.8

Facilities & Comfort

7.0

Lounge score 6.8/10

Highlights

Ryanair's largest UK base — dominant low-cost hub for Europe and Mediterranean leisure routes
Stansted Express reaches London Liverpool Street in ~45 minutes — fastest rail link among London secondary airports
Single-terminal layout simplifies navigation; Escape Lounge accepts Priority Pass with pre-book recommended
UK261 applies to all UK-departing flights — including Ryanair and Jet2

Overview

London's third airport and Ryanair's largest UK base — single-terminal design, Stansted Express to Liverpool Street, and Escape Lounge for Priority Pass holders.

Ryanair hub and low-cost operations

Stansted is Ryanair's largest UK base, handling the majority of Europe and Mediterranean leisure traffic from London's eastern corridor. easyJet and Jet2 also operate significant schedules. For UK travellers chasing lowest fares, STN often undercuts Gatwick and Luton on the same routes — but factor in Stansted Express rail costs and strict Ryanair baggage rules.

UK261 compensation applies to all flights departing Stansted regardless of fare paid. A 3+ hour arrival delay on a UK-regulated flight triggers £220–£520 per passenger if the delay was the airline's fault.

Getting to central London

Stansted Express runs to Liverpool Street every 15 minutes at peak, taking ~45 minutes. National Express coaches serve Victoria and other London terminals — often cheaper but slower in traffic. Uber/Bolt use signed ride-app zones landside.

Compare STN against Gatwick (/airports/gatwick) and Luton for your route — Stansted wins on Ryanair frequency; Gatwick wins on Virgin long-haul and lounge depth.

FAQ

Which is better, Hamad International Airport or London Stansted Airport?

Hamad International Airport (DOH) scores higher overall at 9.2/10 versus London Stansted Airport (STN) at 6.9/10.

Which has better lounges, DOH or STN?

Hamad International Airport (DOH) scores higher for lounges at 9.8/10, versus London Stansted Airport at 6.8/10.

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

Hamad International Airport (DOH) has stronger on-time performance at 9.0/10 versus London Stansted Airport (STN) at 6.7/10.