Passengers complain about parking at arrivals terminal

Passengers have been complaining about the temporary double-deck parking facility at the arrivals terminal of Doha International Airport.

According to some of them, it is not "user-friendly" and has a lack of space and basic facilities.

One passenger said there were no elevators or lifts and due to lack of space, it becomes difficult for motorists to move and park.

The double-deck facility was built last year and can accommodate maximum of 650 vehicles.

Due to the absence of elevators, passengers are left with two options. 

First is to lift the luggage to the first floor of the parking structure and the second is to wait for their vehicles near the terminal. 

"There is not enough space in  the parking area. Most passengers come in four-wheelers while parking slots are for average sized cars. It takes a lot of time for a driver to fit his car in a slot," an employee said.

"We have witnessed cases of cars hitting side poles as motorists try to park. We are under more pressure during peak hours when the number of visitors rises significantly," he said.

Once passengers park their vehicles, then locating them is another challenge as parking sections do not have any number or identification marks. 

"All sections are alike which makes it difficult for me to find my car. Usually I remember the face of a security person standing in the section to locate it," said one driver.

The metal-structured facility also makes passengers worry about safety as they use parking facilities built with brick and mortar elsewhere which give them a feeling of comfort and safety.

"Parking space is not sufficient, especially for big cars and the absence of elevators to carry luggage to the first floor irritates passengers," said Ahmad Al Jolo, Chairman, Qatar Society of Engineers. 

"Authorities should keep these things in mind while making new parking facilities and ensure that they are equipped with facilities." The Peninsula