Travelers are being advised not to leave their cars at the Doha International Airport’s Arrivals terminal parking area during Eid travel season, due to a parking space shortage.

A partial closure of the area is responsible for the lack of spaces, and the congestion is expected to continue through October. At that point, a new two-story car park that has been under construction since July is expected to open, the DIA said in a statement.

Patrick Muller, the airport’s executive vice president, said:

“We understand the inconveniences that our customers and the public are experiencing with parking at the Arrival Terminal.

The partial closure is necessary as development of the new metro rail continues so we are advising passengers to consider taxis and limousines as more efficient means of getting to and from the airport during this period.” 

Meanwhile, anyone leaving Doha during the next few weeks is still advised to head to the Departures terminal up to four hours in advance, and to check in online if possible. 

This summer, congestion at the DIA has been particularly acute.

The airport, which saw 21 million passengers last year (a 17 percent jump from 2011), was expecting to lighten its load with the opening of the new, state-of-the-art Hamad International Airport in April. But that date was postponed after the facility failed to meet government safety checks.

The new opening date of the HIA is expected to be in December.

For travelers nervous about flying through the DIA this summer, check out our airport survival guide for tips on easing the commute.

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Credit: Photo courtesy of DIA