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Qatar Airways dedicated Mariner Lounge here to stay

Qatar Airways has assured that its dedicated lounge for seafarers opened at the height of the Covid pandemic will remain a permanent feature.

Marcus Hand, Editor

November 23, 2023

1 Min Read
Qatar Airways Mariner Lounge at Hamad International Airport
Photo: Qatar Airways

In 2020 during the pandemic Qatar Airways established its dedicated Mariner Lounge at Hamad International Airport for seafarers and offshore workers in transit on their flights.

With business and leisure travel having now returned to normal there was concern in the industry that the lounge for seafarers was a “gimmick” that would now be converted for use by high paying business passengers.

Nataraj Iyer, VP Business Travel for Qatar Airways, told Seatrade Maritime Crew Connect Global 2023 in Manila that the lounge is “here to stay”.

The lounge is strictly for use by seafarers and offshore workers with the documentation to show their profession and cannot be used by other Qatar Airways passengers or card holders. Facilities include unlimited high-speed wi-fi, showers, and a rest area. 

There is no time limit for seafarers using the lounge even giving a place to rest and connect with family of loved ones for those on lengthy layovers between flights.

About the Author

Marcus Hand

Editor

Marcus Hand is the editor of Seatrade Maritime News and a dedicated maritime journalist with over two decades of experience covering the shipping industry in Asia.

Marcus is also an experienced industry commentator and has chaired many conferences and round tables. Before joining Seatrade at the beginning of 2010, Marcus worked for the shipping industry journal Lloyd's List for a decade and before that the Singapore Business Times covering shipping and aviation.

In November 2022, Marcus was announced as a member of the Board of Advisors to the Singapore Journal of Maritime Talent and Technology (SJMTT) to help bring together thought leadership around the key areas of talent and technology.

Marcus is the founder of the Seatrade Maritime Podcast that delivers commentary, opinions and conversations on shipping's most important topics.

Conferences & Webinars

Marcus Hand regularly moderates at international maritime events. Below you’ll find a list of selected past conferences and webinars.

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