Airlines

Qatar Airways Welcomes Passengers to the New Al Mourjan Business Lounge

The World’s Best Airline has launched the ‘The Garden’ Al Mourjan Business Lounge at Hamad International Airport (HIA). While providing distinctively designed relaxation rooms and locations to socialize and enjoy a panoramic masterpiece, the lounge looks out over “The ORCHARD,” which is surrounded by renowned shops and restaurants.

An exclusive sanctuary available for Qatar Airways Premium Passengers, The Garden stretches over an area of 7,390 square metres, and can accommodate up to 707 passengers. It features 24 quiet spaces, each designed to offer optimum relaxation available free of charge for the first six hours, and also features seven spa treatment rooms.

Accessible for passengers travelling in Premium cabin, the new lounge offers a range of premium facilities that fulfil the needs of business, leisure and family travellers with numerous dining options, relaxation rooms, a fitness studio, pedicure & manicure stations, spa facilities, dedicated private spaces, recreational areas and a nursery.

Al Mourjan Business Class Lounge – The Garden

Key Facts

Facilities:

Single and double quiet rooms
Showers and washrooms
Nursery
Children’s play room
Game room
Smoking room

Gym:

Treadmills
Elliptical Exercise bikes
Locker rooms

Spa:

Manicure/pedicure stations

Neck and shoulder massage chairs
Relaxation chairs
Treatment rooms
Changing rooms

East Wing – Dining Options

The East Wing features the main dining areas, where passengers can select food from hot and cold buffets, as well as sushi & salad, coffee & patisserie, and cocktail & bistro bar offerings, together with à la carte dining.

Buffet Area:

Extensive variety of international and local cuisine, including soups, appetisers and entrees
Fresh bakery selection
Cake and desserts selection
Sushi station
Made to order salads, breakfast bowls and poke bowls

Coffee and Patisserie Bar:

Fresh fruits, juices and smoothies
Selection of pastries
Made to order sandwiches
Barista prepared hot and cold beverages
Gelato and ice cream station

Cocktail and Bistro Bar:

Savoury bites and appetisers
Wine, spirits, beer, cocktails and mocktails

West Wing – Dining Options

This area of the lounge features the showers, quiet areas, prayer rooms and meeting rooms in addition to light bites at a coffee & patisserie bar and refreshment station.

Refreshment Station:

Light snacks
Tea and coffee selection
Arabic sweets
Popular beverages

Airlines

DOT Proposes New Passenger Compensation Rules for Flight Disruptions

The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) has unveiled a major initiative to enhance protections for air travelers affected by flight cancellations or significant delays caused by airlines.

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This Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (ANPRM) seeks public feedback on new measures that could require airlines to compensate passengers and provide necessary services automatically.

Key Proposals by the DOT:

Cash Compensation for Airline-Caused Disruptions
- Airlines may be required to pay passengers at least $200 in cash for flight disruptions caused by circumstances under their control, such as mechanical issues or IT failures.
- A tiered compensation system is being considered:
  - $200–$300 for domestic delays of 3–6 hours.
  - $375–$525 for delays lasting 6–9 hours.
  - $750–$775 for delays exceeding 9 hours.
- The DOT is exploring whether smaller airlines should have different compensation thresholds and whether compensation is needed if passengers are notified weeks in advance of a disruption.
Free Rebooking on the Next Available Flight
- Airlines may be obligated to rebook passengers at no extra cost if a flight is canceled or delayed by at least 3 hours domestically or 6 hours internationally.
- Rebooking options may include:
  - Flights operated by the airline or its codeshare partners.
  - Flights on other carriers with which the airline has a commercial agreement if no suitable options are available within 24 hours.
Provision of Meals, Lodging, and Transportation
- Airlines may need to cover meals, overnight accommodations, and transportation for stranded passengers.
- Minimum reimbursements could be established when services aren’t provided upfront, ensuring passengers can recoup costs even without submitting receipts, up to a defined limit.

The DOT’s proposals draw inspiration from consumer protection frameworks in countries like Canada, Brazil, the UK, and the European Union. Research suggests that EU compensation requirements have successfully reduced the frequency and length of delays, demonstrating the effectiveness of such measures.

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Passengers currently face numerous hurdles when seeking compensation or services, including vague policies, lack of upfront communication, and reliance on in-person requests at airports. The new rulemaking aims to close these gaps by establishing clear, enforceable standards for airlines.

Public input on the proposed measures will shape the final rules. The DOT hopes these changes will create a more accountable and passenger-friendly system, ensuring travelers are better supported during disruptions.

With these proposed rules, the DOT seeks to make airline travel more reliable and fair, setting a new standard for passenger rights in the United States.