The Hamad Intl. Airport of the city of Doha  (IATA: DOH, ICAO: OTHH) is one of the major hubs in the Middle East and the home base of Qatar Airways. In 2025 the airport served 52 Mio passengers. Traffic mainly depends on the several waves led by Qatar Airways. Outside these waves, usually airlines from India, Africa and Central Asia like Badr Airlines, Air India Express, Akasa Air, Ariana Afghan Airlines, Iran Air, Kam Air or RwandAir operate into and out of Doha.

Written by Sebastian Arndt and Michael Amene. Last Update: July 2026, Spot 1B added

Rating
Movements
Airline Variety
Photo Locations
Weather
Airport Information
Runways
16R/34L	4.250 m / 13.944 ft / Asphalt
16L/34R	4.850 m / 15.912 ft / Asphalt
Terminals	One large terminal handling all flights.
Spotting Information
Ladder	Not needed and don’t even think about it!
Car/Public Transport	Car not needed. All spots can be accessed by public transport.
Drinks/Food	Available inside the terminal
Hotels	We are not aware of nearby spotting hotels.
Season	Heat haze may be disturbing during summer.
Security	During several transits, I never had problems spotting when airside. Only gates C22 to C26 are suitable for spotting since most other places have double glazed windows. Be careful when spotting on the driveway. Only take your camera out when you want to photograph an aircraft. There is usually enough time to take out your camera as you can see the arrivals well ahead of time. I was only sent away once at spot 3 by security. They were polite and you should respect them.
Runway Usage
General Info	The western runway usually handles all traffic heading west or arriving from the west while the eastern runway handles all traffic out- or inbound from the east. Both runways are equally used for arrivals and departures.

	Spot #1 – Airside Gates
WHERE	This spot is located airside and can only be accessed with a valid boarding pass. Head past The Orchard towards gates C22 to C26 (Spot 1A) or stay at gates E1-E3 (Spot 1B). These places are without double glazed windows.
WHAT	Spot 1A: Here you can see the only taxiway connecting both runways. Especially, during the Qatar Airways waves, it becomes very busy. It is also possible to spot the aircraft standing at the gates. Spot 1B: Taxiway and the easternmost runway plus apron movements in front. It is also possible to spot the aircraft standing at the gates.
TIME	Spot 1A: All day for aircraft parked at the gates. For the taxiway from sunrise to 3 pm. Spot 1B: best from afternoon until sunset. Be aware of heat distortion on the runway due to the distance.
MISC.	You are inside the terminal with all facilities just a short walk away. The windows are tinted.
FOCAL LENGTH	50-400 mm Spot 1A: A380 = 110 mm; A320 = 200 mm

Spot 1A

DOH-Spot1

DOH-Spot1

DOH-Spot1

DOH-Spot1

DOH-Spot1

DOH-Spot1

Spot 1B

DOH-Spot1B

DOH-Spot1B

DOH-Spot1B

	Spot #2 – Airport Driveway West
WHERE	Leave the airport terminal from the departures level to its western end and continue for a few more meters on the footpath until its end.
WHAT	All traffic landing or lining up on runway 34L. Aircraft using the gates A4-A10.
TIME	Sunrise to 11 pm.
MISC.	Heat haze may be a problem here. Only take out your camera when taking a photograph to avoid unnecessary attention by security.
FOCAL LENGTH	50-300 mm A332 = 90 mm; A320 = 140 mm; 77W = 220 mm

DOH-Spot2

DOH-Spot2

DOH-Spot2

DOH-Spot2

DOH-Spot2

DOH-Spot2

	Spot #3 – Airport Driveway East
WHERE	Leave the airport terminal from the departures level to its eastern end and continue for a few more meters on the footpath past the security guard until its end.
WHAT	All traffic landing or lining up on runway 34R. Aircraft using the gates B2-B10.
TIME	Noon until sunset.
MISC.	Heat haze may be a problem here. Only take out your camera when taking a photograph to avoid unnecessary attention by security. The security guard’s office is very nearby, but they are not looking your way and are usually busy on their phone.
FOCAL LENGTH	100-300 mm 738 = 250 mm; 772 = 170 mm

DOH-Spot3

DOH-Spot3

DOH-Spot3

DOH-Spot3

DOH-Spot3