Cargo Flight Operations at Doha Hamad International Airport (DOH)

Hamad International Airport (IATA: DOH, ICAO: OTHH) in Doha, Qatar, is one of the world’s most strategically positioned cargo hubs, sitting at the geographic crossroads of Europe, Asia, and Africa. Operating 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, DOH handled 2.59 million tonnes of cargo in 2025 and is home to Qatar Airways Cargo, one of the world’s largest dedicated air freight operators. This guide covers everything cargo operators, freight forwarders, and charter brokers need to know to run efficient flight operations at DOH.

In this guide

• DOH at a glance: key cargo statistics and airport data
• The DOH cargo terminal: facilities, capacity, and infrastructure
• Ground handling at DOH: Cargo and approved handlers
• Permits and slots for cargo operations at OTHH
• Customs and import/export procedures at DOH
• Specialist cargo handling: pharma, perishables, DG, and live animals
• Qatar Airways Cargo: fleet, network, and special products
• New Cargo Terminal 2: what operators need to know
• Practical operator checklist for cargo flights at DOH
• FAQ: cargo flight operations at Doha Hamad Airport

 

DOH key cargo statistics and airport data

Hamad International Airport is Qatar’s sole international aviation gateway and one of the Gulf region’s most important cargo nodes. Its mid-point location between major global trade corridors, combined with the scale of Qatar Airways Cargo’s dedicated freighter fleet, makes DOH a natural choice for intercontinental freight routing and express cargo connections across three continents.

Parameter	Detail
IATA / ICAO code	DOH / OTHH
Location	15 km east of central Doha, Qatar
Operating hours	24 hours, 7 days a week — no curfew
Runways	Two parallel: 4,850 m (longest in Western Asia) and 4,250 m — Code F
Cargo volume (2025)	2.59 million tonnes handled
Aircraft movements (2025)	282,975 — 1% year-on-year increase
Cargo terminal (current)	55,000 sqm — capacity 1.4 million tonnes per year
Freighter stands	11 wide-body freighter aircraft stands
Airside loading docks	42
Primary cargo handler	QAS Cargo (Qatar Aviation Services Cargo)
Dominant carrier	Qatar Airways Cargo — 70+ dedicated cargo destinations
Fuel	Jet A-1, available 24/7
Regulator	Qatar Civil Aviation Authority (QCAA)

 

The DOH cargo Terminal: facilities, capacity, and infrastructure

Cargo operations at Hamad International Airport are handled from a dedicated cargo terminal located in the airport’s midfield area, separate from the passenger terminal complex. The facility commenced operations on December 1, 2013, with an inaugural Qatar Airways Cargo flight arriving from Europe, and has been continuously expanded since.

 

Current terminal, key specifications

• Total floor area: 55,000 square meters across two levels
• Annual throughput capacity: 1.4 million tonnes
• 11 dedicated wide-body freighter aircraft stands
• 42 airside loading docks
• Automated Storage and Retrieval Systems (ASRS) mezzanine for unit load devices (ULDs)
• Warehouse spaces with segregated zones for general cargo, special cargo, and restricted commodities
• Dedicated pharmaceutical and perishable handling areas with 64 temperature-controlled positions
• 2,470 sqm of dedicated Climate Control space for active and passive perishable and pharmaceutical shipments
• Live animal handling facility compliant with IATA Live Animals Regulations (LAR)
• X-ray screening and security scan units integrated into acceptance flow

 

DOH’s cargo terminal is IATA CEIV Pharma certified, one of a small number of airports globally to hold this standard. This makes it a preferred routing point for pharmaceutical and temperature-sensitive supply chains connecting Europe, Asia, and Africa.

 

Temperature control infrastructure

The DOH cargo hub operates in compliance with Good Distribution Practice (GDP) standards for pharmaceutical shipments. Qatar Airways Cargo’s Climate Control team monitors pharmaceutical and perishable shipments 24 hours a day. The Quick Ramp Transfer (QRT) system uses temperature-controlled vehicles to transfer sensitive cargo directly between the ramp and the warehouse, eliminating exposure during the ground transfer.

 

Ground handling at DOH: Cargo and approved operators

Ground handling at Hamad International Airport’s cargo terminal can be held by approved operates. Just Aviation can help you in securing your ground handling with all logistics stakeholders in real time.

Cargo services

• Full cargo acceptance, build-up, and breakdown
• Unit load device (ULD) handling, storage, and management
• Temperature-controlled cargo handling and monitoring
• Dangerous goods acceptance, screening, and storage
• Live animal care and handling
• Hub Operation Control (HOC) for real-time shipment coordination

 

Ground handling for non-scheduled and charter cargo operators

Charter cargo operators and ad-hoc freighter operators arriving at DOH must pre-arrange handling before departure. Arriving without a confirmed handler will result in delays, and in some cases, denial of airside access until arrangements are confirmed. MATAR requires all non-scheduled operators to submit a handling confirmation as part of the slot application process.

 

Permits and slots for cargo operations at OTHH

Qatar is a fully sovereign airspace jurisdiction regulated by the Qatar Civil Aviation Authority (QCAA). All foreign operators, whether scheduled, charter, or ad-hoc freighter, require formal permits to land at DOH and to overfly Qatari airspace. DOH operates as a slot-coordinated airport for aircraft movements, meaning slot confirmation is a separate requirement from ATC clearance.

 

Landing permits

• Required for all non-Qatari registered aircraft landing at DOH
• Submit permit applications to QCAA via an approved permit agent or directly through the QCAA online portal
• Standard processing time: 5 to 10 business days for scheduled operators; 24 to 72 hours for charter or ad-hoc operators
• Permit applications must include: aircraft registration, operator AOC number, flight purpose, cargo type, crew details, and insurance certificate
• Diplomatic and government flights require a separate diplomatic clearance in addition to the standard permit

 

Overflight permits

• Required for transiting Qatari airspace without landing
• Standard processing: 24 to 48 hours; expedited: 4 to 12 hours on emergency or humanitarian basis
• Qatar’s geographic position means many East-West routes require Qatari overflight clearance even for non-DOH flights

 

Slot coordination

• DOH is IATA Level 3 Coordinated airport for cargo movements during peak periods
• Slot requests must be submitted to the MATAR slot coordinator, do not assume ATC clearance equals a confirmed slot
• For ad-hoc and charter cargo operations, submit slot requests as early as possible minimum 24 to 48 hours recommended
• Night freight slots (between 22:00 and 06:00 Qatar time) are available subject to operational demand

 

Customs and import/export procedures at DOH

Qatar Customs operates under the supervision of the General Authority of Customs Qatar. All import cargo arriving at DOH must be pre-advised to the customs broker before the aircraft departs the origin. The Doha cargo customs process is generally efficient by regional standards, but documentation must be complete and accurate, incomplete paperwork is the most common cause of customs delay at DOH.

 

Required import documentation at DOH

• Original Air Waybill (AWB) or e-AWB: Qatar Customs accepts e-AWB; Qatar Airways Cargo is a leading adopter of paperless documentation
• Commercial invoice in English or Arabic
• Detailed packing list
• Certificate of Origin: required for tariff classification and preferential duty treatment
• Import permit for regulated goods (pharmaceuticals, food, animals, dual-use items, controlled substances)
• Dangerous goods documentation if applicable: SHPD and DG manifest
• CITES permit for any cargo involving protected species or related products

 

Export documentation from DOH

• Export declaration to Qatar Customs: must be submitted before cargo is loaded
• Export license for controlled or regulated goods
• Qatar-specific certificates for food, agricultural products, or goods subject to non-tariff measures

 

Free Zone considerations

Qatar has several free zone areas adjacent to the DOH cargo precinct, including the Qatar Free Zones Authority (QFZA) areas. Cargo transiting through free zone facilities is subject to specific regulations and may require additional documentation. Freight forwarders unfamiliar with Qatari free zone procedures should engage a local customs broker before planning any storage or re-export operations through DOH.

 

Specialist cargo handling at DOH: pharma, perishables, DG, and live animals

DOH’s cargo terminal is one of the most capable specialist cargo handling facilities in the Gulf region. Operators routing time-sensitive, temperature-controlled, or high-value cargo through Doha should understand the specific procedures and certifications in place.

Pharmaceuticals – QR Pharma

Qatar Airways Cargo operates QR Pharma, a dedicated pharmaceutical product designed to handle medicines, vaccines, biologics, and clinical trial materials. The Doha hub is IATA CEIV Pharma certified, meaning the entire end-to-end process acceptance, storage, ramp transfer, and documentation, complies with GDP and IATA temperature control guidelines. Temperature excursion alarms are monitored 24/7 by a dedicated Climate Control team. Operators routing pharmaceutical cargo through DOH should confirm QR Pharma booking in advance, particularly for +2°C to +8°C (CRT) and frozen (-20°C) shipments.

Perishables – QR Fresh

QR Fresh is Qatar Airways Cargo’s dedicated perishable product, handling fresh produce, flowers, seafood, and other time-sensitive biological material. The Quick Ramp Transfer (QRT) system ensures perishable cargo moves between the aircraft and the temperature-controlled warehouse without ambient exposure, critical in Doha’s extreme summer temperatures, which regularly exceed 45°C on the ramp.

Dangerous goods (DG)

• DOH accepts DG cargo in compliance with IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations (DGR) 2026 edition
• Operators must submit Shipper’s Declaration for Dangerous Goods (SHPD) and DG Manifest before acceptance
• Not all DG classes are accepted by all operators at DOH, confirm acceptance policy before tendering
• Radioactive material (UN 2915/UN 2916) requires advance notification to QCAA and QAS Cargo, minimum 48 hours
• Lithium battery shipments are subject to updated 2026 IATA DGR regulations; verify classification and packing group carefully

Live animals

DOH’s dedicated live animal facility is compliant with IATA Live Animals Regulations (LAR). Qatar Airways Cargo handles live animals, including horses, pets, zoo animals, and livestock  with trained specialist staff. Advance booking is mandatory; operators should coordinate with the live animal handling team at least 72 hours before the scheduled arrival or departure of any live animal consignment.

High-value cargo

Valuables, fine art, jewelry, currency, and high-value electronics are handled under Qatar Airways Cargo’s QR Secure product. The DOH cargo terminal has a dedicated secure zone with CCTV, access control, and tamper-evident sealing. Operators tendering high-value cargo must declare the full insured value and obtain appropriate coverage before acceptance.

Qatar Airways Cargo at DOH: fleet, network, and position

Qatar Airways Cargo is the dominant operator at DOH and one of the world’s top five air freight carriers by volume. Its scale and network directly define the capabilities of the Doha cargo hub for connecting operators, freight forwarders, and interline partners.

Fleet and capacity

• Dedicated freighter fleet operating Boeing 777F and Airbus A330F aircraft
• Access to belly hold capacity on Qatar Airways’ wide-body passenger fleet, one of the largest in the Middle East
• Boeing 777 freighters provide approximately 103 tonnes of payload capacity per flight
• e-AWB adoption rate among the highest in the industry, streamlining documentation for interline and third-party operators

Network reach from DOH

• Over 70 dedicated cargo destinations served by Qatar Airways Cargo freighters
• Access to 160+ passenger destinations via belly hold capacity
• Key cargo corridors: Doha – Europe, Doha – South/Southeast Asia, Doha – East Africa, Doha – North America, Doha – Australia
• Direct freighter links to major pharmaceutical and perishable production markets in India, Netherlands, Chile, and Kenya

For cargo operators routing interline freight through DOH, Qatar Airways Cargo’s Quick Ramp Transfer (QRT) provides the fastest aircraft-to-aircraft transfer available in the Middle East, critical for time-sensitive cargo connections on intercontinental routes.

New Cargo Terminal 2 at DOH: what operators need to know

Hamad International Airport is currently in procurement and tendering for a new multi-level Cargo Terminal 2, developed in partnership with BNP Associates and engineering firm Dar Al-Handasah. When operational, Terminal 2 will fundamentally transform DOH’s cargo capacity and position in the global freight network.

Planned specifications

• Total area: 85,000 square meters, significantly larger than the current 55,000 sqm terminal
• Annual throughput capacity: 3.3 million tonnes, more than double the current terminal’s 1.4 million tonne capacity
• Target ranking: top three cargo facilities in the world by capacity upon completion
• Advanced automated cargo handling systems (ACHS) integrated from the design stage
• Multi-level facility optimized for wide-body freighter and belly-hold operations simultaneously

The design phase involved analysis of every individual Air Waybill processed at the current terminal to optimize workflow and reduce dwell times. Operators planning long-term freighter routing decisions through DOH should factor in Terminal 2’s expanded capacity and automation capabilities in their infrastructure planning. Completion timeline has not been formally announced as of early 2026, operators should monitor MATAR communications for updates.

Practical operator checklist: cargo flight to DOH

Use this checklist for any non-scheduled or charter cargo operation arriving at or departing from Hamad International Airport.

Pre-departure (minimum 72 hours before)

1. Verify current Qatar airspace status with permit agent, confirm no restrictions or closures in effect
2. Submit landing permit application to QCAA via Just Aviation
3. Confirm slot request submitted to MATAR slot coordinator
4. Book and confirm ground handling
5. Notify destination customs broker, submit cargo pre-advice, AWB, commercial invoice, packing list
6. Confirm fuel uplift availability, Jet A-1 available 24/7 but advance notice recommended for large uplifts
7. For DG, pharma, perishables, or live animals: make specialist handling booking separately

Pre-departure (24 hours before)

8. Confirm landing permit received and valid for planned wheels-up time
9. Confirm slot is confirmed, do not depart without slot confirmation in writing
10. File ICAO flight plan and include all overflight clearances for intermediate airspace
11. Complete crew visa and entry checks, nationals from 95+ countries visa-free for Qatar; others require visa on arrival or e-visa
12. Complete dangerous goods screening and obtain SHPD if applicable

On arrival at DOH

13. Confirm handling agent meeting aircraft on stand
14. Submit Cargo Manifest and General Declaration to Qatar Customs on arrival
15. For temperature-sensitive cargo, notify handler immediately if any temperature excursion during transit
16. For import customs clearance, ensure local broker has customs entry number before off-loading begins

Why DOH remains a critical node for global cargo operations

Hamad International Airport’s combination of geographic positioning, Qatar Airways Cargo’s network scale, IATA CEIV Pharma certification, and 24/7 curfew-free operations make it one of the most operationally capable cargo hubs in the world. For operators routing cargo between Europe, Asia, East Africa, and the Americas, DOH offers connection speed, specialist handling depth, and infrastructure that few airports in the region can match.

The planned Cargo Terminal 2, targeting 3.3 million tonnes of annual capacity, will further cement DOH’s position in the global air freight hierarchy when it comes online. Operators, freight forwarders, and charter brokers who build their DOH operational knowledge now, permits, handlers, customs processes, and specialist cargo procedures, will be best positioned to leverage the airport’s growing capabilities in the years ahead.

Contact Us now to arrange for your Urgent Cargo Operations in DOH Airport

For time-critical cargo operations at Doha Hamad International Airport (DOH), Just Aviation offers expert support to ensure your emergency or urgent cargo flights run smoothly. From aircraft sourcing and permit coordination to ground handling and customs pre-clearance, our team provides 24/7 operational assistance so your mission meets tight deadlines without compromise. Contact Just Aviation today to streamline your cargo flight operations at DOH and keep your critical shipments moving on time.

[email protected]

Cargo flight operations at Doha Hamad Airport (DOH) — FAQ

Q1: What is the ICAO and IATA code for Hamad International Airport?

Hamad International Airport in Doha, Qatar, has IATA code DOH and ICAO code OTHH. It is Qatar’s only international airport and the hub for Qatar Airways and Qatar Airways Cargo. The airport operates 24 hours a day with no night curfew, making it suitable for all types of cargo flight operations including overnight freighter movements.

Q2: How much cargo does Doha Hamad International Airport handle?

Hamad International Airport handled 2.59 million tonnes of cargo in 2025. The current cargo terminal processes up to 1.4 million tonnes per year across 55,000 square meters of facility space, with 11 dedicated wide-body freighter stands and 42 airside loading docks. A new Cargo Terminal 2 with 3.3 million tonnes annual capacity is planned.

Q3: How to arrange for DOH Ground handling?

Just Aviation will be your ground handling partner at DOH and provides full cargo acceptance, ULD handling, temperature-controlled storage, DG handling, and live animal care. Non-Qatar Airways operators must arrange handling separately with an MATAR-approved ground handler.

Q4: Do cargo operators need a permit to land at DOH?

Yes. All non-Qatari registered aircraft require a landing permit from the Qatar Civil Aviation Authority (QCAA) to land at DOH. Standard permit processing is 5 to 10 business days for scheduled operators and 24 to 72 hours for charter or ad-hoc cargo operations. Slot confirmation from MATAR is a separate and additional requirement.

Q5: Is DOH a good hub for pharmaceutical cargo?

Yes. Hamad International Airport is IATA CEIV Pharma certified. Qatar Airways Cargo operates QR Pharma, a dedicated pharmaceutical product, with temperature-controlled vehicles, 64 refrigerated positions, 2,470 sqm of dedicated climate control space, and 24/7 temperature monitoring. DOH is widely considered one of the top pharmaceutical cargo hubs in the Middle East and is GDP-compliant throughout.

Q6: What are the runway specifications at OTHH?

DOH has two parallel Code F runways capable of simultaneous take-offs and landings. The primary runway is 4,850 metres long, the longest in Western Asia, and 60 metres wide. The secondary runway is 4,250 metres by 60 metres. Both can accommodate the world’s largest cargo aircraft including the Boeing 747-8F and Antonov An-124.

Q7: How does Just Aviation support cargo flight operations at DOH?

Just Aviation provides ground support services at Hamad International Airport and over 1,800 airports worldwide, including crew meet-and-greet, VIP ground transport, cargo facilitation liaison, and concierge support for operators and freight personnel transiting Doha. Our services can be booked rapidly for emergency cargo missions. Contact us for rapid-response support at DOH. [email protected]