Bangladesh’s heaving capital Dhaka is its cultural and financial hub. A city of some 18 million people, Dhaka is frenetic, energetic, vibrant and a cultural melting pot. Despite its incredibly fast pace of life, there are still some oases of calm and tranquillity where visitors can catch their breath for a moment. Book a flight to Dhaka with Qatar Airways and you’ll also discover that this is one of the friendliest cities on earth too.

It is Dhaka’s colourful chaos that gives Bangladesh’s capital its charm. Home to 18 million people, the modern-day city is the nation’s industrial, commercial and political centre.

Book a flight to Dhaka with Qatar Airways, to discover a city of stark contrasts, from the shanty towns of Old Dhaka to the glistening high rises of Banani and Gulshan.

Listed as one of the top 30 busiest airports in the world, the George Bush Intercontinental Airport serves Houston and the southeast area of Texas.

It is Texas' second largest air facility, after Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport, and offers flights with a number of carriers, including Qatar Airways, to Canada, Central and South America, Europe, Africa and Asia. Modern and well-organized, the airport is one of the easiest to navigate your way around, thanks to friendly and helpful staff.

Transportation and parking

Because the airport is situated some 26 miles from Houston, the best way to reach the airport is via taxi, limousine service or the regular bus services.

Catch the bus from the Downtown Transit Center station of the METRORail. Buses run every 30 minutes. An underground inter-terminal train outside of the sterile zone connects all five terminals, and a shuttle-bus service also runs from Terminal A to Terminals B and C.

The airport has over 25,000 parking spaces as well as the ecopark, which provides economy parking at the corner of Greens Road and John F. Kennedy Blvd. A free shuttle service connects to the terminals.

Arriving at Houston

International flights including flights from Houston with Qatar Airways depart from Terminal D, also known as the Mickey Leland International Terminal. This state-of-the-art terminal is undergoing re-development to give it a fresh and airy feel.

Terminal D has 12 gates and several international lounges, including an exclusive lounge for the use of Qatar Airways passengers only.

Facilities and amenities

The Terminal D food court is located in the departures area and is home to a selection of eateries, serving snacks, quick meals and coffee.

Several exclusive outlets in Terminal D also sell locally-made Texan products and souvenirs, such as hats, boots and Western apparel. A wellness centre also offers massage and treatments.

Bangladesh’s heaving capital Dhaka is its cultural and financial hub. A city of some 18 million people, Dhaka is frenetic, energetic, vibrant and a cultural melting pot. Despite its incredibly fast pace of life, there are still some oases of calm and tranquillity where visitors can catch their breath for a moment. Book a flight to Dhaka with Qatar Airways and you’ll also discover that this is one of the friendliest cities on earth too.

It’s also a time capsule charting the various influences in the region in its eclectic mix of architecture, from the Mogul Emperors through to colonial British rule in the 19th century. Today it also has a shining and ultra modern business epicentre, making Dhaka a treasure-trove of experiences for the visitor.

Tourist attractions

Apart from its incredibly friendly people, Dhaka’s main attractions are its buildings. The Lalbagh Fort was built by the son of Mogul emperor Aurangazeb, Prince Mohammad Azam in 1678. Surrounded by formal gardens, it also provides a little bit of green space in the heart of the city. The fort also houses a number of monuments and attractions within its walls, including the Tomb of Pari Bibi, Lalbagh Mosque, the Audience Hall and the Hammam of Nawab Shaista Khan, which also houses a museum.

Dhaka’s parks are beautifully kept and offer dazzling displays of colour all year round. Baldha Garden is a botanist’s delight, and is packed with native and rare plant species. The National Botanical Gardens offers 205 acres to explore and is right next to the city’s zoo. Ramna Green is a traditional public park surrounded by a winding lake that offers some cool respite during the heat of the summer.

If modern architecture is your passion then pay a visit to the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban, or parliament building. Designed by American architect, Louis I. Kahn, it is a landmark building in a uniquely modern style. You will need to take your passport to go on a tour of the building.


Travel considerations

Flights to Dhaka with Qatar Airways land at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport. Visa restrictions for entry into the country will depend on your country of origin, length of stay and whether your trip is for business or pleasure. Before you fly to Dhaka please check the visa and passport requirements.