Benazir Bhutto International Airport, also known as Islamabad International Airport, serves Pakistan’s capital and its twin city of Rawalpindi in the Punjab. It’s a key air transport hub for this region of Asia, and is particularly important for business travellers working or visiting Islamabad.
Book a flight ticket to Washington, D.C., with Qatar Airways, and get ready to take the pulse of the United States’ political epicentre. America’s seat of power has more to offer than Capitol Hill and the White House, especially for the curious visitor prepared to stray off the beaten track.
Museums, parks and architecture serve to occupy both culture vultures and families at play. Thanks to the numerous communities that have made Washington their home, dining out is also an experience to remember.
Flying from Islamabad
Benazir Bhutto International Airport, also known as Islamabad International Airport, serves Pakistan’s capital and its twin city of Rawalpindi in the Punjab. It’s a key air transport hub for this region of Asia, and is particularly important for business travellers working or visiting Islamabad.
Recent upgrades have seen the airport expand to cope with growing demand, and travellers flying from Islamabad with Qatar Airways will discover an extremely efficient, modern airport where the passenger experience is paramount.
Transportation and parking
Drivers can take the Kashmir Highway and then Islamabad Highway southbound. This leads straight on to the Airport link road, which is clearly signposted. There are some buses, but they do tend to be very crowded, which is not ideal for passengers with young children or large amounts of luggage.
The best option is to book a taxi to the airport. Metro Radio Cab, Yellow Cab and Cab Radio Services all run regularly between the airport and the city centre, and the journey time (depending on traffic conditions) takes approximately 30 minutes.
The new terminal development has expanded the parking facilities at the airport, providing capacity for up to 2,000 vehicles. Both short and long-term parking options are available.
Arriving at the airport
Passengers flying from Islamabad with Qatar Airways depart from the main terminal’s Departures area. With 15 gates and 90 check-in counters, the process is relatively smooth. Buses take passengers to the aircraft, and the airport can now accommodate the larger Airbus 380.
Be aware, though, that security at Islamabad International Airport is exceptionally tight, so allow at least two hours for check-in and customs clearance before your flight is due to board.
Facilities and amenities
Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the airport, and a small business centre in the main building provides photocopying and faxing services. The CIP lounge, which is open to all First and Business Class customers, also provides some business facilities and work spaces. A large food court provides everything from fast food and snacks to more substantial meals, including authentic local cuisine and international dishes.
A selection of retailers and Duty Free shops sell luxury goods, travel essentials, books and magazines, and there are also ATMs and banking facilities throughout the airport.
Arriving in Washington, D.C.
The home of the President of the United States, Congress, the White House and a host of other iconic monuments, attractions and sights, Washington D.C. is the very heart of the U.S. Fly to Washington D.C. with Qatar Airways and you can start discovering this fabulous capital city for yourself.
From the Lincoln Memorial to the Washington Monument, a trip to Washington D.C. is bound to get your camera snapping and your passion for exploration flowing. It’s also home to countless museums and galleries, making your visit one to remember.
Tourist attractions
Washington D.C. gathers some of its best attractions in one place, so the National Mall is probably one of the best ways to see Washington’s monuments.
The mall is full of museums and exhibits, with the Lincoln Memorial on one end and Capitol Hill on the other, and encompasses famous monuments, such as the World War II Memorial, Korean War Veterans Memorial, and Vietnam Veterans Memorial.
If you walk south of the mall, you can also find the Tidal Basin, popular during the annual Cherry Blossom Festival each spring. Tours of the White House are incredibly popular but must be booked well in advance.
Washington D.C. is also home to dozens of museums. The Popular Smithsonian museums include the National Museums of National History, National Portrait Gallery, and the National Air and Space Museum. The Spy Museum is perfect for families with children, who will love all the gadgets.
Travel considerations
Flights to Washington D.C. with Qatar Airways land at Washington Dulles 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 Washington D.C. please check the visa and passport requirements.
Flight FAQ
To get the best price on your {Destination} flights, it is recommended that you book well in advance of your departure date, as booking early means you are likely to secure the flight you want with your preferred departure and arrival times.
You can buy Business Class tickets to {Destination}, or First Class tickets on some flights. When you book in premium (First or Business Class), you can look forward to exceptional levels of luxury and comfort, with wide seats (fully reclining on some aircraft), unparalleled attention from our cabin crew, the latest in-flight entertainment and a sumptuous on-demand menu. You can view all flight features during flight selection when you book your ticket at qatarairways.com to choose the flight that best suits your needs.
Qatar Airways flights from {Origin} to {Destination} will stop in Doha, Qatar along the way. You will transit at the state-of-the-art Hamad International Airport, home to a myriad of entertainment, shopping and relaxation venues. Stopping in Doha will allow you to take a break from your journey, stretch your legs and rejuvenate before your connecting flight.
Yes. Qatar Airways operates direct flights from {Origin} to Doha. You can check our timetable for flight times and frequency.
Qatar Airways flights from Doha to {Destination} take around {FilightTime}. You can check our timetable for flight times and frequency.
Qatar Airways is proud to be recognised as the ‘World’s Best Business Class’ at the 2023 World Airline Awards by Skytrax, for the tenth time. The airline also won ‘Best Airline in the Middle East’, ‘World’s Best Business Class Lounge’ and ‘World’s Best Business Class Lounge Dining’. As a testament to its continuous pursuit of excellence, Qatar Airways was named ‘World’s Best Airline’ by Skytrax an unprecedented seven times. The airline offers an unsurpassed travel experience in one of the youngest fleets in the skies.
From the moment you step on board until you reach {Destination}, the award-winning cabin crew will take care of your every need. Prepare to enjoy renowned hospitality as you relax in a spacious seat, and keep warm with a cosy blanket for the ultimate comfort. Explore local and international flavours when you indulge in fine cuisine prepared with only the freshest ingredients. Explore up to 6,000 entertainment options on Oryx One, including the latest movie releases, TV series, music and games.
From the moment you step on board until you reach {Destination}, the award-winning cabin crew will take care of your every need. Prepare to enjoy renowned hospitality as you relax in a spacious seat, and keep warm with a cosy blanket for the ultimate comfort. Explore local and international flavours when you indulge in fine cuisine prepared with only the freshest ingredients. Explore up to 6,000 entertainment options on Oryx One, including the latest movie releases, TV series, music and games.
