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.

The Quebec capital of Montreal is served by the very large and modern Montreal–Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport, formerly known as Montreal–Dorval International Airport.

This clean, efficient and very friendly departure point is one of Canada’s largest airports, and passengers flying from Montréal with Qatar Airways will find it to be an excellent departure point to destinations around the world. Airport employees are passenger focused, and are only too happy to help. Both French and English are spoken at the airport, with nearly all staff bi-lingual.

Transportation and parking

Transport from Montréal and other major Canadian cities in the region are excellent. A free minibus service links the airport with Dorval station, 2km from the airport, from where trains from Montreal, Ottawa, Quebec and Toronto connect regularly.

The Societe de Transport de Montréal bus service operates a 24-hour shuttle service to and from the centre of the city, while additional shuttle services from other locations are also available. Taxis and limousines can be booked by your hotel concierge and are available 24 hours a day.

Arriving in Montreal

Passengers flying from Montréal with Qatar Airways depart from Concourse A. There are currently 12 departure gates, with more opening in 2016.

As with all North American airports security is very tight, so allow at least one and a half to two hours before your flight is due to board to clear check in and security checks.

Facilities and amenities

Facilities at the airport are modern and spacious, with several ‘Pay In’ lounges available for all passengers. VIP and Executive lounges are available for business and first class passengers, which also include some business facilities. There are no conference facilities at the airport.

A selection of retail outlets are located in the Departures area and on the various Departure concourses, selling souvenirs, leather and luxury goods, watches, accessories and electronics. Food is plentiful, and ranges from coffee and snacks through to restaurant meals and fast food outlets. A multi-faith prayer room is available for devotions, and free Wi-Fi internet connections are available throughout the airport.

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.