As another data point. Last night I was able to successfully transit (without clearing customs and paying a visa fee) there in the old terminal. It was originally a 1 hour and 40 minute connect from QR DOH-CAI (first class on both legs) and then I was getting back on the same plane for the reverse.

This was due to having two sets of tickets (due to some changes to my travel plans) and not wanting to sit in the terminal for 4-5 hours (which to be honest would have been the safer less stressful option).

With the 1 hour 40 minutes transfer I felt it was a doable transfer, but of course very tight. Once we boarded in Doha a medical emergency happened where some ambulance guys had to come get an old lady off the plane but then they eventually let her reboard about 40 minutes later, of course I was then sweating bullets. But at that point there was not much I could do but hope. Luckily the pilot was able to make up some of the lost time so we ended up only about 20 minutes behind.


Prior to arrival I spoke with the purser who asked the pilot to check and basically came back saying the best they could do was discuss with the ground staff upon landing.

When we landed I was met by a ground staff who claimed he was up to speed and wanted me to go clear customs and go to the check in desk. As it was 1 hour 20 minutes until flight time I was hesitant to follow his advice. So instead of clearing customs I took a left upon entering the building and went to the transit desk where I explained the problem. Of course they were a little confused that I was returning on the same plane I came in on and I explained that my plans had changed and QR wanted a huge fee to adjust the flights. That they immediately understood and the Egyptian officer guy made a call took my passport etc. 10 minutes later I saw a QR guy coming down to the transfer desk with tickets in hand. I then sat and waited and waited (for almost 50 minutes).

They starting boarding the QR flight so then of course I started getting really nervous.

I kept looking over and the Egyptian officers where just having a chat etc. kept visiting with the other airport employees who also use that entrance.

Well eventually QR announced last call I went to the desk to politely ask what was going on and in a pile of around 20 passports they found mine with the tickets in it. They stamped it and my passport (Egypt transit stamp) and sent me on my way. I was basically the last one to board, but just made it. I think had I checked 40 minutes earlier I could have shortened the process but either way the short QR to QR transit is possible. Keep in mind this is the old terminal and they move to the new one next week, so I can't say how that will impact it.

The whole process was a bit stressful though so not sure I want to risk it again, it would be a lot less stress to go with the longer transit connection.

Special thanks to the local flyer talk member I met on the DOH to CAI flight (and the great AV Geek discussion due to my flyertalk luggage tags).