With the launch of the new Passenger Terminal Building, which was awarded the World’s Best New Airport at the Skytrax 2022 World Airport Awards, Bahrain’s transportation and aviation sector has taken a massive leap forward, bringing the Kingdom closer to its economic diversification and sustainability goals.

Airport key facts and figures:

8.7 Million passengers (in 2023)
2,164 departures per week
92,396 flights (in 2023)
31,804 Tonnes of cargo (in July 2024)
BIA caters to 39 commercial and cargo airlines.
Most flights to the GCC are approximately one hour, including Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Riyadh and Kuwait

The New Passenger Terminal

The centrepiece of the AMP is BIA’s new Passenger Terminal Building, which started operations in January 2021. This futuristic new terminal is designed to deliver comfort and connections with a more personal, modern feel. Its world-class capabilities and wide range of commercial outlets are set to strengthen BIA’s position among the world’s top airports.

With an area of over 210,000 sqm (four times larger than the old facility), the new Passenger Terminal offers greater capacity for passengers, cargo and commercial activities. It has doubled BIA’s capacity to more than 14 million passengers and 130,000 aircraft flights annually, in addition to a handling capacity of 4,700 bags per hour.

The terminal is equipped with advanced technologies and high-level services to improve the level of efficiency and security at the airport. A state-of-the-art ICT system, with ‘Smart Airport’ mechanism processes, streamlines travel procedures, allowing passengers to enjoy a quick and easy journey.

BIA offers a plethora of facilities and services, including lounges, Bahrain Airport Hotel & Spa, Duty Free, Souq Al Qaisariya, restaurants and cafés, art collections, art and archaeological galleries, airport clinic and various other commercial services.

Premium Amenities & Services:

- The luxurious Pearl Lounge accommodates 445 guests with unique rooms, global cuisine, and modern amenities.
- The Bahrain Airport Hotel caters to transit passengers with various accommodation options, a comfortable lounge, and relaxation amenities.
Diverse Offerings:
- Over 10,000 sqm of retail and dining space cater to shopping and culinary needs.
- Displays of local art and culture showcase regional heritage.
- Duty-free shopping options are plentiful.
The Awal Private Terminal provides dedicated services for private and VIP passengers.
- Comprehensive Facilities: The terminal accommodates all passenger types, including commercial, FBO, and CIP.

Air Connectivity

Bahrain International Airport boasts an exceptional air connectivity network, making it a vital hub for both passengers and cargo. With an impressive 2,164 departures weekly and 31,804 tons of cargo transported in July 2024, the airport plays a crucial role in regional and international travel. In 2023 alone, it facilitated 92,396 flights, welcoming 8.7 million passengers.

During the summer of 2024, Bahrain Airport offers connections to 71 destinations, with ambitious plans to expand this figure to over 100. It supports the operations of 39 commercial and cargo airlines, reinforcing its status as a key player in the global aviation industry.

Travelers will appreciate Bahrain Airport's convenient flight times to popular destinations: a quick 1-hour journey can take you to Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Riyadh, or Kuwait. A short 1.5-hour flight brings you to Muscat, while Jeddah is just 2 hours away. For those venturing farther, cities like Cairo, Amman, Mumbai, and Delhi can be reached within approximately 3 hours.

Airline Opportunities:

Bahrain International Airport serves as a vital gateway to the Gulf region, hosting a variety of prominent airlines that connect travelers to destinations worldwide. Gulf Air, the national carrier, is renowned for its extensive network and exceptional service, making it a favored choice among passengers. Emirates and Flydubai enhance connectivity to and from the UAE, offering convenient flights to major cities across the globe. Air Arabia provides low-cost options, catering to budget-conscious travelers seeking regional and international routes. Additionally, Turkish Airlines enriches the airport's offerings with its exceptional service and extensive connections to Europe, Asia, and beyond, positioning Bahrain International Airport as a key hub for international travel.

Cargo & Logistics

Cargo Terminal
25,000 SQM Cargo Terminal
With more than 40 years in the MENA region, DHL operates 235 weekly flights and 250 vehicles, a widespread and far-reaching integrated air and land network. Other cargo and logistics companies operating out of the airport include FedEx, TNT Express, Aramex, and Global Logistical Services (GLS).

Bahrain International Airport's Cargo Network 

Express Cargo Village

With its state-of-the-art warehouses, aircraft parking, and associated infrastructure, the new Cargo Area will enable Bahrain International Airport (BIA) to handle larger volumes more efficiently, better cater to express cargo customers’ needs and create new job opportunities. Its development also supports government-led efforts to transform logistics and air cargo into one of Bahrain’s primary industries.

Bahrain International Airport's current cargo volume has reached 360,000 tons per annum, and is expected to increase towards 1.3 Million tons of cargo per annum with the completion and launch of the Express Cargo Village.

The Express Hub will be a dedicated facility to handle transshipments within the airport and logistics zones and operate Bahrain Airport Company’s or its partners’ freighter airlines. It will also leverage the excellent connectivity provided by other commercial airlines.
Direct access to the airside and freighter parking stands will facilitate a seamless journey, ensuring quick sorting and turnaround of goods. In contrast, a dedicated Customs Area will ensure smooth and speedy transactions.

The area will be divided into 3 different locations to accommodate the following businesses:
• Zone A:
Designed to cater to courier companies needing comprehensive airside and landside facilities for seamless import, export, and transshipment operations. This zone provides the added advantage of enabling companies to conduct aircraft operations at BIA with direct ramp access.
Zone A1 encompasses a dedicated parking area with dual access points (landside and airside) along with 10 modular cargo facilities to support various operational needs.
Zone A2 features a fenced free-zone area comprising 15 warehouses of varying sizes, including warehouses measuring 744 sqm and 377 sqm, providing storage solutions tailored to diverse cargo requirements.
• Zone B:
Ideal for 3PL and 4PL companies, Zone B will be developed to be a Free Zone logistics facility and will support companies who require a free zone area for activities such as long-term storage, distribution, and re-export activities.
Zone B also includes a fenced "free-zone" area, 5 warehouses of 754 SQM, 10 warehouses of 377 SQM, and one main entrance and exit.
• Zone C:
Zone C is planned to have a commercial building consisting of retail shops, freight forwarding, ground support agents, and airline representatives' offices.
Zone C also includes an admin zone, which offers its residents with customizable office solutions and food/retail space for rent.

Cargo Complex

The cargo complex facility offers customer service support to cargo clients. The facility consists of office spaces hosting cargo airlines’ sales representatives, freight forwarders, and Ground Support Agents insuring smooth back-office cargo operations for BIA’s customers.

MROs

The airport’s Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) zone include a new MRO hangar, main stores, aircraft parking, aprons, a taxiway, an airfield pavement, engine run-up areas, airfield ground lighting, and associated infrastructure.

Sustainability

At Bahrain International Airport, our commitment is to connect people to the world while prioritizing environmental protection and sustainable development. We are committed to achieving Net Zero emissions by 2050, and our overall business strategy firmly integrates effective sustainable targets to address the global climate crisis, build resilience, and secure a brighter future. This commitment to Net Zero emissions is in accordance with Bahrain’s sustainability initiative and is in line with the Airports Council International (ACI) environmental goals.

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Awards & Accolades

• ACI Safeguard Award for Airport Health Measures Audit Programme, 2021.
• ACI Airport Health Accreditation, 2021-2022.
• ACI Airport Carbon Accreditation Level 3 & 4 ‘Transformation’.
• ACI Green Airports Recognition Program 2022 Silver Award in Carbon Management.
• ACI Green Airports Recognition Program 2023 Silver Award in Eliminating Single-Use-Plastic.
• ACI Airport Customer Experience Accreditation Level 1, 2 and 3.
• ACI Accessibility Enhancement Accreditation Level 1, 2023.
• ACI Public Health and Safety Readiness Accreditation, 2023.
• 5-star COVID-19 Airport Safety Rating from Skytrax, 2021.
• International Safety Awards - British Safety Council, 2021.
• Bureau Veritas Safeguard Award, 2021.
• LEED Certified Green Building Award for the Passenger Terminal Building, Multi-story Car Park & the Central Utility Complex.
• The Airport Operator of the Year (Business Aviation) - Aviation Achievement Award, 2022.
• Sustainability - Aviation Achievement Award, 2023.
• Health and Safety Initiative of the Year - Aviation Achievement Award, 2023.
• Arab Aviation Award, 2022.
• Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) Bronze Award in 2021 & Silver Award in 2022 & 2023.
• Skytrax World Best New Airport, 2022.
• International Awards, British Safety Council, 2023.
• Skytrax 5-star Rating Award for the Airport, 2022 & 2023.
• Skytrax World's Best Airport for Baggage Delivery, 2023.
• Skytrax Best Airport Staff in the Middle East, 2023.
• Skytrax 5-star Rating Award for the Pearl Lounge, 2022 & 2023.
• Customer Experience Accreditation - Level 4, 2024.
• Airport Accessibility Enhancement Accreditation - Level 1, 2024.