Airport terminal work set to start 12 December 2005 WORK on doubling the size of Bahrain International Airport's passenger terminal is to start next year, it was revealed yesterday. The BD80 million projects is part of a massive, three-phase expansion which will eventually enable the airport to handle around 45m passengers a year. A group of private investors will also develop a multi-storey car park and a business-cum-entertainment centre opposite the airport building, at a cost of BD20m, said Civil Aviation Affairs (CAA) Under-Secretary Captain Abdul Rahman Al Gaoud. "All of these projects will continue to maintain our airport with one of the most modern and state-of-the-art facilities in the Middle East," he told the opening of the third Middle East Airport Projects Conference at the Diplomat Radisson SAS Hotel yesterday. The two-day event is being staged by MEED, at the Diplomat Radisson SAS Hotel, under the CAA's patronage. The conference focuses on the rising costs for airlines and the growth in infrastructure in the GCC countries. "We are again honoured that Bahrain has been selected as the venue for this important conference, which brings together representatives of leading aviation and airport authorities from both within the Middle East and elsewhere in the world," said Capt Al Gaoud. He welcomed the delegates on behalf of Deputy Prime Minister and Transportation Minister Shaikh Ali bin Khalifa Al Khalifa. "An airport acts as a shop window to visitors by providing them with their first point of contact with a country's people and its culture," said Capt Al Gaoud. "At Bahrain International Airport we pride ourselves that the warm and friendly welcome given by our staff very much reflects the image of the people of Bahrain to an international audience worldwide." On future development projects at the airport, he said work would start on a very major extension to the passenger terminal, which will include additional air bridges and remote aircraft parking. "The project is estimated to cost BD80m and it would double the size of our passenger terminal," he later told the GDN. "Work is expected to start late next year and will be completed in 22 months." All the facilities at the airport will be doubled so that it would have a capacity to handle up to around 18 million passengers a year." The number of air bridges is to be increased from the present seven to 16, of which two will be dedicated for the super jumbo A380, said Capt Al Gaoud. "As part of our campaign to enhance the image as a very friendly airport, travelators and other facilities will be installed," he revealed. A group of private investors have already appointed a consultant to prepare designs for a multi-storey car park- cum-shopping and entertainment centre, said Capt Al Gaoud. "Work on this project is also expected to start late next year and to be completed in 18 months," he added. "The four-storey building will have a capacity to take 4,500 cars initially, with a provision to increase it to 5,500 eventually. "The building will also house shops, airline offices and cinemas." As this project will be built in the present car park area, provisions will be made for car parks for the public adjacent to the airport during the construction period, said Capt Al Gaoud. "We shall also be undertaking a full resurfacing of the main runway during the latter part of 2006," he revealed. "The new facilities combined with the friendly, warm and hospitable approach of our Bahrain staff will ensure that we remain one of the most preferred airports for airlines to operate." CAA engineering and maintenance director Abdulla Janahi also spoke on the airport expansion. His presentation was titled, "Reinforcing and growing on a historical hub status.

Bahrain airport wins top honour 6 December 2005 Bahrain has beaten off stiff global competition to win major international airport recognition. British Airways in association with Bahrain Airport Services (BAS) at Bahrain International Airport has won the award as the best performing airport for Summer 2005. "It is well deserved by the team at Bahrain International Airport and it is a proud moment for each staff member who has contributed towards achieving this milestone," said British Airways' service delivery manager Middle East Ultan Kenny. "Great credit goes to Bahrain Airport Services who have played a tremendous role in supporting the operation. I am very grateful to the whole BAS team." British Airways measures airports in groups with similar structures, passenger numbers, flights and challenges. Bahrain saw off competition from places such as Atlanta, Baltimore, Detroit and Orlando, who were among the top five in the same category. The awards take into account factors such as overall customer satisfaction at check-in, the departure process, punctuality, baggage aspects and the number of immigration fines. Jamil Al Wafa, chairman on behalf of the BAS board expressed his thanks to Deputy Prime Minister and Transportation Minister Shaikh Ali bin Khalifa Al Khalifa, the Civil Aviation Under-Secretary Captain Abdul Rahman Al Gaoud for their support to the entire BAS operation. Mr Wafa also thanked Ray Sayer, chief executive officer, the executive management and the entire BAS team for their untiring efforts in achieving such an excellent international recognition.

Airport car park plan is unveiled 4 December 2005 WORK on a multi-million dinar multi-storey car park and a business-cum-entertainment centre will start at Bahrain International Airport late next year, it was revealed yesterday. Civil Aviation Affairs (CAA) will also start work on an extension to the existing terminal building early next year, said CAA Under-Secretary Captain Abdul Rahman Al Gaoud. He unveiled the airport's expansion plans at the third annual Middle East Catering Conference (MECC), which was opened at the Bahrain Conference Centre, Crowne Plaza yesterday. The three-day event is being organised by Pax International magazine. "The multi-storey car park, a business-cum-entertainment centre and several food courts will be built close to the airport," Capt Al Gaoud revealed. "Work on the project, which will give a major facelift to the airport, is expected to start in late 2006. It will take 24 months to complete. "The expansion of the terminal building will equip the airport with additional air-bridges capable of taking the A380 aircraft." The expansion will increase the airport's capability to handle up to 15 million passengers a year, said Capt Al Gaoud. "We will also undertake a full resurfacing of the main runway with new lighting," he added. "We hope our airport will be handling up to 30 million passengers a year by 2025." The air transport industry in the Middle East has continued to register very healthy passenger growth this year, said Capt Al Gaoud. "We have already taken account of this expected growth through the airport with the completion of a backup runway, which is now fully operational," he said. "The newly built control tower will also be opened shortly." Catering, whether onboard or on the ground in airport terminals, is still an integral part of both business and leisure travel, Capt Al Gaoud said. "At Bahrain International Airport, we have taken steps to meet such demands from the passengers by opening new lounges and food courts." UK-based Watermark Group chief executive officer John Caulcutt, who was the keynote speaker, also gave a presentation called A Dynamic Future. Head of Texas-based International Federation for International Catering, Mike Currie, and head of the International Federation for Hospitality and Aviation Services, Khalid Al Duwaisan, also spoke.

Jazeera makes first landing Bahrain travellers can fly one-way to Kuwait for BD13 10 November 2005 Kuwait’s Jazeera Airlines, the first privately-owned airline in the Middle East, flew into Bahrain yesterday on its inaugural flight. The recently-acquired Airbus A-320 aircraft landed at Bahrain International Airport at 5pm and was welcomed by the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transportation, Shaikh Ali bin Khalifa Al Khalifa, Civil Aviation Affairs officials, members of the travel trade and other dignitaries. Acting Undersecretary for Civil Aviation Affairs Ahmed Neama lauded Shaikh Ali’s support to the aviation sector in Bahrain and his directives to provide all facilities to attract international aviation companies. He also congratulated Al Jazeera on its inaugural flight into the Kingdom, wished them success. The airline’s board chairman, Marwan Boudai, said Bahrain had become their second destination in the Gulf after Dubai due to its importance in this part of the world. He said the airline, created by Kuwaiti investments, would help strengthen national economy and develop the air travel industry in Kuwait and the region. He said the launch of the airline reflected the endeavours to cope with the new international economic prerogatives and trends to liberalise trade exchange, the government’s economic reform, restructuring and ease the state’s financial burdens. He said the four aircraft would operate to Dubai, Beirut, Bahrain, Damascus and Amman and soon fly to Alexandria, Luxor and the Indian subcontinent from Kuwait. The fares are as little as 40 per cent of the normal rate in the Emirate. Travellers from Bahrain to Kuwait can fly one-way for as less as BD13.

Bahrain Duty Free the best 9 November 2005 BAHRAIN'S airport duty-free area, just voted the best in the world, is to undergo a BD2-million expansion, it was revealed yesterday. Award-winning Bahrain Duty Free Shops will carry out the expansion jointly with Bahrain Airport Services (BAS). It will substantially increase the size and facilities of BDFS, said Deputy Prime Minister and Transportation Minister Shaikh Ali bin Khalifa Al Khalifa. He congratulated the BDFS team, headed by chairman Farouk Almoayyed, for winning two prestigious awards at the 21st Frontier Awards 2005, in Cannes, France. The awards were received by BDFS managing director Abdulla Buhindi and general manager Maurice Burke at the Tax Free World Association Exhibition held in Cannes. They were: l Best Airport/Land-based Retailer of the year l Best Marketing Campaign of the Year by a Retailer. "We at Civil Aviation Affairs (CAA) are extremely proud of this great honor, which has further enhanced the reputation of Bahrain International Airport at a global level," said Shaikh Ali. "We consider the BDFS, BAS and national carrier Gulf Air as partners and we are committed to offering the best services to our customers." Shaikh Ali said the CAA had already approved a request from BDFS to extend the duty-free area at the airport. "The second-phase expansion of the BDFS is in line with the overall expansion of Bahrain International Airport," he said. Prime Minister Shaikh Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa has already approved the expansion plan, which is now being finalised with the consultants. "The expansion of the airport and BDFS are vital at a time when Bahrain International Airport is attracting more international airlines under the government's Open Sky policy," said Shaikh Ali. BDFS won the Frontier Airport Retailer of the Year award in 1995 and 1997, followed by Highly Commended in this category for 2002 and 2003. Last year, it won the Frontier award for Best Marketing Campaign by a Retailer. This is the first time it has won two awards in the same year. Mr Almoayyed and Mr Buhindi thanked Shaikh Ali for his continuous support to BDFS, its board of directors and the management. "The objectives of the BDFS board have always been to provide world-class retailing at Bahrain International Airport," said Mr Almoayyed.He thanked the Aer Rianta International Middle East, the management company of BDFS, whose representatives also attended the ceremony yesterday. Mr Buhindi said the Best Marketing Campaign award was won by BDFS with its Race 2 Win promotion, held to compliment the second Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix, this year. "The CAA was very supportive in creating an environment for the Race 2 Win campaign," he said. "The virtual Grand Prix racetrack located in the departures concourse enabled passengers to gain a glimpse of the Grand Prix, thereby creating exposure for the major world event." The marketing campaign consisted of having four Grand Prix cars on display in the Duty Free shops over the weeks leading up to the event, coupled with promotional activity from 10 major sponsors. Mr Buhindi said the expansion would considerably extend the duty free area. "Besides Duty Free shops, it will have business lounges, holding lounges and attractive food courts." CAA Assistant Under-Secretary for Aviation Affairs Ahmed Nemat Ali said the expansion is important when the annual airport traffic is expected to reach six million by the end of the year. "This represents an eight to 10 per cent growth, way above the expectations of the International Civil Aviation Organisation," he said.

Bahrain-Aqaba flights take off 29th October 2005 JORDAN's second national carrier, Jordan Aviation (JATE), made Bahrain its second destination in the Gulf for scheduled flights last night. The low-cost carrier will operate two flights a week between Aqaba and Bahrain. A high-level team from JATE headed by chief executive Mohammed Al Khashman arrived in Bahrain on the first flight. They were welcomed at Bahrain International Airport (BIA) by Civil Aviation Affairs (CAA) Assistant Under-Secretary for Aviation Services Ahmed Nemat Ali and other senior CAA officials. In his welcome address, Mr Ali conveyed the greetings of Transportation Minister Shaikh Ali bin Khalifa Al Khalifa to Jordan's aviation authorities. He thanked Jordan Aviation for choosing Bahrain as their second destination in the Gulf. "We are confident that the new service will further strengthen the friendly ties between Bahrain and Jordan," said Mr Ali. JATE, established in 1998 as a charter operator, started scheduled commercial operations in June this year with flights to Dubai and the Egyptian cities of Alexandria, Assiut, Barcelona and Madrid. It will now operate two flights to Bahrain on Thursdays and Saturdays. The route will be Aqaba-Dubai-Bahrain-Aqaba on Thursdays and Aqaba- Bahrain-Dubai-Aqaba on Saturdays. JATE's fleet of eight planes includes the Airbus 310 and Boeing 737. On the Bahrain sector, it will operate the Boeing 737 as an all-economy flight with a capacity of 148 passengers. "We are proud to operate to Bahrain from Jordan's tourism and free zone city of Aqaba," said Mr Al Khashman. "We are grateful to the support we have received from Shaikh Ali and the CAA team. "The new service will enhance the tourism and investment ties between our two countries." JATE has become one of the world's leading budget airlines in terms of profit novelty, reputation and operational excellence, Mr Al Khashman claimed. It aims to market charters and serve the tourism industry in Jordan, the Middle East, Africa and Europe by offering "the best value for money and a safe, reliable operation", he said. The airline operates charters to Alexandria, Assiut and Sharm El Sheik, all in Egypt; Baghdad, Iraq; Damascus, Syria; Barcelona and Madrid, Spain; Paris, France; Sarajevo, Bosnia; and Varna, Bulgaria.

Airport set to be best in region Premier approves first phase of expansion project 25 October 2005 The government yesterday gave Bahrain International Airport another boost by approving the first phase of an expansion project. The project is expected to to be implemented in three phases to enable the airport to receive about 45 million passengers a year and become one of the most competitive in the Middle East. The expansion would also help further improve the transportation sector and bolster the Kingdom’s position as an economic hub in the region. During a business meeting at his court, the Prime Minister, Shaikh Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa, reviewed the studies on the expansion project and the tenders submitted by six international companies. The studies were conducted by the Ministry of Transportation and presented to the Premier by the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transportation, Shaikh Ali bin Khalifa Al Khalifa. The expansion project envisages the development of all facilities to serve about 15 million passengers a year in the first stage. The phase will focus on the construction of new mobile air brigdes to link the planes, and increasing aircraft parking space with the construction of a new passengers office, in addition to ticketing offices. The car parking space at the airport would also be expanded. Following the briefing on the project, Shaikh Khalifa issued directives to make the airport more competitive in a manner that would make it more trustworthy as it had always been. The Prime Minister said such an effort would help bolster the national economy and the tourism sector. The Premier emphasised on the need to focus on the beautification of the airport. Shaikh Khalifa also affirmed the government’s constant support for the transportation sector to encourage more investment.

Global honour for airport’s weather forecast skills 19 October 2005 The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transportation, Shaikh Ali bin Khalifa Al Khalifa, yesterday received the Director of the International Climate Measuring System and Representative of the International Weather Forecast Organisation, David M. Goodrich, who presented an appreciation certificate to him. The certificate is in recognition of the high quality data and weather forecasts Bahrain International Airport’s station recorded throughout the day and transmitted to the organisation via the GTS. Shaikh Ali affirmed that the Civil Air Affairs at the ministry supported all the programmes of the organisation.

Singapore transportation relations reviewed 14 September 2005 The Minister of Transportation, Shaikh Ali bin Khalifa Al Khalifa, yesterday held talks with the Singapore Transportation Minister, Yeo Cheow Tong, on means of bolstering cooperation in the transportation sector. Shaikh Ali hailed the strong relations, highlighting the important role of the sector in enhancing ties. He also stressed the need to exchange expertise and visits by officials. He emphasised the need to benefit from training centres in Singapore by improving skills of Bahraini personnel in the sector. Shaikh Ali hosted a luncheon in honour of Yeo Cheow Tong at Ritz Carlton Hotel.

On flightpath to global success 30 June 2005 INTERNATIONAL consultants have submitted their studies on the future expansion of Bahrain International Airport (BIA), Transportation Minister Shaikh Ali bin Khalifa Al Khalifa revealed yesterday.BIA is committed to providing world-class service and hospitality to the passengers and airlines, he added. Shaikh Ali was speaking to newsmen after he opened the Bahrain Airport Services' (BAS) BD1.1 million Dilmun Lounge for First Class and Business Class passengers at the airport. The new lounge replaces the current Dilmun Lounge on the departure area, and is located on the top floor of the airport building. It complements the four lounges at the arrival area opened by Shaikh Ali last week. The new high international standard lounge is part of a major initiative undertaken by the Civil Aviation Affairs (CAA) to upgrade various facilities at the airport, said the minister. "We have just finished work on the new taxiway, and I hope to open the new control tower at the airport next month," he revealed. "Other projects in the pipeline include resurfacing of the runway. We are also studying the possibility of constructing new multi-storey car park, shopping and entertainment areas. "Several international consultants have presented their studies, which are currently under evaluation, on the future expansion of the airport." Shaikh Ali urged the CAA, BAS and the Bahrain Duty Free to work as a team to better market the airport internationally. "Our focus should be to provide the best possible service to all passengers and airlines using our airport," he pointed. The new lounge has been built by BAS as part of a plan to provide world-class services to premium passengers of various airlines using the airport, said BAS board chairman Jamil Wafa. "This has been possible due to the vision of Shaikh Ali and his endless support to the BAS board and management," he said. "This support was complemented by the board's commitment to the project and the co-operation extended by the Civil Aviation Affairs." Mr Wafa said a special team has been recruited to manage the tastefully decorated lounge, which is located in an area which was earlier occupied by Bahrain Duty Free. The new lounge has more than double the capacity of the present Dilmun Lounge, said Mr Wafa. "The 600 square metre lounge has 120 seats in three zones, two shower rooms and a special area for disabled people," he added. Mr Wafa, who made several visits to London to select materials for the lounge, said it has been built to European specifications with best quality tiles. "It has been decorated with special wall paintings, Dilmun seals and super class furniture," he added. The new lounge will cater to First Class and Business Class passengers of all airlines, except those of Gulf Air and Cathay Pacific, which have their own airport lounges. It was opened for British Airways passengers last night, and will be opened for other airlines this morning. The present Dilmun Lounge will be handed back to the CAA, said Mr Wafa. The project has been designed by French-Lebanese architects George Karam Designs, in association with Tony Hutton Associates of Britain. Work was carried out by local contractors Kontra. Both Mr Karam and Mr Hutton attended the opening ceremony yesterday. Also attending were Transportation Ministry Under-Secretary Shaikh Mohammed bin Khalifa Al Khalifa and senior BAS and CAA officials, including airport director Nabeel Taqi. BAS board deputy chairman Fawzi Kanoo, board members Mahmood Hussain, Fareed Al Alawi, Bill Bryan, Captain Hameed Ali and Jalal Mohammed Jalal, and shareholders Ebrahim Ishaq and Fayez Al Gosaibi were also present at the opening.

Airport wins ISO certificate 26 June 2005 The Minister of Transportation, Shaikh Ali bin Khalifa Al Khalifa, yesterday received the chairman of the 9001:2000 ISO Committee within the German company, TUV, Raul Michel, who presented the certificate awarded to Bahrain International Airport management and Civil Aviation Affairs engineering and maintenance directorate. Shaikh Ali said that the awarding of the certificate denoted the high-quality services offered by Bahrain airport to international companies and passengers. He also lauded the engineering and maintenance directorate efforts, saying that their dedication helped promote Bahrain as one of the first airports to be awarded the certificate. The minister congratulated the airport and directorate officials for their efforts and sense of dedication.

VIP lounges 'world class' 22 June 2005 FOUR world-class lounges were opened at Bahrain International Airport yesterday. Transportation Minister Shaikh Ali bin Khalifa Al Khalifa opened the lounges in the airport's arrivals area. The ceremony was attended by Civil Aviation Affairs (CAA) Under-Secretary Captain Abdulrahman Al Gaoud, airport director Nabeel Taqi and other senior CAA officials. The new world-class lounges have been built to serve VIPs and official guests visiting Bahrain, said Shaikh Ali, following an inspection tour. "The lounges have been designed in line with the latest types of services and facilities offered at top international airports," he added. The furniture and other equipment are of high international standard. "The idea is to offer the best of Arab hospitality to our visitors. It will make travelling procedures for VIPs and other guests very smooth." Shaikh Ali said the lounges had been built as part of a comprehensive plan drawn up by the CAA to upgrade services at the airport. "The airport expansion plan will reflect the progress and development achieved by the kingdom over the years," he said. "It is also aimed to meet the challenges facing the international airline industry." The lounges are of different sizes, and each one can take between 10 to 20 guests.

Bahrain International Airport records continued strong growth in passenger and cargo traffic. 4 June 2005 Figures released by Civil Aviation Affairs, Ministry of Transportation show record growth in all sectors of aviation business at Bahrain International Airport. 2,139,789 passengers used Bahrain International Airport during the first five months of 2005, an increase of 7% over the same period of last year. Passenger traffic for May reached 401,488, an increase of 10% over May 2004 making this the busiest May in the Airport's history. Activity                     % change over May 2004 2005                     % change over 2004 Arriving 189,525 + 13% 970,929 + 11% Departing 184,542 + 14% 961,477 + 11% Transit 27,421 - 24% 207,383 - 21% Total 401,488 + 10% 2,139,789 + 7% Air freight grew 26% in the first five months over the same period last year. Forecasts for 2005 indicate overall passenger growth of 10%.

Bahrain International Airport records 6% growth in passenger traffic for first 4 months. 23 May 2005 More than 1,316,826 passengers used Bahrain International Airport (BIA) in the first 4 months of this year, an increase of 6%. Traffic figures for the first four months released by Civil Aviation Affairs, Ministry of Transportation show record growth in all sectors of aviation business at Bahrain International Airport. In April the total number of passengers was 436,951, growth of 5% over the same month last year. The traffic forecast for the remaining months of this year based on studies and reports reveal further growth at an average of 7% by the end of this year. The increased demand for traveling through Bahrain International Airport, and the keenness of many airlines to operate to the Kingdom to meet this demand, were instrumental in the government's plan to up-grade the facilities at the airport.

World Solo Pilot, 79, in Bahrain 21 May 2005 Dean Stahr, a 79-year-old US pilot, arrived in Bahrain yesterday in his quest to fly a single-engine Cessna around the world. "I chose to make a stopover in Bahrain in recognition of its international standing and its role in the development of civil aviation," the retired businessman said. He was met at Bahrain International Airport by Civil Aviation Affairs corporate and public affairs head Yousif Mahmoud, who presented him with a memento to mark the occasion. Mr Stahr now flies to Luxor, Egypt after a two-night stay. He began the trip on April 22 from Napa, California. Bahrain is Mr Stahr's fourth of the planned 23 stopover during the two-month quest - after Hilo, Hawaii; Colombo, Sri Lanka; and Muscat, Oman. Mr Stahr, who has been an aviator since serving as a gunner on a twin-engine PBY during the Second World, has fitted his single-engined plane with two auxiliary fuel tanks so that he can fly non-stop for almost 17 hours. But, he said, he prefers to keep each leg to about seven-eight hours when possible. He flew from California to Scotland four years ago, has also flown throughout the Caribbean twice and to Central America twice. A native of the state of Iowa, Mr Stahr has a son and two daughters, who live near him in California where he has lived for the last 40 years. Mr Stahr said he had been planning the dream trip for more than a year. "Considering my age, I thought this was the year to do it."

Young Musicians of the Gulf Winner 23 March 2005 Mr. Nabeel Taqi, Airport Director met Joseph Jawad winner of the prestigious 2005 Young Musicians of the Gulf, sponsored by Bahrain International Airport. Joseph Jawad expressed his delight in achieving this success and thanked Mr. Taqi for the continued generous support that the Young Musicians of the Gulf receives annually from Bahrain International Airport. Mr. Taqi, in congratulating Joseph on his outstanding achievement expressed the wish that other young Bahrainis would follow his example and pursue success in the field of music.

World Class Airport 25 February 2005 SEVENTEEN companies have submitted bids for the consultancy contract for the BD50 million first-phase expansion of Bahrain International Airport, it was revealed yesterday.The expansion project will make Bahrain airport one of the most modern and busiest in the region, said Transportation Minister Shaikh Ali bin Khalifa Al Khalifa. "Bahrain will continue its open sky policy of attracting more foreign airlines to its airport," he told newsmen. Shaikh Ali was speaking at the airport's new parallel runway which he opened for traffic yesterday . The opening ceremony was attended by Gulf Air president and chief executive James Hogan, Civil Aviation Affairs (CAA) Under-Secretary Captain Abdulrahman Al Gaoud and other senior CAA officials. "This is a major milestone in our airport development march," said Shaikh Ali. "We are proud of our partnership with national carrier Gulf Air, which is contributing substantially towards the growth of our airport. "I have a strong and highly qualified and experienced team at CAA who are sparing no efforts in marketing the airport internationally." A Gulf Air A340 was the first aircraft to take off from the new parallel taxiway. Bahraini pilot Captain Adel Al Ansari was in command. A BD8.9m contract for the construction of the new runway was completed in 15 months by Haji Hassan Group. The project was undertaken by the Works and Housing Ministry, with Gibb Limited Bahrain branch as the engineer. The new runway is 2,600 metres long and 45m wide and has been built according to the specifications laid down by International Civil Aviation Organisation. The current airport runway. built in 1986, is 3,961m long and 60m wide. The resurfacing of the main runway will be carried out soon to allow landing of super jumbo A380s, said Shaikh Ali. "We shall soon announce several other developments being planned at the airport complex," he added. Meanwhile, 17 companies have submitted bids for the consultancy contract for the BD50m first phase expansion of the airport, said Capt Al Gaoud. The Tender Board will soon appoint a consultant, he added. " Work on the expansion project will start early next year, for completion in 2008. "The project will include eight new airbridges, 10 aircraft stands, travelators and expansion of the baggage reclaim area." The number of check-in desks will be doubled from 40 to 80 and the immigration counters from eight to 14. Capt Al Gaoud said a new lighting system would also be installed to upgrade the airport to Category II level, allowing aircraft to land at a visibility of 300 metres. Another project is the resurfacing of the existing runway at a cost of BD11m. A boundary fencing will be built at a cost of BD2.7m. Plans are also underway to build a cargo oasis at the airport complex at an estimated cost of BD5m, said Capt Al Gaoud. The new runway will avoid diversion of aircraft to the nearest airports in the region, in the event of an emergency or maintenance taking place at the existing runway, he noted. Such diversion earlier interrupted schedules and incurred more costs to the airlines and inconvenience to passengers.

Bahrain International Airport enjoys more than five million passengers for year 2004. 17 January 2005 Preliminary statistics released by His Excellency Shk. Ali Bin Khalifa Al Khalifa, Minister of Transportation, show that 2004 was the busiest year in the history of the airport. Key traffic segments, passenger numbers, cargo tonnage and commercial aircraft movements reached all time highs. Although the average record for growth forecasted by International Civil Aviation Organization ( UN agent ) throughout the world was 6.5% in 2004, Bahrain International Airport was successful in setting records in all areas of its activity with 20% increase in passengers & 27% in Cargo business. The highest growth was in the month of July with 26% increase over the same month in 2003. The underlying trend of growth will be 4.5% to 8% assuming there will be no significant interruptions to international and regional travel, we expect to continue with a record double digit passenger growth at Bahrain International Airport for 2005 with a real possibility of breaking through the five million and a half passenger barrier to 6 million. The key 2004 figures and the % increases over 2003 were: Passengers.................................................................. 5.2 million            + 20% Cargo............................................................................. 301,000 tonnes    + 27% Aircraft movements(commercial)........................... 60,424                    + 4% While passenger traffic grew, it was the air cargo sector that showed the most dramatic expansion. Bahrain International Airport emerged during the year as the most dynamic regional air cargo gateway in the Gulf as a number of major cargo airlines commenced services and others increased frequency. The expansion was driven by the increasing volumes of cargo being shipped into Bahrain for regional distribution by both air and surface and also by the increased commercial and industrial activity that is underway within the Kingdom. While releasing the 2004 preliminary figures, His Excellency The Minister of Transportation Shk. Ali Bin Khalifa Al Khalifa acknowledged that this achievement would not be possible without the full support the Aviation sector received from the Kingdom leaders and the cooperation of the government. He also expressed his satisfaction at the successful turn-round in business and congratulated all of the “Airport” organizations for their commitment.

<< Press releases main page