The Bahrain Transportation and Telecommunications Ministry (BTTM) yesterday announced details of its four-year project to expand Bahrain International Airport’s passenger terminal building by four times to 201,467sq m, to handle around 14m passengers a year.

 

Work is now set to begin in May and once completed it will feature a much expanded departure hall with duty free space expanded to 9,000sq m and an arrivals duty free shop of 1,000q m.

 

The BTTM adds that ‘cutting-edge technology’ will be introduced throughout to facilitate passenger flow and maintain efficiency and speed whilst ensuring a sustainable operation.

 

In addition, it will comprise 108 check-in counters, 24 passport control booths and 28 security lanes. The arrivals area will feature 36 passport control booths, five eGates, eight baggage reclaim belts and a 7,000 capacity car park.

 

 

NOVEMBER FIRST STAGE COMPLETION

The Cyprus Building and Road Construction Company (CYBROC) has been awarded the first phase of the project, which the Bahrain Transportation and Telecommunications Ministry estimates will cost BD.1.39m and include relocating all existing facilities away from the new passenger terminal. This initial phase will be completed by November, according to Transportation and Telecommunications Minister Kamal Ahmed.

 

In a statement, he said: “Awarding of the enabling works package (first phase) and getting the physical work started on the airport grounds marks a significant milestone in the progress of the airport modernisation programme, taking us a step closer to the realisation of this important project.

 

“This project was conceived with a strategic focus in mind to elevate the facilities, infrastructure and services of Bahrain’s national gateway and boost the country’s aviation industry and capabilities in line with the national vision and reputation as a leading financial, cultural and aviation centre in the Gulf region.

 

‘With the GCC economies booming and the aviation industry in the region growing at an astounding rate, BIA is perfectly situated to reap the benefits. The airport modernisation programme will be the driving force to BIA’s future success and a stimulus for greater economic activity.’

 

 

SECOND PHASE COMPLETION IN 2016

The second phase project work is due to be awarded next month and due for completion early next year, he said. This will involve the relocation of the existing Bahrain Airport Services (BAS) facilities – including the company’s maintenance workshops, vehicle fuelling stations and training facilities.

 

The Ministry says that the US-based firm Hill International is the project management consultants on the airport modernisation programme, with Aéroports de Paris Ingénierie, which is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Aéroports de Paris in which engineers and architects work together to design and plan airports. This company has won numerous contracts with airports throughout the Middle East and beyond.

 

Commenting on the new development, Bahrain International Airport CEO Mohamed Yousif Al Binfalah said: “The start of construction works at BIA is a welcome sight and signifies the imminent start of construction on the passenger terminal building.

 

“Now, the time is right to embark on the creation of a modern passenger terminal building designed to world class standards. Our aim is to provide a boutique setting that offers all the conveniences found in a global airport, yet maintains the friendly and efficient service which has been BIA’s unique differentiator and the root of our success.”

 

This news follows the earlier announcement that Bahrain Duty Free Complex (BDF) posted the ‘highest earnings’ in its history in 2014, with net profits up 32.7% to US$22.7m. Click here to read this story: http://www.trbusiness.com/regional-news/middle-east/bahrain-df-posts-highest-earnings-in-company-history/