BAHRAIN Airport Company (BAC), which is 100-per-cent owned by Bahrain Mumtalakat Holding Company, has announced the formal launch of the Bahrain International Airport (BIA) expansion project, which will boost capacity by 50 per cent from the current nine million passengers to 13.5 million.
The news came with the announcement that Dar Al Handasah, one of the largest engineering and design practices in the world, will lead the BD4.4 million ($11.6 million) design phase of the expansion project. Expected to take nine months to complete this initial phase, Dar Al Handasah will also supervise the construction of the extension as part of its contract.
The expanded Bahrain International Airport is expected to be complete by 2015.
“Bahrain International Airport is a vital component of Bahrain’s economy, with its strategic geographical location in the heart of the Gulf” said BAC’s chairman, Khalid Al Rumaihi. “The development will build on this historical position, transforming it into a vibrant platform for travellers and reinforcing the role it plays as a gateway to the world. We must ensure that BIA fulfills the potential and mandate set by Bahrain’s Economic Vision 2030, connecting our nation to the world and contributing to its socio-economic progress.”
The expansion will increase the airport footprint by an additional 40,000 sq m, including more than 3,000 sq m of new retail facilities. It will also create four to five additional contact gates, nine remote gates and 40 more check-in counters as well as an enlarged transfer facility amongst several other capacity improvements and value-added facilities. Once started, construction will be carefully planned so as to minimise any disruption to airlines, passengers and all airport users.
Emphasising the importance of this programme to BAC’s business strategy, BAC CEO, Gordon Dewar said: “We are working hard towards fulfilling our vision of running the best airport for Bahrain, whether it means meeting capacity demands, providing excellent levels of professional service or adopting the best techniques and technologies. The completion of this development will go a long way towards meeting these goals and, in turn,boosting our profitability.”
The expansion will include:
• New check-in facilities
• New baggage handling and make up area
• Expanded departures immigration hall
• Increased departures security facilities
• Additional retail areas in arrivals and departures
• Dedicated departures holding lounges
• Additional contact and coaching gates
• Expanded arrivals baggage-reclaim area
• Multi-storey car park building
• Improved passenger circulation
• Improved arrivals coaching gates
• New transotel facilities
• New administration offices, airline offices and airline lounges.