Bahrain International Airport has launched a BD70 million ($185 million) expansion that will be implemented over the next three years.
A new runway, built a cost of BD8.9 million ($23.5 million) has also been opened.
The first phase of the expansion, costing BD50 million ($#132 million), will cover new air bridges, aircraft stands, new lighting systems and expanded baggage reclaim, check-in and immigration counters.
The new runway, the airport’s second, is 2,600 m long and 45 m wide, and has been built to specifications laid down by the International Civil Aviation Organisation.
The current runway, which is 3,961 m long and 60 m wide, will be resurfaced at a cost of BD11 million ($29 million) to allow the landing and take off of the new Airbus super jumbo A380, which is due to enter service in 2006.
The first phase of the expansion will be completed by 2008.
Other improvements under way at the airport include a new BD2.7 million ($7.1 million) boundary fence and a BD5 million ($13.5 million) cargo oasis.