Bahrain Opens Borders: International Flights Resume

Bahrain is an Arab island nation in the Persian Gulf. The Kingdom of Bahrain, as it is officially known, was one of the first Gulf States to discover oil, but due to its declining reserves, the country has diversified its economy to focus on tourism, hospitality, retail, and processing crude oil from neighbouring states. Bahrain has also invested in finance and has become a leading regional banking centre, especially for Islamic finance.

The Bahrain International Airport is the primary airport in the country and is located on Muharraq Island, 10km north of the capital city, Manama. Gulf Air is the national carrier and operates most flights from the airport. The airport is open 24 hours and offers both direct and indirect flights to a range of international destinations.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, travel restrictions were in place for Bahrain, and it is recommended to check for the most up-to-date information before planning any travel to the country.

Bahrain International Airport (BIA)

Terminals

Bahrain International Airport has two passenger terminals: Terminal 1 and Terminal 2. Terminal 1, built in the 1970s, serves both international and domestic flights and has been renovated several times to keep up with modern aviation standards. Terminal 2, opened in 2010, is dedicated to low-cost airlines. It has a simple design and offers basic facilities such as check-in counters, baggage claim areas, and food and beverage outlets.

Airlines and Destinations

A range of airlines operate from Bahrain International Airport, offering direct flights to over 50 international destinations. These include Gulf Air, Bahrain Air, Emirates, Etihad Airways, Flydubai, Kuwait Airways, Lufthansa, Oman Air, Qatar Airways, Saudi Arabian Airlines, Turkish Airlines, and United Airways.

Transportation Options

The airport offers various transportation options, including a shuttle service to and from the city centre. Car rental companies such as Avis, Budget, Thrifty, and Hertz are also available. Additionally, taxi services are available outside the terminal, with fares regulated by the government.

Parking Options

Bahrain International Airport provides a range of parking options, including a multi-story car park, outdoor parking lots, and valet services. Short-term and long-term parking rates are offered to meet different traveller needs.

Check-In and Security Procedures

Passengers can check in using online services, self-service kiosks, or traditional check-in counters. It is recommended to arrive at the airport at least 3 hours before departure. Security procedures include X-ray screening and metal detectors for all carry-on and checked baggage.

Amenities

Bahrain International Airport offers a range of amenities to enhance the passenger experience, including duty-free shopping, restaurants, cafes, ATMs, currency exchange, prayer rooms, VIP lounges, and free Wi-Fi.

Bahrain's COVID-19 measures

As of March 2022, Bahrain is allowing international flights to and from the country. However, there are a number of COVID-19 measures in place at Bahrain International Airport.

Check-In Procedures

Passengers are advised to arrive at the airport at least three hours before their flight's departure time. They can check in using the online service offered by the airline, self-service kiosks, or at check-in counters. After checking in, passengers should follow signage to the appropriate check-in area, present their travel documents, and ensure their baggage meets weight and size restrictions.

Security Measures

Bahrain International Airport has strict security procedures, including X-ray screening and metal detectors. All carry-on and checked baggage must go through security screening before being allowed on the plane. Passengers are advised to have all necessary travel documents easily accessible and to remove any items from their pockets that may set off the metal detector. Wearing clothing or accessories that contain metal, such as belts or watches, is discouraged.

Customs and Immigration Process

Upon arrival, passengers must proceed to the immigration counters for passport and visa checks. A valid passport is required, and a visa may be needed depending on the passenger's nationality. After immigration, passengers collect their luggage and proceed to the customs inspection area, where each bag will pass through an X-ray machine.

Transportation Options

Bahrain International Airport offers a shuttle service to and from the city centre. Car rental companies such as Avis, Budget, Thrifty, and Hertz are also available. Additionally, the airport has shuttle buses that connect to major hotels in Manama for a fee. For those who prefer public transportation, several train lines connect the airport to various parts of the city. Taxi services are also available outside the terminal, with fares regulated by the government.

Other Services and Amenities

Bahrain International Airport offers duty-free shopping, restaurants and cafes, ATMs, currency exchange, prayer rooms, VIP lounges, and free Wi-Fi. There is also a dedicated facility for low-cost airlines, offering basic facilities such as check-in counters, baggage claim areas, and food and beverage outlets.

Airlines that fly direct to Bahrain

Bahrain International Airport is the only airport in Bahrain. It is located on Muharraq Island and is a short drive from the country's capital, Manama. The airport connects North and East Africa, the Indian subcontinent, and the Middle East, in addition to long-haul flights from London, Moscow, Paris, Manila, and Frankfurt.

There are 26 airlines that fly direct to Bahrain from at least one destination. Here is a list of those airlines:

• Gulf Air
• Air India Express
• Flynas
• Pakistan
• Saudi Arabian
• SunExpress
• Flydubai
• Azerbaijan
• SmartWings
• British Airways
• EgyptAir
• Ethiopian Airlines
• Royal Jordanian
• Jazeera Airways
• Kuwait Airways
• Oman Air
• Qatar Airways
• IndiGo Airlines
• Fly Jinnah
• Air Arabia Abu Dhabi
• Emirates
• Etihad Airways
• Pegasus
• AJet
• Turkish Airlines
• Air Arabia
• Air Arabia Abu Dhabi
• Flydubai
• Rayan Air

Flights from specific locations

If you are looking for flights from a specific location to Bahrain, here is some additional information that might be helpful:

• For flights from the United States to Bahrain, there are currently no non-stop options available. The fastest flights, which are offered by Saudia Airlines and Turkish Airlines, make one stop. These flights depart from Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) or John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) in New York.
• For flights from Southeast U.S. airports, such as Atlanta (ATL), Orlando (MCO), and Miami (MIA), Emirates offers connecting flights through Dubai. Turkish Airlines also operates flights from Atlanta (ATL) and Miami (MIA) with a layover in Istanbul, Turkey.
• For flights from India to Bahrain, Air India Express offers year-round direct flights from Kannur, Kochi, Kozhikode, Mangalore, New Delhi, and Thiruvananthapuram. IndiGo Airlines also operates direct flights from Mumbai.
• For flights from Europe to Bahrain, SmartWings offers seasonal direct flights from Prague. British Airways and Gulf Air operate year-round direct flights from London Heathrow.
• For flights from China to Bahrain, Gulf Air is currently the only airline offering non-stop flights from Guangzhou and Shanghai.
• For flights from the United Arab Emirates to Bahrain, Air Arabia Abu Dhabi, Etihad Airways, Gulf Air, Emirates, and Air Arabia offer direct flights from Abu Dhabi and/or Dubai.

Bahrain's baggage acceptance rules

Bahrain International Airport has introduced new baggage acceptance rules to prevent system disruption and improve the overall passenger experience. These rules are in line with baggage acceptance regulations at airports worldwide and will help eliminate jams in the baggage handling system (BHS) that cause shutdowns and delays. The new rules will allow the airport to deliver a quality baggage service to all passengers and enhance customer satisfaction.

Criteria for Baggage Rejection

Officials at Bahrain International Airport may reject baggage that is round or irregularly shaped, tied with a rope, or has long or loose straps that restrict the movement of luggage handling systems. Normal out-of-gauge (OOG), bulky, and fragile items, including sports equipment, wheelchairs, and baby strollers, will still be checked in via the OOG facility. It is recommended that passengers use regular travel bags or boxes with at least one flat surface to ensure the swift movement of their belongings.

Cabin Baggage Rules

Cabin baggage allowances may vary depending on the route and class of travel. However, carry-on dimensions should not exceed 55 by 38 by 22 cm. Business and First Class passengers are permitted to bring one carry-cot or one fully collapsible stroller into the cabin if there is room. Duty-free purchases such as liquor, cigarettes, and perfume are also permitted in reasonable quantities for all service classes, but liquid restrictions at security screening points may apply.

Transportation of Liquids, Powders, and Special Items

All liquids, gels, aerosols, pastes, lotions, creams, and drinks must be in containers with a capacity of no more than 100ml. These containers must be placed in a transparent, re-sealable plastic bag with a maximum capacity of one litre. Baby food, medications, and items for special dietary restrictions are exempt from this rule, but appropriate verification is required.

On flights to, from, or through the US, Australia, and New Zealand, powders in containers equal to or over 350ml are not allowed in carry-on belongings or cabin baggage and must be checked in. Baby formula, prescription medicines, and human remains are exempt from this restriction.

By adhering to these baggage acceptance rules, passengers can ensure a smooth check-in process and avoid any disruptions or delays. These rules are implemented to enhance the overall travel experience and provide a seamless journey for all passengers and their luggage.

Transport options to and from the airport

Transport Options to and from Bahrain International Airport

Bahrain International Airport is located 8 kilometres (5 miles) from the centre of Manama, the capital city of Bahrain. The travel time between the airport and the city centre is approximately 20 minutes.

Taxi

Taxis are readily available at the airport for travellers looking for quick and convenient transportation to their destination in Bahrain. The taxi fares from the airport to various locations in the city may vary, but you can expect reasonable rates.

Bus

Bahrain Airport is connected with Manama by four bus lines: A1, A2, 10, and 11. The bus lines operate from 05:00 in the evening to 22:30 in the evening, 7 days a week. The bus tickets cost 0.30 BHD per person and are available from the bus driver. It is even cheaper if you use a Go Card, which can be bought from the ticket machines in the terminals for 0.50 BHD. The price is 0.25 BHD for a single journey, and with a Go Card, you will never pay more than 0.60 BHD in a single day as this is the price of a day ticket.

Car

Bahrain International Airport offers a range of convenient and cost-efficient parking facilities, including short and long-stay options, as well as a complimentary airport shuttle service to and from the car parks.

Frequently asked questions