Bahrain Airport: Open For Business Or Security Shutdown?

Bahrain International Airport is open for business and has been welcoming travellers since its new passenger terminal opened in January 2023. The airport is a hub for Middle Eastern aviation, with a capacity of 14 million passengers a year. The airport boasts a range of facilities, including retail and dining options, lounges, and parking facilities. Bahrain International Airport also offers a stopover package, which includes accommodation, airport transfers, tours, and no visa fees.

Bahrain International Airport's new terminal opened on 28 January 2021

On 28 January 2021, Bahrain International Airport's new terminal opened its doors, marking a significant milestone in the country's aviation history. This $1.1 billion terminal is a key component of the Airport Modernization Program (AMP), which is among the largest and most significant projects in the Kingdom's history. With a total area of 210,000 square meters, the new terminal is an ambitious expansion that increases the airport's annual capacity to 14 million passengers and 130,000 air traffic movements.

The new terminal boasts impressive features, including 104 arrival processing counters, 24 self-check-in kiosks, 44 immigration counters, 22 E-gates, and 24 departure gates. Passengers can also take advantage of the expanded duty-free shopping area, spanning 3,300 square meters, offering a wide range of retail and dining options. The terminal's design showcases traditional Bahraini art and sculptures, blending cultural aesthetics with advanced technology.

The terminal is strategically designed to expedite passenger movement, allowing travellers to navigate arrival and departure areas more efficiently than ever before. This extra time can be spent enjoying the airport's amenities, including cafes, restaurants, a spa, and a hotel. The airport also offers convenient parking options, with 5,500 parking spaces available.

The opening of the new terminal is a testament to Bahrain's commitment to enhancing its aviation sector and aligns with the country's Vision 2030 economic programme. By investing in this infrastructure, Bahrain is not only improving the travel experience for passengers but also supporting the growth of the logistic sector and regional competitiveness.

The Bahrain Airport Company's dedication to this project ensures that the new terminal at Bahrain International Airport is a world-class facility, providing travellers with a seamless and enjoyable journey as they pass through this bustling transportation hub.

The airport has parking facilities for short and long stays

Bahrain Airport: Parking Facilities

Bahrain International Airport offers a range of parking facilities for travellers, catering to both short and long stays. The airport's parking options provide convenience and cost efficiency, ensuring that the needs of travellers are met, regardless of the duration of their trip.

Short and Long Stay – Car Park B

For travellers embarking on either short or long journeys or those picking up loved ones, Car Park B is a state-of-the-art, multi-storey facility located adjacent to the new passenger terminal building. This convenient location allows passengers to access the check-in area or meet and greet their loved ones just minutes away from the car park. Car Park B is a premium option for those seeking proximity and ease of access to the terminal.

Long Stay – Car Park D

Car Park D is the ideal choice for travellers who require long-term parking. This car park is situated opposite the New Passenger Terminal and is just a short bus ride away. The airport provides complimentary shuttle services to and from Car Park D, ensuring a seamless connection between the parking facility and the terminal. This option is perfect for those who require a more economical long-term parking solution without compromising on accessibility.

Payment Options

The airport's payment machines accept a range of payment methods, including cash, Visa, and Mastercard. For cash payments, the accepted currencies are Bahraini Dinars, Saudi Riyals, and Emirati Dirhams. Additionally, travellers can contact the provided phone numbers for further assistance regarding parking offerings and details.

With these comprehensive parking facilities, Bahrain International Airport ensures that travellers have a smooth and stress-free experience, whether they are embarking on short or long trips. These parking options cater to the diverse needs of passengers, providing convenience and accessibility from the moment they arrive at the airport.

There are lounges and a hotel at the airport

Bahrain International Airport offers a range of services and facilities to enhance the travel experience for its passengers. The airport features a variety of lounges and a hotel, providing comfort and convenience for travellers.

The Pearl Lounge, operated by Hala Bahrain, is one of the standout features of the airport's offering. This luxurious lounge is designed to cater to individuals, groups, business travellers, and families, offering a peaceful and modern space to wait for flights or transfers. It embodies the essence of traditional Bahraini hospitality, ensuring travellers feel welcomed and valued.

In addition to The Pearl Lounge, the airport also boasts the Gulf Air Lounge: Falcon Gold Lounge. This exclusive haven provides a state-of-the-art, premium experience with a range of exclusive services. Passengers can indulge in live cooking stations, a deli counter, dessert counters, and a wide array of beverages. It is a sanctuary for travellers seeking relaxation and top-notch amenities.

For travellers seeking a longer respite, the Bahrain Airport Hotel provides a welcome retreat. Transit passengers can choose from various accommodation types, allowing them to relax and refresh while waiting for their flights. The hotel ensures that passengers can maintain their comfort and convenience during extended layovers or unexpected delays.

The availability of lounges and a hotel at Bahrain International Airport showcases the airport's commitment to elevating the travel experience. Whether passengers are seeking a quick break or an extended stay, these facilities provide a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of the airport, making travel a more enjoyable and relaxing experience for all.

The airport has a range of retail and dining options

Bahrain International Airport offers a wide range of retail and dining options for travellers to enjoy. The airport's new Passenger Terminal Building, which opened in January 2024, features a significant expansion of commercial and consumer services. With over 10,000 square metres of core retail and dining space, passengers can explore a variety of shops and restaurants before their flights.

The retail offerings at the airport cater to a range of tastes and preferences. Bahrain Duty-Free anchors the retail space, offering a wide array of duty-free and speciality retail options. Passengers can also find boutiques from leading names in fashion and accessories, including watches and jewellery. There are also convenience stores, such as WHSmith and Relay, as well as two pharmacies (Boots and Nasser Pharmacy) and foreign exchange outlets operated by Travelex and Global Exchange.

When it comes to dining, the airport has options to suit every palate. SSP, the anchor F&B partner, brings brands like Illy coffee, Camden Food Co., Upper Crust bakery, and Jamie Oliver's Pizza and Deli. Fine dining options include the celebrity chef's first foray into the region. For those craving a familiar bite, there are fast-food outlets like Burger King and KFC. TGI Friday's is the only F&B outlet that serves alcohol, and it caters to families.

In addition to these international brands, the airport also supports local businesses through its Souq zone, which showcases small and medium-sized enterprises. Here, passengers can find local fashion, jewellery, art, food, beverages, souvenirs, and Arabic fragrances. One such local restaurant brand is Lumee, which was selected following the BAC's stipulation to include a partnership with a Bahraini restaurant. Al Shaya, another local operator, runs two Starbucks, a McDonald's, and a popular Saudi fast-food outlet called Al Baik.

Whether travellers are looking for last-minute gifts, convenient services, or a delicious meal, Bahrain International Airport's range of retail and dining options has something for everyone.

Bahrain International Airport offers accommodation for transit passengers

Bahrain International Airport offers a range of services and facilities to enhance the experience of transit passengers. Notably, the airport features the Bahrain Airport Hotel, which provides various accommodation options for those awaiting their flights.

The hotel is conveniently located inside the airport building, opposite Gate 15, in the secure zone. This placement makes it exclusively accessible to transit and departing passengers who have passed through security. The hotel offers a selection of rooms and sleeping pods to cater to different preferences and needs.

The rooms include 17 compact rooms, 24 standard rooms, and 17 family rooms. There is also a room equipped with facilities for passengers with reduced mobility. All rooms are designed to provide comfort and convenience, featuring a bed, an LED TV with satellite channels, a shower, and coffee/tea-making facilities.

In addition to the rooms, the hotel offers 24 state-of-the-art sleeping pods. These pods are equipped with modern amenities, including a built-in TV and radio, headsets, a safe, and digital locking. Pod guests also have access to lockers and centrally located toilet and shower facilities.

The hotel's entrance features a comfortable lounge and separate spas for men and women, offering massage services, treatments, and shower facilities. Guests can also take advantage of a wake-up service, free Wi-Fi, and 24-hour assistance and information services. Both rooms and pods can be booked for stays as short as 2 hours, accommodating the varying needs of transit passengers.

For those seeking alternative accommodation options, there are nearby hotels such as the Mövenpick Hotel, which is within walking distance of the airport. Additionally, Bahrain International Airport provides a range of lounges, dining options, and other facilities to ensure a pleasant and engaging transit experience for its passengers.

Frequently asked questions