Bahrain's International Flight Plans: When Will They Take Off?

Bahrain International Airport (BIA) is the international airport of Bahrain, located on Muharraq Island, adjacent to the capital Manama and the city of Muharraq. The airport is served by several international airlines, including Emirates, Saudia, Gulf Air, and Etihad Airways, and offers flights to various destinations worldwide. The airport has a rich history, dating back to 1927 when it first started as a stopover for flights between London and Delhi. Over the years, it has undergone significant expansions and renovations, including the addition of new terminals and increased capacity to accommodate more passengers. The latest updates suggest that BIA hit a record high in capacity in August 2024 and continues to expand its routes.

Bahrain International Airport is the international airport of Bahrain

Bahrain International Airport (IATA: BAH, ICAO: OBBI) is the international airport of Bahrain, located on Muharraq Island, adjacent to the capital Manama and the city of Muharraq. It is the oldest international airport in the Persian Gulf, established in 1927 when a chartered flight to Bahrain first landed. The airport is managed by the Bahrain Airport Company and serves as the hub for the national carrier, Gulf Air.

The first scheduled commercial airliner to arrive in Bahrain landed in 1932. It was a flight from London to Delhi operated by a Handley Page H.P.42 aircraft named Hannibal, carrying only 24 passengers. During World War II, the airport was used by the United States Army Air Forces Air Transport Command Central African Wing. From 1943 until Bahrain's independence in 1971, the Royal Air Force maintained a military installation at the airfield.

The airport has undergone significant development over the years, with new passenger terminals opening in 1961, 1971, and most recently, in 2021. The latest expansion plan, announced in 2009, aims to triple the passenger capacity to 27 million per year over the next 30 years. The new terminal features check-in halls, passport control booths, security lanes, lounges, duty-free retail spaces, food and beverage zones, and more.

Bahrain International Airport offers a range of parking facilities, lounges, and hotel services for travellers. The Pearl Lounge, for instance, showcases traditional Bahraini hospitality in a modern setting, providing a peaceful haven for individuals, groups, and families. The airport also has an Unaccompanied Minors Lounge to ensure a safe and comfortable experience for children aged 2 to 14 travelling alone.

The airport is located on Muharraq Island, adjacent to the capital, Manama

Bahrain International Airport (IATA: BAH, ICAO: OBBI) is located on Muharraq Island, adjacent to the capital, Manama. It is the oldest international airport in the Persian Gulf, established in 1927. The airport is managed by the Bahrain Airport Company and serves as the hub for the national carrier, Gulf Air.

The airport is situated in central Muharraq and has convenient transportation links to Manama. The Airport Avenue roadway and Shaikh Isa Causeway provide easy access to the capital. Additionally, the airport is well-connected through various taxi operators and bus services provided by the Bahrain Public Transport Company (BPTC).

Over the years, Bahrain International Airport has undergone significant expansion and upgrades. In 2010, a new $100 million terminal was inaugurated, boosting passenger capacity to 10 million annually. The airport continued to expand, and in 2021, a new $1.1 billion terminal opened its doors. This state-of-the-art facility increased the airport's capacity to 14 million passengers and introduced additional features such as check-in halls, passport control booths, lounges, and duty-free retail spaces.

Bahrain International Airport has a rich history in aviation. The first-ever chartered flight to Bahrain landed in 1927, marking the beginning of international aviation in the country. In 1932, the airport welcomed its first scheduled commercial airliner, a flight from London to Delhi operated by a Handley Page H.P.42 aircraft named Hannibal. During World War II, the airport played a strategic role, serving as a stopover for the United States Army Air Forces Air Transport Command Central African Wing.

Today, Bahrain International Airport continues to be a significant aviation hub, connecting the east and the west. With its modern facilities, convenient transportation links, and ongoing expansion plans, the airport is well-equipped to handle the growing demand for air travel in the region.

The airport is managed by the Bahrain Airport Company and was established in 1927

Bahrain International Airport (IATA: BAH, ICAO: OBBI) is the international airport of Bahrain. Located on Muharraq Island, it is adjacent to the capital city of Manama and the city of Muharraq. The airport is currently managed by the Bahrain Airport Company (BAC) and was established in 1927, making it the oldest international airport in the Persian Gulf. The origins of the airport date back to 1927 when a chartered flight landed in Bahrain. However, the first scheduled commercial airliner, a Handley Page H.P.42 aircraft named Hannibal, arrived in Bahrain from London to Delhi in 1932. This established Bahrain as one of the first international airports in the Persian Gulf.

The Bahrain Airport Company, a semi-governmental company, is responsible for developing and enhancing the capacity and infrastructure of Bahrain International Airport to accommodate future growth. The company was established in 2008 and falls under the umbrella of the Gulf Air Holding Company, owned by Bahrain's sovereign wealth fund, Mumtalakat.

Under the management of the Bahrain Airport Company, the airport has undergone significant expansion and modernisation. In 2010, the company took over the management and development of the airport, and a new passenger terminal was inaugurated, increasing the airport's capacity to 14 million passengers and 130,000 air traffic movements per year. The terminal features check-in halls, passport control booths, security lanes, duty-free retail spaces, lounges, food and beverage zones, and improved baggage handling capabilities.

The Bahrain Airport Company has cemented the airport's reputation as an attractive hub for airlines and passengers. The convenient location of the airport, coupled with aviation advancements and competitive offerings, has solidified its position as a key aviation hub. The airport connects major international destinations across North America, Europe, Africa, Asia, and the Far East while offering frequent regional services.

In addition to commercial operations, the airport has a history of military use. During World War II, it served as a stopover for the United States Army Air Forces Air Transport Command Central African Wing. Subsequently, from 1943 until Bahrain's independence in 1971, the Royal Air Force maintained a military installation at the airfield. Today, a portion of the airport is still utilised by the U.S. Navy as Aviation Support Unit (ASU) Bahrain.

The airport offers a range of parking facilities, lounges, and a hotel for transit passengers

Bahrain Airport Facilities

Bahrain International Airport, located on Muharraq Island, offers a range of facilities for travellers passing through. The airport has been in operation since 1927 and has been continually improved to accommodate more passengers and provide a range of amenities.

Parking Facilities

Bahrain International Airport offers a range of parking options to suit different traveller needs. The airport has a Multi-Storey Car Park B, which is a premium facility located adjacent to the passenger terminal building. This car park offers the convenience of parking just a few minutes' walk from the check-in area. Car Park D is another option, which is ideal for long-term parking due to its proximity to a shuttle bus service that takes passengers directly to the terminal. This service is complimentary and operates 24/7, with buses arriving every 15 minutes. The airport also provides valet parking services for both arriving and departing passengers.

Lounges

Bahrain International Airport has three lounges: the Gulf Air Business Class Falcon Lounge, the Dilmun Lounge, and the Marhaba Lounge. The Falcon Lounge is primarily for Gulf Air Business Class travellers, but others can access it for a fee of $80 for three hours. The Dilmun Lounge offers a range of amenities, including reclining chairs, a large seating area, free wifi, and buffet-style food options. Access to this lounge costs $60 for three hours. The Marhaba Lounge has three locations within the airport: one in the basement near Gates 31 and beyond, one near Duty-Free, and another on the first floor beside the Dilmun Lounge. The first-floor Marhaba Lounge is known for being peaceful and quiet, with comfortable chairs, good wifi, and a friendly front desk staff. This lounge is excellent value at $30 for three hours.

Transit Hotel

For those transiting through Bahrain International Airport, there is an airport hotel located opposite departure gate 15. The Bahrain Airport Hotel offers a range of room options, including spacious family rooms, standard rooms, compact rooms, and sleeping pods. Rooms can be booked for a minimum of three hours, making it convenient for passengers with long layovers or those who need a quick rest before their next flight. The hotel also features a 5-star spa operated by Gulf Spa, providing travellers with a place to relax and rejuvenate during their journey.

International travel to Bahrain has been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic

During the pandemic, Bahrain, like many countries, imposed specific stipulations for travellers entering the country. These measures varied depending on the origin of travel and the COVID-19 situation in those countries. While there were no active restrictions listed for many countries as of September 2023 and 2024, certain nations had particular requirements. For instance, travellers from Belarus had to present a negative COVID-19 test taken within 48 hours of arrival or face a 14-day quarantine. Similarly, passengers from Burundi needed to show a negative PCR test result issued no more than 72 hours before departure.

Other countries, such as Guinea, prohibited the entry of travellers altogether, with exceptions for nationals, spouses, and children. In the case of Nigeria, international passenger flights were suspended, although cargo and emergency flights were excluded from this ban. Each country presented unique circumstances, and the regulations were subject to change as the pandemic evolved.

The impact of the pandemic on international travel to Bahrain was significant, with the country, like the rest of the world, navigating the challenges of balancing health and safety with the resumption of travel and tourism. These measures were implemented to curb the spread of COVID-19 and protect the health and well-being of both travellers and residents in Bahrain. As the situation evolved, the regulations were adjusted accordingly, reflecting the dynamic nature of the pandemic and the responses to it.

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