Bahrain International Airport announces expansion plans

Bahrain International Airport is to increase its annual capacity by 50% to 13.5 million over the next four years.
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Bahrain Airport Company (BAC) has awarded engineering consultants Dar Al Handasah a BD4.4 million ($11.6 million) design contract for the project, which will see the airport expand by 40,000m² (430,556ft²), add five gates and 40 check-in desks.

The initial design phase will take nine months, with the project due to be completed by 2015.
 
"The plans we are initiating for an expanded international airport are essential to Bahrain's continued development, not only in providing businesses in Bahrain with the access they demand for the future, but also in bolstering the growing aviation and logistics industry in the kingdom," said BAC chairman Khalid Al Rumaihi.
 
Dar Al Handasah won the competitive tender through the Bahrain Tender Board, over four other bidders, in a process commissioned by BAC.
 
Emphasising the importance of this programme to BAC’s business strategy, BAC CEO, Gordon Dewar said: “Appointing Dar Al Handasah is another milestone towards expanding and developing BIA. The competitive tender process has ensured value for money for this important project.”
 
The news comes after months of civil unrest in the country, although Mohammad Thamir, vice-president of Airport Operations, BAC, has said that the airport has never been closed as a result of the political problems.
 

 

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