Bahrain Airport Plans Expansion to 100 Destinations

Bahrain International Airport (BAH) is set to take flight with an exciting new strategy to enhance its global connectivity. Over the next four to five years, the airport plans to expand its reach to 100 destinations, significantly boosting its presence in the competitive Gulf aviation market. This ambitious initiative is part of Bahrain's broader vision to position itself as a key player, even as it faces stiff competition from neighboring hubs like Qatar and the United Arab Emirates.

Expanding to 100 Destinations

"We are more aligned as stakeholders than ever before," said Al Binfalah, the airport's CEO. Currently, BAH connects to 62 destinations worldwide, including recent additions like Guangzhou and Shanghai, thanks to Gulf Air's new routes. Al Binfalah emphasizes that the airport’s expansion will focus on major markets in North America, Europe, Africa, and Asia. With this strategy, BAH aims to improve both air traffic and passenger numbers, ultimately establishing itself as a leading gateway to the Gulf.

Gulf Air currently accounts for approximately 65% of all departure seats from BAH. However, the airport is actively working to diversify its airline offerings. New partnerships, like those with Pakistan's Fly Jinnah, are already contributing to this goal. Al Binfalah views Routes World 2024 as a prime opportunity to connect with potential airline partners and explore new routes.

"We are preparing to meet with airlines that have the potential to establish routes to Bahrain," he explained. BAH is also developing an incentive program to attract new airlines, which includes marketing support and incentives linked to passenger traffic and load factors.

Collaborating with Charter Operators

Bahrain International Airport has also successfully collaborated with charter operators, resulting in a notable increase in point-to-point traffic to new destinations over the summer. This success has inspired BAH to make charter flights a significant part of its traffic development strategy, with tailored programs for both summer and winter.

"This approach reflects our commitment to attracting new traffic by tapping into various segments of the aviation market," Al Binfalah noted. By leveraging partnerships with charter operators, BAH can offer new options for travelers, especially those seeking direct, seasonal routes for leisure travel.

A Customer-Centric Hub

Bahrain International Airport aims to be recognized as a customer-oriented hub, distinguishing itself from other major airports in the region, which often prioritize size and volume. "We want to be known for our passenger-friendly experience, not just the size of our terminal," Al Binfalah said.

This passenger-first philosophy has helped shape BAH's identity as a boutique airport offering high-quality service. Its size allows for shorter walking distances, quicker connections, and personalized service, making it an attractive option for travelers who value efficiency and comfort.

Infrastructure Investments and a Five-Star Terminal

Supporting BAH's ambitious growth plans are significant investments in infrastructure. The recent redevelopment of the airport, including a new state-of-the-art terminal, has been described by Al Binfalah as "transformational in terms of scope and quality." The terminal has received a five-star rating from Skytrax and is designed to accommodate up to 14 million passengers annually.

With modern amenities such as premium lounges, diverse dining options, advanced security systems, and high-speed Wi-Fi, the terminal enhances the overall passenger experience. These improvements position BAH as a world-class airport ready to meet the needs of international travelers and airlines alike.

Focus on Cargo and Logistics Growth

In addition to passenger traffic, cargo operations are crucial to Bahrain International Airport's expansion plans. The development of the Express Cargo Village is a cornerstone of BAH’s efforts to diversify its revenue and strengthen its role as a logistics hub in the Gulf.

The first phase of the Express Cargo Village, covering 12,500 square meters (134,550 square feet), is operational with FedEx as the first tenant. Additional phases are planned to accommodate more major cargo operators. This expansion will help BAH meet the increasing demand for express cargo services, especially as e-commerce and global trade continue to rise.

By focusing on both passenger and cargo traffic, Bahrain International Airport is building a more diversified and resilient business model that can weather fluctuations in the aviation industry. With its strategic location in the Gulf, modern infrastructure, and robust partnerships, BAH is well-positioned as a hub for both passengers and freight.