A new VIP terminal and an Airport Centre that includes shops, cinemas and car parking will be included in a major expansion of Bahrain International Airport.

Conceptual designs for the multi-million dinar project have already been completed by British firm LDY, it was revealed yesterday.

The first phase of the expansion includes the construction of a second terminal able to handle five million passengers, Bahrain Airport Company (BAC) chief executive officer Dr Osama Al-Ali.

"The current terminal's capacity is 7m passengers but it is already handling about 9m," he said.

"The first phase work is expected to be completed by 2013. Our long term plan is to have world class facilities and handle 28m passengers by 2038."

Architects are due to be appointed before the year-end to draw up detailed plans for the airport, while the main contractor is expected to be appointed early next year.

Dr. Al-Ali said the second terminal building would be constructed opposite the Muharraq headquarters of Bahrain Airport Services.

Work on the Airport Centre will also start in the current car parking area in different phases, he said.
"The centre will include a multi-storey car park which can take up to 3,000 cars, against the current capacity for only 900 cars," he added.

"The complex will also have commercial services, retail shops and cinemas."

The airport expansion is part of Bahrain's Vision 2030 and will be tailored to suit the country's specific needs, said Dr. Al-Ali.

Expansion work has already started on the airport's remote stands and is being carried out by Haji Hassan Group.

"It will provide stands for 17 small A320s or eight A380s," said Dr. Al-Ali.

"The expansion will ultimately create 110 stands, including 87 with contact gates. Currently, we have only 25 stands, including seven air-bridges."

The expansion is also expected to lead to an overall improvement in aviation services and includes a VIP terminal, airport shelters and a maintenance centre for small aircraft.

Dr. Al-Ali said Bahrain Duty Free will also undergo a progressive expansion.

BAC is keen to attract more international airlines to Bahrain, he added.

"The airport now handles 36 airlines and several seasonal airlines," said Dr. Al-Ali. "In partnership with CAA, we shall promote Bahrain as a destination for tourists."


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