BAHRAIN’S much-awaited new passenger terminal will begin operations on January 28 as the kingdom cements its position as a major travel hub in the region.
His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince Prime Minister, toured the state-of-the-art complex in Muharraq to review the Airport Modernisation Project.
The new $1.1bn terminal will be four times larger than the current facility and the new-look Bahrain International Airport will enhance connectivity as it welcomes more travellers and serves them from later this month.
“This strategic infrastructure project reflects the kingdom’s progress developing its national economy and supports its comprehensive development, led by His Majesty King Hamad,” said the Crown Prince Prime Minister.
“The Airport Modernisation Project will expand and enhance Bahrain’s connectivity and further strengthen its position as an increasingly important hub in the region.”
Prince Salman said the project also provides quality opportunities for citizens within the kingdom’s logistics sector, describing it as ‘a key priority sector of Bahrain’s diversifying economy’.
The new terminal is capable of processing 130,000 air traffic movements per annum with a handling capacity of 4,700 bags per hour and increases the airport’s capacity to 14 million passengers a year.
Also present during yesterday’s tour was Deputy Prime Minister and Ministerial Committee for Development and Infrastructure Projects chairman Shaikh Khalid bin Abdulla Al Khalifa and Finance and National Economy Minister Shaikh Salman bin Khalifa Al Khalifa.
The Crown Prince Prime Minister was briefed by Transportation and Telecommunication Minister Kamal Ahmed on the completion of the new terminal, designed and constructed using the latest in innovative technologies and environmental best practice.
Mr Ahmed expressed his gratitude to HRH Prince Salman for his continued commitment to the kingdom’s logistics sector, adding that developments within the sector will help contribute to achieving Bahrain’s Economic Vision 2030.
“This project will serve as a major driving force for the kingdom’s trade, tourism and travel sectors,” added Mr Ahmed.
The project includes a central utility complex, 5,500 parking spaces, a greatly expanded duty-free shopping area, two reception and hospitality lounges for first class and business class travellers, plus a private aviation building providing services for private jet owners and passengers.
In addition, there is a private centre for rescue and firefighting services, as well as an aviation fuel field.
sandy@gdn.com.bh
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