A group of MPs is seeking to transform Bahrain International Airport (BIA) into a multi-functional destination that offers entertainment and cultural experiences alongside the core transport services.
Members of the Strategic Thinking Bloc have put forward a proposal for a bustling complex within BIA that includes world-class retail stores, a cinema complex, a children’s play park and culinary outlets celebrating Bahrain’s rich heritage.
The proposal, led by financial and economic affairs committee chairman Ahmed Al Salloom, has been submitted to the Muharraq Municipal Council.
“Why are we letting transit passengers – some waiting for two to eight hours for connecting flights – leave the airport without giving them the opportunity to enjoy themselves and spend some money on it?” asked Mr Al Salloom.
“Sitting in a lounge, often for free if you have the right credit card, or hanging around in a coffee shop, doesn’t serve the airport well and suggest that the only thing transit passengers can do is sleep, eat or read … or wait in boredom,” he said.
“There are short visit shuttle services now available, but visitors are sightseeing rather than spending here.”
Citing examples such as Hong Kong International Airport and Austria’s Salzburg International Airport, Mr Al Salloom stressed that Bahrain must step up its game.
“We could have travellers buying branded clothes, accessories, gifts and even antiques from our Productive Bahraini Families, while having a cineplex and a play park for children to enjoy,” he said.
“There is enough space in the airport to accommodate these outlets, which we believe would be a forward approach to the ongoing modernisation plan,” he added.
The newly-built passenger terminal, which opened in January 2021, spans 207,000sqm and includes a 4,600sqm departure hall, 104 check-in counters, 36 passport control booths and 24 security screening points. Capable of handling 14 million passengers a year, it’s four times the size of the previous terminal. Despite these facilities, MPs believe BIA’s potential hasn’t been fully realised yet.
Muharraq Municipal Council chairman Abdulaziz Al Naar said the proposal aligned perfectly with Bahrain’s Vision 2030 strategy to diversify the economy and boost the tourism and hospitality sectors.
“There is an emerging global trend to create destination airports that offer a unique blend of shopping, leisure and entertainment,” Mr Al Naar pointed out.
“From high-end fashion boutiques to renowned global brands, BIA needs to offer an extensive range of retail options to cater to different tastes and budgets.
“A significant focus should be on promoting local businesses and products that highlight the rich cultural heritage of Bahrain.”
He said there was only one local restaurant at BIA and very limited space for productive families and home-based businesses.
“This needs to change. Bahrainis should have a stronger presence inside their own airport,” he added.
Mr Al Naar also suggested launching exclusive airport deals, including special discounts and unique product ranges available only at BIA, to further incentivise spending.
Vice-chairman of Parliament’s services committee and area Mohammed Al Olaiwi echoed the calls for transformation.
“We need to rethink what a modern airport offers,” he said. “Transit time can become tourism time if we make it attractive enough.”
Mr Al Olaiwi stressed that the airport should not only compete with other Gulf hubs like Dubai and Doha but also differentiate itself through ‘culturally rich and family-friendly offerings’.
“Our Productive Families programme is internationally admired, but we’re not leveraging it enough. Why not offer handmade Bahraini crafts, traditional sweets and mini art galleries at the airport? Let travellers take a real piece of Bahrain with them,” he said.
Councillor Abdulqader Al Sayed, who chairs the council’s services and public utilities committee and represents the airport area, suggested including wellness zones and gyms for long-haul travellers, state-of-the-art gaming lounges for youth and a premium cinema for all.
He also highlighted the importance of cultural immersion and said live musical performances, art exhibits and seasonal cultural events could turn the central concourses into dynamic gathering spaces, and the airport into a ‘cultural ambassador’ for the kingdom.
“Through strategically placed art installations, architectural elements that reflect Bahraini heritage and locally-themed retail offerings, the airport will become a space where passengers can begin to experience Bahrain’s rich history and traditions from the moment they arrive,” he said.
Despite the optimistic outlook, the councillor acknowledged that competition from global hubs such as Dubai, Doha, Bangkok and Barcelona remains a significant challenge.
“However, Bahrain’s strategic location, coupled with the personalised and unique experiences it aims to offer, could set BIA apart,” he added. “We have the opportunity to capitalise on our boutique approach, providing not just luxury, but depth and intimacy.”
The Muharraq Municipal Council will arrange meetings with relevant government ministries and BIA officials to explore implementation pathways, identify space availability and prepare a feasibility study.
Two additional gates and four more aircraft aprons are already on the government’s infrastructure agenda for BIA, as disclosed to the Shura Council earlier, indicating room for further expansion.
Bahrain International Airport was awarded the 2025 global 5-Star Airport quality rating for the fourth consecutive year by SKYTRAX in February.
mohammed@gdnmedia.bh
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