Registration has opened for thousands of volunteers needed for a test-run of the new terminal at Bahrain International Airport (BIA).
The GDN first reported earlier this month that members of the public would be invited to take part in a pre-launch trial of the $1.1 billion extension.
Authorities began registering the names of volunteers who want to become the first to experience its facilities yesterday.
Applications
Anyone who lives in Bahrain, is aged over 18 and has a valid CPR card can take part.
“I think this is a great opportunity and we encourage all the people living in Bahrain to start applying and participate in the testing ahead of the new terminal’s operations,” Transportation and Telecommunications Minister Kamal Ahmed told the GDN yesterday.
“We want to engage with them so they can share their feedback with us during these trials ahead of the opening day.”
Up to 15,000 volunteers are required for trial runs at the new airport expansion, which are expected to be held in December and January.
They will put the terminal through its paces and the once-in-a-lifetime experience aims to ensure the new airport is ready to become operational.
The new airport modernisation programme is one of the biggest development projects in the history of Bahrain.
“During these trials a number of scenarios will be tested,” said Mr Ahmed.
“For example, some volunteers will be acting as passengers travelling to London, transit passengers or even someone coming to the airport to drop off a passenger.
“Some of the volunteers will be in the arrivals or departures section.
“We are doing all scenarios, including passengers using ATMs at the airport.
“These trials will give us valuable feedback to ensure the new passenger terminal building delivers the best travel experience for passengers.”
He shared details of the plan as he launched a road show to promote the airport drill at Seef Mall, which will continue at different locations until November 23.
The terminal is expected to open in the first quarter of next year.
“At one stage we will require about 8,000 volunteers to take part in the trial,” said Mr Ahmed.
“We need a large number of people to register for these trials, as we cannot delay the process.”
Those who put their names forward will be screened before final selection.
Mr Ahmed said authorities hoped to ensure a swift, “hassle-free” experience for passengers using the new terminal – a feature characteristic of the existing airport.
“The airport is a gateway for any country and we continue to have an efficient and fast process to arrive and depart the airport, which we want to maintain in the new passenger terminal building,” added the minister.
“It is a bigger facility, but we want a hassle-free and comfortable passenger experience.
“It won’t be easy in the beginning, as we will face initial hiccups, but I am sure this will be resolved within three months of operations.”
People who want to take part in pre-opening trials of the new terminal can register at a dedicated stand at Bahrain International Airport, which will remain there until November 23.
A nationwide road show will also see applications accepted at Bahrain University (October 27 to October 29); Oasis Mall, Juffair (October 31 until November 2); Bahrain Polytechnic (November 4 to November 6); Seef Mall, Muharraq (November 7 to November 9); Royal University for Women (November 11 to November 13); City Centre Bahrain (November 14 to November 16); Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland – Medical University of Bahrain (November 18 to November 20); and Enma Mall, Riffa (November 21 to November 23).
Volunteers can also register online at www.bahrainairport.bh/orat or call 17155335 for more information.
Those accepted for the trial run will receive SMS confirmation, followed by a phone call explaining the process further.
Tests have already been conducted on electronic baggage handling, luggage security and data entry procedures.
Features
The new 207,000sqm terminal building will include a 4,600sqm departure hall, 104 check-in counters, 36 passport control booths and 24 security screening points.
It is four times the size of the existing terminal and will be able to accommodate 14 million passengers a year.
Other features will include two main hospitality lounges, one run by national carrier Gulf Air and the other by Bahrain Airport Company.
A hotel, pharmacy and a privately-managed airport clinic are among amenities that will greet travellers at the terminal.
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