An innovative and technology-driven airport experience

Credit: BAC

Bahrain International Airport (BAH) celebrated a major milestone on 28 January 2021 when its eagerly awaited new terminal opened for business. The new, state-of-the-art facility is the crowning jewel of a massive and comprehensive Airport Modernisation Programme (AMP) that is designed to elevate Bahrain Airport’s infrastructure, facilities and services, transforming it into a world‑class boutique airport and a key driver of Bahrain’s economic growth. The $1.1 billion project is in line with the Kingdom of Bahrain’s Vision 2030 and aims to cement Bahrain’s reputation as a leading financial, cultural and aviation hub in the region.

Spanning 210,000m², the new facility is four times larger than the legacy terminal, which was constructed in the 1970s, and increases Bahrain’s connectivity. This will support the Kingdom’s long-term economic and tourism goals and catalyse growth within the travel industry. The terminal increases the airport’s capacity to more than 14 million passengers, with a handling capacity of 4,700 bags per peak hour.

Opening a new terminal during the pandemic

While the transfer of operations to the new terminal coincided with the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic, which turned the global aviation industry upside down, this disruption strengthened our resolve to serve our country and customers, inspiring us to become more innovative and technology-focused.

Bahrain International Airport (BAH) celebrated a major milestone on 28 January 2021 when its eagerly awaited new terminal opened for business. The new, state-of-the-art facility is the crowning jewel of a massive and comprehensive Airport Modernisation Programme (AMP) that is designed to elevate Bahrain Airport’s infrastructure, facilities and services, transforming it into a world‑class boutique airport and a key driver of Bahrain’s economic growth. The $1.1 billion project is in line with the Kingdom of Bahrain’s Vision 2030 and aims to cement Bahrain’s reputation as a leading financial, cultural and aviation hub in the region.

Spanning 210,000m², the new facility is four times larger than the legacy terminal, which was constructed in the 1970s, and increases Bahrain’s connectivity. This will support the Kingdom’s long-term economic and tourism goals and catalyse growth within the travel industry. The terminal increases the airport’s capacity to more than 14 million passengers, with a handling capacity of 4,700 bags per peak hour.

Opening a new terminal during the pandemic

While the transfer of operations to the new terminal coincided with the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic, which turned the global aviation industry upside down, this disruption strengthened our resolve to serve our country and customers, inspiring us to become more innovative and technology-focused.

Due to COVID-19 precautionary measures, we were unable to conduct the final phase of the national Operations Readiness and Airport Transfer (ORAT) programme on the scale that we had envisioned. However, we still completed this essential process with the support of our team and partners, helping to identify any areas for improvement ahead of the facility’s opening.

Airports around the world have worked tirelessly to make their facilities as safe as possible by minimising physical contact, enhancing sanitisation and cleaning and maintaining social distancing. This has meant, among other measures, adopting contactless technology as a key transformational solution and ensuring that passengers have a more seamless end‑to-end journey. 

Accelerated adoption of contactless

Fortunately, airports were not caught entirely unprepared for the crisis. The aviation industry has been deeply invested in contactless technology for years, and the pandemic only helped to accelerate its adoption. This technology, coupled with a heightened focus on automation, now defines the passenger experience at a growing number of airports around the world.

Although Bahrain International Airport takes all possible precautions and follows strict hygiene standards in line with industry best practices, passengers are encouraged to make purchases wirelessly by using tap and go features and digital wallets. This has changed the way that passengers shop, further minimising the risk of spreading the virus.

The airport is also equipped with state-of-the-art technology to enhance efficiency, improve security and meet passengers’ growing expectations for a more seamless airport experience. Advancements in automation streamline some of the most time-consuming processes and procedures, reducing waiting times for passengers and giving them more control over their journeys.

New technologies improving the passenger experience

Among the new technologies that we have implemented is a self-bag-drop system, which reduces queuing time for passengers and enhances check-in capacity. Although the system is straightforward to use, staff are on-hand to provide personal support at any time.

There are two types of e-gate at BAH – security e-gates (between the check-in area and immigration to validate boarding passes) and immigration e-gates (self-service border control at both the departure and arrival areas). The system, which verifies users’ identities using biometrics, enables travellers to pass through immigration checkpoints faster and with less staff involvement whilst still maintaining a high level of security. Artificial intelligence (AI) technology also plays a key role in this process. Moreover, passengers’ personal data is used only when necessary and protected under the Personal Data Protection Law.

To improve the overall airport experience and to make it easier for passengers to find what they’re looking for, BAH features a state-of-the art information kiosk that provides useful details about public transport, taxi, car rental services, the Kingdom’s tourist attractions, prayer times, weather conditions, currency exchange rates and hotels.

Operations at BAH’s various parking facilities are markedly improved following the introduction of a new Car Park Management System. The electronic system replaces the legacy facility’s manned toll booth with self-service kiosks for payment.

The safety and security of passengers and staff are top priorities for the Bahrain Airport Company. BAH houses state-of-the-art screening machines with advanced capabilities that enhance the effectiveness of checkpoints. These new systems not only enhance operational efficiency and security, but they also make the airport experience quicker and more comfortable for passengers.

Although digitalisation, automation and contactless solutions are shaping the future of airports, staff still have a crucial role to play, particularly in terms of providing friendly service and ensuring that passengers enjoy a memorable experience.

BAH is the only international airport in the country, making it our gateway to the rest of the world. It is a vital economic and social asset for Bahrain and must be capable of meeting the Kingdom’s present and future needs. Although it is still among the smaller airports in the region, with its advanced technologies and focus on delivering comfort, connections and character, we believe that it is on par with the best in the world.