HRH Crown Prince reviews the progress of the Bahrain Airport Expansion Project

Manama, Mar. 24 (BNA): His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander and First Deputy Prime Minister today visited the Bahrain International Airport to review the progress of the Airport Expansion Project. Upon arrival, HRH the Crown Prince was welcomed by Deputy Prime Minister, His Excellency Shaikh Khalid bin Abdullah Al Khalifa, and other senior government officials. HRH the Crown Prince toured different parts of the project, including the new main passenger terminal which stretches across 210,000 Square Metres. Once fully completed, the expansion project will increase the airport’s annual passenger capacity from 9 million to 14 million, introduce 25 MARS airbridges and a state-of-the-art automated Early Baggage Storage (EBS) system, as well as a multistorey car park enough for an additional 2,700 vehicles. HRH the Crown Prince also reviewed the progress of the National Air Traffic Management Program (ORAT), which was recently introduced to ensure seamless operations across the airport’s new facilities and terminal. During the visit, HRH the Crown Prince highlighted that, in line with HM the King’s vision to advance prosperity and development, the expansion will provide significant job opportunities for citizens, including a bespoke training programme (Tahleeq) designed to hone the skills of Bahrainis managing airport operations. HRH the Crown Prince also highlighted the important contribution Bahrain’s skilled workforce makes in expanding national assets for future generations and added that their dedication and commitment have been central to the success of the expansion project. HRH the Crown Prince emphasised the importance of investing in local transport projects and stressed that the expansion will put the International Airport at the centre of Bahrain’s advanced logistics sector. HRH the Crown Prince noted that Bahrain is committed to making the best use of this national asset to bolster its pioneering role as a regional hub for businesses looking to tap into the region’s diverse market. The Minister of Transportation and Telecommunications, His Excellency Engineer Kamal bin Ahmed Mohammed, expressed his thanks and gratitude for HRH the Crown Prince’s visit, saying that the visit reflects HRH the Crown Prince’s commitment to advancing Bahrain’s thriving logistics sector. His Excellency also took the opportunity to highlight the ongoing progress of the new passenger terminal and noted that the launch of the new terminal remains on schedule.