The Kingdom of Bahrain is rapidly strengthening its position as a key player in global aviation, capitalising on its strategic location and rich history as a trading hub to boost connectivity and economic growth.
Its archipelago of 33 islands serves as a gateway to the Arabian Gulf and a centre for global commerce. It has been at the nexus of international trade routes for more than 4,000 years, providing a key link between the East and West. Bahrain offers unmatched access to the growing economies of the MENA region and beyond, making it an attractive location for logistics and business operations.
With its successful bid to host Routes World 2024 in October and the 7th edition of the Bahrain International Airshow occurring in November, Bahrain will be at the centre of global aviation discussions. Key decision-makers from the aviation industry will be present as Bahrain presents its national logistics and tourism strategies, demonstrating the country’s aviation infrastructure and tourism potential whilst facilitating conversations around worldwide flight networks.
Here are four ways the Kingdom is enhancing its aviation connections:
- Infrastructure
Bahrain International Airport’s (BAH) new $1.1 billion terminal opened in 2021 as part of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 economic programme to further its reputation as a leading logistics, aviation, tourism and innovation hub in the MENA region. It has increased the airport’s capacity from 8.7 million passengers in 2023 to 14 million annually, with further plans to grow it to 14 million visitors annually by 2026.
The airport will also be home to a new Express Cargo Village, which will increase BAH’s cargo-carrying capacity to 1.6 million pieces through the addition of new warehouses, runway aprons and other infrastructure. FedEx has signed a 10-year agreement as its first anchor tenant.
Aviation relies on good connections from other transportation hubs also. To further this, Bahrain has formed a cutting-edge Global-Sea-to-Air Hub powered by advanced technology that will cut in half transportation time and 40% cost reduction. In addition, a second planned bridge connecting Bahrain and Saudi Arabia, known as the King Hamad Causeway, will further strengthen transportation links between the two Kingdoms. It will be part of the GCC Railway Network project that aims to connect all six GCC member countries through more than 2,000 km of rail line.
- Technology
BAH is on a digitalisation journey with the aim to improve passenger experience. The technologically advanced new terminal incorporates smart technology and Information and Communications Technology (ICT) infrastructure to facilitate this.
BAH partnered with Thales-SITA to build the integrated automated technology solutions into the terminal. Amongst the technologies deployed are biometrics to aid immigration efficiency and security to a real-time interface between the Air Traffic Control (ATC) tower and Bahrain’s national carrier (Gulf Air) for real-time flight updates.
- Connections
Gulf Air, the national airline carrier of the Kingdom of Bahrain, has expanded its global routes, from 50 to 60 destinations in 30 countries across three continents, Africa, Asia and Europe. This network expansion has come with the addition of new routes to Munich, Guangzhou and Shanghai, new seasonal flights to Europe, as well as increasing flight frequencies.
This is part of a carefully considered plan to further boost connections and increase its number of flights, including tourist hubs, commercial centres, pilgrimage sites and key financial cities such as New York, Tokyo and Zurich.
- Partnerships
Forging new partnerships is key to furthering development and Gulf Air is being proactive in this regard. A new strategic partnership between Gulf Air and Bahrain Airport Services (BAS) will enhance aircraft maintenance training and equip BAS Aircraft Engineering Training Centre (BAETC) students with the skills they need for a career in the industry.
Bahrainis training to become pilots or aviation engineers will also receive support in their training thanks to the support of Tamkeen. Gulf Air signed two agreements with Bahrain Labour Fund (Tamkeen) to boost the training for these highly specialised fields that require significant technical expertise.
To contribute to Bahrain’s objective of achieving net zero by 2060 and to advance its own sustainability strategy, Gulf Air has also partnered with Safa – a carbon offsetting platform that helps individuals manage their carbon footprints – to launch a carbon management initiative. The initiative gives passengers the option to support a portfolio of high-impact carbon projects when purchasing their tickets.
On a national level, Bahrain is developing a new US trade zone which promises more opportunity by allowing businesses to operate as if they were in the US. It will be a regional hub for commerce, manufacturing, logistics and distribution for US companies.
These ambitious projects showcase the country’s commitment to aviation development and plans to enhance its tourism and logistics sectors.
With a $30+ billion pipeline of investment projects focused on logistics and tourism, Bahrain is positioning itself as a premier destination for both business and leisure travellers, further solidifying its role in shaping global air connectivity for years to come.
