Bahrain is on the verge of a major leap forward in its aviation sector with an ambitious plan to build a $10 billion greenfield airport on a reclaimed island north of the existing Bahrain International Airport (BAH). This bold move comes at a crucial time, as BAH nears its operational capacity, driven by surging passenger traffic and expanding air connectivity in the region.
The current airport, despite recent upgrades and a five-star Skytrax rating, is nearing its maximum capacity of 14 million passengers annually. To accommodate the projected growth and maintain its position as a key aviation hub in the Middle East, Bahrain’s leadership is considering this new facility as a strategic investment in its long-term economic and infrastructure development.
The greenfield airport project is anticipated to play a pivotal role in supporting Bahrain’s ambitious air connectivity plans, which envision expanding to 100 global destinations over the next four to five years. This ambitious vision underscores the kingdom’s commitment to becoming a leading player in the international air travel market. With Bahrain International Airport nearing its operational limits, the greenfield airport emerges as an essential component in sustaining the growth of the aviation sector and aligning with the kingdom’s broader Vision 2030 objectives.
Mohamed Yousif Al Binfalah, CEO of the Bahrain Airport Company (BAC), emphasizes the necessity for a long-term solution to accommodate future growth. “Our existing airport has a single runway, and there will come a time when runway capacity is exhausted,” Al Binfalah explained. “A new greenfield airport will take Bahrain into the future, ensuring that we have the infrastructure in place to meet growing demand for air travel.”
The proposed greenfield airport is strategically positioned on a reclaimed island north of the existing BAH, offering ample space for expansion. The project is expected to involve extensive dredging and land reclamation efforts, coupled with the development of new transportation infrastructure to connect the island to Bahrain’s mainland. This would likely include the construction of a bridge or causeway, as well as a comprehensive road and rail network to ensure seamless connectivity between the airport and Bahrain’s urban centers.
Beyond simply providing much-needed capacity, the greenfield airport represents an opportunity to integrate the latest technologies and innovations in airport design. The facility is projected to boast multiple runways, spacious passenger terminals, and state-of-the-art cargo handling facilities. These advancements will solidify Bahrain’s standing as a key logistics hub in the Gulf region, efficiently serving both passenger and cargo traffic.
Sustainability is a cornerstone of the greenfield airport’s design, reflecting Bahrain’s commitment to environmental responsibility. Energy-efficient terminal buildings, renewable energy sources, and sustainable waste management systems are expected to be integral components of the new airport, aligning seamlessly with the nation’s Vision 2030 strategy.
Netherlands Airport Consultants (NACO), a global leader in airport planning and design, has been entrusted with conducting a comprehensive feasibility study for the greenfield airport project. This study will delve into the technical, economic, financial, and regulatory aspects of the project, providing Bahrain’s leadership with the data needed to make an informed decision about moving forward with construction. In addition to assessing the project’s viability, the study will examine public policy considerations, infrastructure development strategies, and environmental impact assessments.
The findings of the feasibility study are expected by the end of this year or early next year, at which point the government will make a final decision on the project’s future. “The study is ongoing, and we are looking forward to its results,” Al Binfalah said. “We are committed to making sure that any future development serves the best interests of Bahrain’s aviation sector and our broader national goals.”
The greenfield airport is not merely an infrastructure project; it represents a strategic move to ensure Bahrain’s competitiveness in the dynamic global aviation industry. As other Gulf countries, such as Qatar and the UAE, continue to invest in expanding their own airport infrastructure, Bahrain’s ability to keep pace with demand is crucial. The kingdom is positioning itself to capture a larger share of international air traffic, particularly as the region continues to see rising passenger numbers.
By investing in a new, high-capacity airport, Bahrain aims to accommodate this growth while simultaneously offering enhanced services and infrastructure for both passengers and airlines. This commitment underscores the kingdom’s dedication to securing a prominent position in the global air travel market.
As Bahrain moves closer to a decision on the greenfield airport, the project is being hailed as a transformative development for the kingdom’s aviation sector. By addressing the capacity limitations of Bahrain International Airport and providing the infrastructure needed for future growth, the greenfield airport is anticipated to support the country’s broader economic diversification efforts and enhance its role as a regional hub for air travel and logistics.
In the coming months, the results of the feasibility study will shed further light on the project’s viability and timeline. If approved, the greenfield airport could become one of the largest infrastructure projects in Bahrain’s history, marking a new chapter in the kingdom’s aviation journey.
With Bahrain International Airport nearing its capacity limits, the kingdom’s decision to explore the construction of a $10 billion greenfield airport reflects its commitment to future-proofing its aviation sector. This ambitious project, located on a reclaimed island, would provide the space and infrastructure needed to meet growing demand and support Bahrain’s goal of expanding to 100 destinations worldwide. As the feasibility study progresses, the greenfield airport is poised to play a key role in shaping the future of Bahrain’s aviation sector, ensuring that the kingdom remains a competitive player in the global air travel market for years to come.
