The first phase of enabling works are underway at Bahrain International Airport as part of the airport modernization program (AMP). Work commenced following a payment of BHD139,000 (US$369,000) made by the Ministry of Transportation and Telecommunications to Cyprus Building and Road Construction Company (CYBROC).
The first phase of enabling works will involve the relocation of underground utilities, such as power and communications cables, and water and drainage pipework, away from the construction area. This will then allow construction work to begin on building the new terminal. Work on the first phase is scheduled for completion by November 2015.
Kamal bin Ahmed Mohammed, minister of Transportation and Telecommunications, said, “The awarding of the enabling works package and getting the physical work started on the airport grounds marks a significant milestone in the progress of the AMP, taking us a step closer to the realization of this important project. This project was conceived with a strategic focus in mind – to elevate the facilities, infrastructure and services of Bahrain’s national gateway and boost the kingdom’s aviation industry and capabilities in line with the national vision and reputation as a leading financial, cultural and aviation center in the Gulf region.”
The second phase of enabling works will commence in April 2015 and will involve the construction of a new fire station; a new access security gate that will become the main airside access point for airport staff working on the airfield; the relocation of aviation fueling facilities for Bahrain Aviation Fueling Company (BAFCO) including offices, maintenance workshops and operational equipment; and the relocation of the existing Bahrain Airport Services (BAS) facilities including the company’s maintenance workshops, vehicle fueling stations and training facilities. Phase two is scheduled for completion in early 2016.
Mohamed Yousif Al Binfalah, CEO of Bahrain Airport Company (BAC), the airport operator, said, “The start of construction works are a welcome sight and signify the imminent start of construction on the Bahrain Airport passenger terminal building. BAC has been committed to operating the airport as a world-class facility and 2014 was a significant year in this respect as we went to great lengths to improve the passenger experience, airport facilities, infrastructure and ground operations in line with international standards and strategies. Now, the time is right to embark on the creation of a modern passenger terminal building designed to world-class standards.
“Our aim is to provide a boutique setting that offers all the conveniences found in a global airport yet maintains the friendly and efficient service which has been Bahrain Airport’s unique differentiator and the root of our success.”
Construction work on the new terminal building will start in May 2015 and will run alongside the enabling works. The terminal will take four years to build and will be four times the size of the current building, covering approximately 2,169,000ft2 and capable of accommodating up to 14 million passengers a year. The layout of the new terminal at Bahrain Airport will be similar to the existing building with departures on the upper floor and arrivals on the ground. New and improved state-of-the-art technology will be introduced throughout. US-based Hill International is the project management consultant for the AMP and Aéroport de Paris Ingérierie (ADPi) is the design and supervision consultant for the construction work.