Work in full swing on $1.1bn Bahrain airport terminal project
CONSTRUCTION NEWS
Work is progressing as per schedule on the second phase of Bahrain International Airport's (BIA) new 207,000-sq-m passenger terminal project, being implemented under the $1.1 billion Airport Modernisation Programme, reported BNA, citing a senior minister.
"The AMP is the largest investment in Bahrain’s aviation sector for more than 20 years and will usher in a new era for air transport in the Kingdom. 2021 will be a major turning point for the airport," stated Minister of Transportation and Telecommunications and Bahrain Airport Company (BAC) Chairman, Kamal bin Ahmed Mohamed.
Four times larger than the existing facility, the new Passenger Terminal is equipped with the latest technologies and supported by high quality infrastructure. It will increase the airport’s capacity to 14 million passengers per year, delivering a comfortable and hassle-free airport experience, he added.
Kamal bin Mohamed was speaking to the media after paying an inspection visit to BIA to follow up on the progress of construction at the new passenger terminal.
He was accompanied by BAC officials, and representatives of the project’s main contractor, Arabtec TAV.
The second phase work, which is progressing as per schedule, is taking place in the eastern part of the existing airport. The site has been cordoned off to maintain the highest levels of safety and security.
Lauding the ongoing efforts of Team Bahrain, which started work on this important national development project four years ago, the minister emphasised the importance of maintaining the current pace of work, completing the second phase on time, and ensuring that the construction does not impact airport operations.
He was later briefed on the latest developments on the project, including demolition works and the removal of all internal equipment and installations, floors, ceilings, non-bearing partition walls, mechanical and electrical systems, and air conditioning systems.
The transference of operations to the new terminal will signal a major shift in the Kingdom’s aviation sector, reported BNA.
This will be complemented with Fuel Farm Complex operations, including three aviation fuel tanks, it added.
Kamal bin Mohamed said the coming months will also see the inauguration of the new private aviation terminal, which will cater to businessmen and private aircraft owners.
The private aviation terminal will be a major contributor to trade and will support the growth of the tourism and travel sector for decades to come, he noted.
In addition to the new Passenger Terminal and related projects such as the Central Utilities Complex, the multi-storey car park, staff parking area, super gate and fire station, the AMP includes several infrastructure development projects that will contribute to the realization of Bahrain's Economic Vision 2030, laying the foundation for a more sustainable and diversified economy, he added.
