Baharin, which historically served as a gateway between East and West, is planning to enhance air connectivity with India and other Asian countries.
The move follows a decision by Asian carriers to operate more direct flights to Bahrain International Airport (BIA) to help passengers save time and money.
“This year we are focused on developing underserved destinations in India, Nepal, Bangladesh, and other select destinations in Asia and Africa,” said Mohamed Yousif Al Binfalah, CEO, Bahrain Airport Company (BAC) which owns and operates the BIA.
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Air traffic growth
India figures high on the agenda as its represents 20% of Bahrain’s air traffic and this market is set to grow between five and 7% in the near term. Over 350,000 Indian nationals work in Bahrain and they travel mostly through connecting flights from hubs in Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
Bahrain has a large segment of expatriate workers and businesspeople from India, which gives it large potential for high traffic numbers.
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“All segment of customers are important to us and with direct flights, they can benefit from shorter travel time and face fewer complications than what may arise with more stops along the way,” Mr. Binfalah said.
To woo airlines BAC is offering a number of advantages including market support and other incentives in parking and landing fees, but it varies on a case-to-case basis.
Air India, Jet Airways
Currently Indian carriers namely Air India, Jet Airways and Air India Express are operating direct flights to Bahrain from Cochin, Calicut, Trivandrum, Hyderabad, Delhi and Chennai. BCA said it is now doing everything possible to accommodate more flights from these stations as well as opening connectivity to other cities.
“Over the next few years, we are planning on catering to the unserved destinations of Bengaluru, which had over 24,000 passengers in 2016, and Lucknow, which had over 14,000 passengers. Bengaluru and Lucknow are our top priority when it comes to expansion, and we are looking forward to help establish routes and offer more flights to those two destinations,” he said.
Air services in Bahrain commenced in the early 1930s and first scheduled commercial flight arrived in Bahrain in October 1932, en-route from London to Delhi.
“The aircraft only carried 24 passengers and had taken several days of flying to reach Bahrain, with frequent refuelling stops and overnight stays in hotels for the passengers. With the commencement of these regular services, Bahrain became established as the Gulf’s first international airport,” Mr. Binfalah said on the importance of Bahrain airport.
Right now, the airport handles more than 38 airlines, including cargo and charter flights, and is connected to 47 international destinations.
BAC is currently investing $ 1.1 billion to upgrade the airport including construction of a new passenger terminal building. With this Airport Modernisation Programme, the airport’s capacity will increase to more than 14 million passengers a year.