New terminal set to open in March, up to 14,000 volunteers to take part in test-run
UP to 14,000 volunteers will be needed for a test-run of the new terminal at Bahrain International Airport.
The terminal is now scheduled to open in the first quarter of next year, His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander and First Deputy Premier, told participants in the 2019 Government Forum at Isa Cultural Centre yesterday.
It was originally hoped it would be ready for National Day in December, but the Crown Prince said the terminal was now slated to become operational by the end of March.
Transportation and Telecommunications Minister Kamal Ahmed added there was no room for error.
“There is no chance for mistakes with an airport and we will be operational in the first quarter of next year, after all checks are complete,” he told the GDN.
“Electronic baggage handling, luggage security and data entry procedures are being looked into carefully, among other technical aspects.”
He denied that there was initially a deadline this month for the project’s completion – and revealed plans for a massive simulation exercise to make sure the terminal is operational.
“We need 10,000 to 14,000 volunteers to test the airport in every aspect, from A to Z,” he said.
However, he did not say when the exercise would take place.
A trial run of the complex’s facilities, services and processes was held on Saturday to help Bahrain Airport Company (BAC) and its partners identify areas that required improvement.
The $1.1 billion airport modernisation programme is one of the biggest development projects in the history of Bahrain.
The new 207,000sqm terminal building will include a 4,600sqm departure hall, 104 check-in counters, 36 passport control booths and 24 security screening points.
It is four times the size of the existing terminal and will be able to accommodate 14 million passengers a year.
Other features will include two main hospitality lounges, one run by national carrier Gulf Air and the other by BAC.
A hotel, pharmacy and a privately-managed airport clinic are among amenities that will greet travellers at the terminal.
mohammed@gdn.com.bh
