England International Travel

First Look of the $1.1 Billion New Airport Terminal of Bahrain

Sam Chui·February 5, 2021

Bahrain International Airport’s $1.1 billion new passenger terminal began operations on 28th January, marking a new era for the Kingdom of Bahrain’s aviation sector.

At 207,000 square metres in size, it is roughly quadruple the old terminal. The new, expanded, airport will have the capacity for handling about 14 million passengers per year.

I was among the first to report on the new airport terminal. Here are some images of the stunning new terminal.

Full video review of the new Bahrain Airport Terminal

The new terminal has 104 check-in counters at landside. The terminal is approximately 1km long. The immigration and security screenings are in the middle of the terminal.

Once airside there are duty free shops on both sides, but you don't have to walk past them to get to the gate.

Airside map of Bahrain New Airport Terminal

The center piece of the new terminal is the huge screen, showcasing some Bahraini moments accompanied with soothing music.

The new terminal has opened without a public trial, during a very challenging period of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Currently, about 5,000 passengers have been using the new terminal daily, which is about 20% of the usual number.

a walkway in a airport — There are a total of 24 gates for passenger aircraft.

There are quite a lot of features inside the new terminal that represent the culture of Bahrain and the Gulf.

a large building with many pillars — Souq Al Qaisariya sells some authentic Bahraini products.

a store with many shelves and a large ceiling

a white floor with a white floor and a white floor with a white floor and a white floor with a white floor and a white floor with a white floor and a white floor with a white floor — There are 36 passport check counters at arrivals

Airport with a view!

There are some excellent large and straight windows for plane observing from the new terminal. You can spot planes in comfort from the air-conditioned terminal.

Gulf Air B787 at new Bahrain Airport Terminal

a plane on the runway — Gulf Air A321neo at new Bahrain Airport Terminal

a large airplane on a runway — Gulf Air A321neo at new Bahrain Airport Terminal

Airport Lounges

There are 2 lounges in the airport; Gulf Air's Falcon Gold Lounge and The Pearl Lounge (other airlines and a credit card affiliated lounge)

The Pearl Lounge

Unfortunately, I didn't get a chance to visit the Pearl Lounge; here is the link to their site. The lounge looks like it is in a 5 star hotel setting.

Gulf Air Falcon Gold Lounge

I visited the Gulf Air Falcon Gold Lounge and was impressed with the size and offerings. There was plenty of space available, given the low number of traveling passengers.

a room with chairs and televisions — A dedicated TV and video zone

a room with chairs and a machine — There is a separate bar, and game zone include VR games

In terms of food, it is à la carte at the moment from an extensive menu.

“The new airport is a significant addition to the country’s infrastructure and will support Bahrain’s long-term economic and tourism goals, catalyzing growth in all economic sectors. It also supports the continued growth in regional and international air traffic, building on the Kingdom of Bahrain’s legacy as a link between the East and the West and its strategic location as a regional crossroad.”
H.E. Kamal bin Ahmed Mohammed, minister of transportation and telecommunications