Bahrain International Airport ’s new $1.1bn terminal, which has a passenger handling capacity of 14 million a year, has officially opened.

The new terminal has been built as part of Bahrain’s Vision 2030 economic programme and is claimed to be the largest infrastructure in the country’s civil aviation sector.

It features 104 counters to process arrivals, 24 self-check-in kiosks and 44 immigration counters. Furthermore, it has a total of 22 E-gates and 24 departure gates.

With a total of 5,500 parking spaces, the new terminal also has 3,300m² of duty-free space, 21 cafes and restaurants, a spa, and hotel.

The terminal also features traditional Bahraini art and sculptures as well as advanced technologies.

Construction works for the new terminal began in April 2016 and were completed in 2020.

Bahrain Airport Company chairman Kamal bin Ahmed bin Mohammed said: “In line with HM the King’s directives to take care of the Bahraini citizen, as they are the core and goal of development, we have invested in national competencies and cadres during the implementation period, and we are proud today that they are the ones who operate and maintain the airport.”

Last month, Bahrain Airport Company laid the foundation stone for the Express Cargo Village, situated north of Bahrain International Airport ’s runway.

The Express Cargo Village is expected to support the logistic sector’s growth as well as increase regional competitiveness and the ability to draw investment.