About the Host

The 29th Routes World will be hosted by Bahrain International Airport

Routes World 2024 will take place in Bahrain and will be hosted by Bahrain International Airport. With its advanced technology and convenience-oriented approach, the new Passenger Terminal aims to put Bahrain International Airport on the global aviation map alongside the world’s leading smart airports.

Airport key facts and figures:

• 8.7 Million Passengers (in 2023)
• 2,164 Departures per week
• 92,396 flights (in 2023)
• 31,804 tonnes of cargo (in July 2024)
• BIA Caters to 39 Commercial & Cargo Airlines
• Most flights to GCC are approximately  1 hour, including Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Riyadh & Kuwait.

Kingdom of Bahrain - An Island of Opportunities

Bahrain’s civil aviation history stretches back more than a century, with BIA serving as a major hub for regional trade and commerce. Modern, friendly, and efficient, BIA gives passengers a memorable first impression of the Kingdom. Showcasing the warm hospitality that Bahrainis are known for, the airport highlights the best of Bahraini art and heritage, offering services with a smile. BIA is more than just an airport—it is a destination before your destination.

On the logistics front, Bahrain has always been the gateway between the East and the West, and since the early 1920, it has established itself as an important regional aviation hub providing seamless connections across the world. Today, the Kingdom has emerged as one of the most efficient and cost-effective logistics gateways in the region, thanks to a world-class infrastructure, ranking it first amongst Arab countries in ground and port infrastructure, according to the World Economic Forum’s 2021 Travel and Tourism Development Index.

BIA facilities

THE NEW PASSENGER TERMINAL

The centrepiece of the AMP is BIA’s new Passenger Terminal Building, which started operations in January 2021. This futuristic new terminal is designed to deliver comfort and connections with a more personal, modern feel. Its world-class capabilities and wide range of commercial outlets are set to strengthen BIA’s position among the world’s top airports.

With an area of over 210,000 sqm (four times larger than the old facility), the new Passenger Terminal offers greater capacity for passengers, cargo and commercial activities. It has doubled BIA’s capacity to more than 14 million passengers and 130,000 aircraft flights annually, in addition to a handling capacity of 4,700 bags per hour.

The terminal is equipped with advanced technologies and high-level services to improve the level of efficiency and security at the airport. A state-of-the-art ICT system, with ‘Smart Airport’ mechanism processes, streamlines travel procedures, allowing passengers to enjoy a quick and easy journey.

BIA offers a plethora of facilities and services, including lounges, Bahrain Airport Hotel & Spa, Duty Free, Souq Al Qaisariya, restaurants and cafés, art collections, art and archaeological galleries, airport clinic and various other commercial services.

BIA awards and recognition

BAC has managed and operated BIA for the past 12 years with continuous leadership and guidance to further position Bahrain as an island of opportunities and a gateway to the regional market. The accolades awarded over the years have strengthened the global recognition of BIA as a world-class airport.

• ACI Safeguard Award for Airport Health Measures Audit Programme (2021).

• 5-Star COVID-19 Airport Safety Rating from Skytrax (2021).

• International Safety Awards – British Safety Council (2021).

• Bureau Veritas Safeguard Award (2021).

• LEED Certified Green Building Award for the Passenger Terminal Building, Multi-story Car Park & the Central Utility Complex.

• ACI Airport Health Accreditation (2021-2022)

• ACI Airport Carbon Accreditation Level 3 & 4 ‘Transformation’.

• ACI Green Airports Recognition Program 2022 Silver Award in Carbon Management.

• The Airport Operator of the Year (Business Aviation) – Aviation Achievement Award (2022)

• Arab Aviation Award (2022)

• Skytrax World Best New Airport (2022)

• Sustainability – Aviation Achievement Award (2023)

• Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) Bronze Award (2021), and the Silver Award (2022-2023)

• International Awards, British Safety Council (2023)

• ACI Green Airports Recognition Program 2023 Silver Award in Eliminating Single-Use Plastic.

• ACI Airport Customer Experience Accreditation Level 1 (2023)

• ACI Public Health and Safety Readiness Accreditation (2023)

• Skytrax 5-star Rating Award for the Airport (2022-2023)

• Skytrax World’s Best Airport for Baggage Delivery (2023)

• Skytrax Best Airport Staff in the Middle East (2023)

• Skytrax 5-star Rating Award for the Pearl Lounge (2022 – 2023)

Key stakeholders

Ministry of Transportation and Telecommunications

Bahrain’s Ministry of Transportation and Telecommunications (MTT) is the government body responsible for the development and regulation of the Kingdom’s transportation and telecommunications infrastructure and systems. Its main objective is to enhance the quality of life and facilitate the movement of people and goods via land, sea and air transport, in line with the nation’s Economic Vision 2030.

MTT’s responsibilities include the development, regulation and streamlining of Bahrain’s Civil Aviation Affairs, Ports and Maritime Affairs, Land Transport Affairs and Bahrain Post. Additionally, it oversees the expansion and management of an effective and sustainable telecommunications industry, to support the Kingdom’s economic growth.

Ministry of Interior

Ministry of Interior is responsible for law enforcement, security and public safety in Bahrain. Adopting a policy of modernisation and development, the ministry aims to improve efficiency and quality of its services by using the latest technology. The ministry has launched a series of e-services as part of its strategic digital transformation plan, including a full suite of e-visa services for quick and efficient processing of visas for arriving passengers. E-Visas are available online for 116 countries, with 69 countries eligible to receive visa on arrival at the BIA.

Ministry of Tourism including Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority (BTEA)

The Ministry of Tourism focuses on expanding Bahrain’s tourism portfolio, keeping in line with Bahrain’s Vision 2030. The ministry’s latest strategy (2022-2026) aims to increase the tourism sector’s contribution to the GDP and support the development of various new infrastructure projects. Its approach includes diversifying the country’s tourism offerings, positioning Bahrain as an international touristic hub, as well as increasing the number of target markets and tourist arrivals. Ultimately, it aims to deliver a quintessentially Bahraini experience to all visitors by promoting its unique identity of a warm and hospitable nation, set in a cosmopolitan environment.

Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority (BTEA) was established in 2015 to oversee all sectors related to national tourism affairs in the Kingdom. Its main responsibilities include organising conventions and trade exhibitions in Bahrain; attracting international, regional and local conferences to be hosted in the Kingdom; as well as establishing, managing, promoting and maintaining the authority’s conventions and exhibitions centres. It is also responsible for granting licenses for conventions and trade exhibitions, as well as supervising and assessing them. Through its tourism arm, BTEA organises various events, festivals and tourism activities to boost the sector’s contribution to the national economy. It aims to attract prominent international events that engage large number of visitors and strengthen Bahrain’s position as an important tourist destination on a regional and international level.

Bahrain Authority for Culture & Antiquities

Bahrain Authority for Culture & Antiquities (BACA) oversees all plans and programmes related to culture, arts and heritage in the Kingdom. Its vision is to update and develop the cultural infrastructure and activate the role of culture in social and economic development. The authority also supports Bahrain’s cultural movements by developing the role of museums, folklore and other artistic components within the Bahraini society. It seeks to engage with other cultures around the world by hosting a wide range of global activities, as well as broadening engagement at the local level. BACA also works to promote Bahrain and boost its image as a unique, dynamic, welcoming and tolerant nation.

Bahrain Economic Development Board

The Bahrain Economic Development Board (EDB) is an investment promotion agency with overall responsibility for attracting investment into the Kingdom and supporting initiatives that enhance the investment climate. The EDB is the first point of contact for any business looking to set up in Bahrain, with a dedicated team that has the deep expertise, knowledge and resources to get companies off the ground. The EDB works with the government, as well as current and prospective investors, to ensure that Bahrain’s investment climate is attractive; its key strengths are communicated; and investment opportunities for further economic growth are identified. It focuses on several economic sectors that capitalise on Bahrain’s competitive advantages, including financial services, manufacturing, ICT, tourism, logistics and transport. Since its inception in 2000, the EDB has focused significantly on raising economic competitiveness, increasing productivity and creating quality jobs for Bahrainis. Some of the world-class businesses with a regional base of operations in Bahrain that the EDB helped institute include Amazon Web Services, Agility, American Express, BNP Paribas, Citi, DHL, FedEx, Huawei and Microsoft.

Gulf Air Group Holding

Gulf Air Group Holding Company was founded in 2010 to consolidate the aviation assets of Mumtalakat. It aims to improve coordination amongst the various entities within the group in order to enhance the contribution of the aviation sector to Bahrain’s economy and maximise stakeholder value. The group is the sole shareholder of Gulf Air, BAC and Gulf Aviation Academy.

Gulf Air

Gulf Air, Bahrain’s national carrier, started operations in 1950 as Gulf Aviation Company – the first commercial airline to be established in the Middle East. After more than 70 years of operations, having started as a small-scale commuter service for mainly oil companies in the region, Gulf Air has grown to become a prominent international airline and a key player in the aviation industry.

Headquartered next to BIA, Gulf Air operates to various major cities in Europe, Middle East, Africa, Indian sub-continent and the Far East. It currently serves 56 destinations in 29 countries, with a sophisticated fleet of wide and narrow body Boeing and Airbus aircraft. Gulf Air is planning to expand its destinations to New York. Proudly flying the Bahraini flag, Gulf Air is renowned for its traditional Arabian hospitality, delivered with impeccable service. Offering signature family and business-friendly products, Gulf Air is committed to being an industry leader and developing products and services that reflect the evolving needs of its passengers.

Connecting Bahrain to the world, Gulf Air is a key national infrastructure asset, serving as a powerful driver for the economy and supporting the Kingdom’s on-going economic growth. Gulf Air has been the Title Sponsor of the Formula One Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix ever since the sport’s debut in the Middle East in 2004. Additionally, the airline has been the official carrier of the biennial Bahrain International Airshow since it was first held in 2010.

Rated Five Star Major Official Airline by APEX, a rating based solely on certified passengers’ feedback, Gulf Air continues to solidify its reputation as a world-class airline. This milestone is a testament to the success of its boutique strategy and the ongoing enhancements of its products and services.

Bahrain Airport Company

Bahrain Airport Company (BAC) is the operator and managing body of Bahrain International Airport (BIA), the gateway that connects the Kingdom with the world. Tasked with developing the airport’s infrastructure, facilities, and commercial offerings, BAC has transformed BIA into the most modern boutique airport in the Gulf. With a strong focus on innovation, efficiency, and culture, BAC’s goal is to ensure that BIA stands out as a best-in-class airport that reflects the Kingdom’s distinct character and strengthens its position as a financial, cultural, and aviation center in the region. Since assuming the responsibility of managing and operating the airport in 2010, BAC has cemented BIA’s reputation as an attractive hub for airlines and passengers.

Bahrain Airport Services (BAS)

Bahrain Airport Services (BAS) provides fully integrated airport services at BIA, with the highest levels of safety and security. An ISAGO accredited Ground Service Provider, BAS has been at the forefront of providing state-of-the-art services, being the sole operator to aid in ground handling services at BIA.

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