Bahrain Airport Company has received prequalification documents from companies to work on the expansion of Bahrain International airport.

The project involves the construction of a 170,000 square metre terminal building, together with associated buildings and infrastructure such as car parks and aircraft parking areas. It also involves managing nominated subcontractors working on specialist packages for baggage-handling systems, passenger loading bridges and information technology (IT) systems.

The invitation is extended to local and international companies, and special preference will be given to UAE-based firms as the development is being financed by the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development. According to Bahrain Airport Company, UAE companies, or joint ventures where the UAE partner comprises 51 per cent, will be given a 10 per cent preferential discretionary scoring consideration.

When completed, the new terminal structure is expected to increase the airport’s capacity to 13.5 million passengers a year. 

In February, French consultant ADPI was appointed by Bahrain Airport Company to conduct all studies on the development of the airport over the next 20 years. As well as developing the new terminal, the study also includes determining future projects that will support the airport operations.

In January, US-based Hill International was awarded the project management consultancy (PMC) for the scheme. Bahrain Airport Company is the client representative working for the Transportation Ministry.