Bahrain’s Transport and Telecommunications Ministry has started drafting the request for proposals (RFP) for the strategic direction contract for the island-state’s planned new airport.

According to Kamal bin Ahmed Mohammed, Bahrain Transport and Telecommunications minister, the RFP could be released in late 2019 - once construction works on the new passenger terminal at Bahrain International is completed - or in early 2020.

The new airport will be built on reclaimed land to the north of Muharraq Island, where Bahrain International is located. It is estimated to cost $10bn and could be developed in partnership with the private sector.

Last week, Bahrain Airport Company awarded France’s Egis International the contract to supervise the design and construction of a cargo express village at the airport. It is valued at $4.72m.

Bahrain Airport Company also awarded consultancy firm Gulf Engineering House with the contract to design and supervise the renovation of the Civil Aviation Affairs building at Bahrain International.

The project will convert the building into a “state-of-the-art” private aviation terminal.

The revamped facility is expected to be completed by 2020.