Business Flight Operations for Business Aviation in Bahrain

Bahrain’s business aviation sector is experiencing significant evolution, marked by several key developments. The ongoing expansion of the passenger terminal at Bahrain International Airport represents a crucial phase, set to elevate the airport’s capacity to accommodate up to 14 million passengers annually. This expansion aligns with Bahrain’s broader objectives in tourism and logistics, aiming to attract 14.1 million visitors yearly while boosting tourism’s contribution to the GDP to 11.4% by 2026. The investment in aviation projects, totaling over $800 million, underscores Bahrain’s commitment to enhancing both physical and digital infrastructure within the sector. These endeavors are integral components of Bahrain’s Economic Vision 2030, which seeks to foster a more sustainable and diversified economy. By prioritizing the enhancement of aviation infrastructure, Bahrain is positioning itself as a formidable contender in the regional aviation landscape, poised to seize opportunities for growth and competitiveness.

Bahrain International Airport (IATA: BAH, ICAO: OBBI)

Bahrain International Airport has two main passenger terminals:

• Terminal 1: This is the primary terminal, recently upgraded and expanded. It’s designed to handle millions of passengers annually and offers a range of passenger services.
• Terminal 2: This terminal is used for specific flight operations and also provides passenger services.

Both terminals are equipped with modern facilities to ensure a comfortable travel experience. They feature amenities such as:

• Check-in and Ticketing Counters: For processing travel documents and luggage.
• Baggage Claim Areas: Where passengers can collect their luggage upon arrival.
• Ground Transportation Services: Including options for taxis and rental cars.
• Passenger Services: Such as restrooms, currency exchange, and information desks.

The airport’s recent expansion has significantly increased its capacity and efficiency, aiming to provide a seamless travel experience for both domestic and international travelers. The new terminal, in particular, has been noted for its modern design and advanced technology, enhancing Bahrain’s aviation infrastructure.

Navigating Slot Coordination at Bahrain International Airport (BAH)

Slot coordination at Bahrain International Airport (BAH) adheres closely to the guidelines set forth by the International Air Transport Association (IATA). Operators are required to submit slot requests to the airport’s slot coordinator, detailing preferred times, flight numbers, and aircraft types. These slots are allocated for specific scheduling periods, divided into Summer and Winter seasons, in alignment with the IATA scheduling calendar. Priority in slot allocation is given to operators holding historical slots from the previous season, defined as those utilized 80% of the time. Additionally, a percentage of slots are reserved for new entrants, while existing operators have some flexibility to adjust their slots within capacity constraints. Operating at Level 3 coordination, BAH faces high demand and limited capacity, necessitating approval from the coordinator for all slot requests. The airport authorities closely monitor slot usage, imposing penalties or revoking slot rights for non-compliance. For non-scheduled flights, such as business aviation, slots must be requested outside the regular process, contingent upon availability. Moreover, BAH implements Airport Collaborative Decision Making (A-CDM) to enhance operational efficiency through real-time communication among stakeholders, including airlines, ground handlers, and air traffic control, to ensure slot adherence.

Navigating Bahrain’s Airspace: Overflight and Landing Permits

When charting flights across Bahrain’s airspace, strict adherence to Bahrain Civil Aviation Law and Regulations is paramount. This includes providing a valid mailing address for invoicing purposes, as failure to do so could result in rejection of approval requests.

For scheduled airlines seeking to adjust their flight schedules or add extra flights, formal application through the (AL-NAWRAS) system is obligatory. This application must be submitted at least 72 hours before the scheduled arrival time. Generally, aircraft registered in ICAO States and operated by airlines from contracting States can overfly Bahrain without specific permissions, provided their respective states are signatories to the International Air Transit Agreement. However, for non-traffic stops, a week’s advance notice is required for administrative and operational purposes.

Regarding landing permits at Bahrain International Airport, all incoming and outgoing flights must adhere to Bahrain Civil Aviation Law and Regulations. Ensuring compliance includes furnishing a valid mailing address for invoicing purposes. Failure to meet this requirement may result in the rejection of approval requests.

For operators conducting VVIP/VIP flights involving landing in, departing from, or overflying Bahrain, approval from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is mandatory, as outlined in GEN 1.2.1.1.7. Any State or Military aircraft, including chartered flights, intending to engage in these activities must apply for approval, with a minimum notice period of two weeks before the intended date of overflight, arrival, or departure to adhere to this regulation.

These permits are valid for a duration of +72 hours from their initially requested schedule. For those needing assistance during specific hours, Bahrain Civil Aviation Affairs operates from 0400Z to 1100Z. When planning a departure to Bahrain, flight plans should be submitted at least 60 minutes in advance, considering timely information from ATS units along the route and requirements for Air Traffic Flow Management (ATFM) purposes. Flight plans should be submitted at the Air Traffic Services Reporting Office (ARO) at the departure aerodrome. In the event of a departure delay of 30 minutes or more, operators should amend the flight plan or submit a new one after canceling the old plan.

Enhanced Ground Handling Infrastructure at Bahrain International Airport (BAH)

Ground handling facilities at Bahrain International Airport (BAH) boast a comprehensive array of Ground Support Equipment (GSE), meticulously designed to facilitate the efficient and secure handling of aircraft. This technical overview encompasses various essential components, including aircraft pushback tractors, air start units, ground power units (GPU), preconditioned air units (PCA), air conditioning units (ACU), baggage tractors and conveyors, passenger boarding steps, and Unit Load Device (ULD) storage and management systems. Fuel supply at the airport comprises Jet A-1 fuel, specifically tailored for turbine engine aircraft, with a modern fuel farm complex housing advanced safety and security features, alongside a dedicated hydrant network servicing all operational bays.

Maintenance services are offered round-the-clock, encompassing a comprehensive spectrum of support for aircraft, inclusive of line maintenance and technical certification, with the airport’s maintenance division accredited by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA). Furthermore, the ground handling services at Bahrain International Airport hold accreditation from the International Air Transport Association’s Safety Audit for Ground Operations (ISAGO), underscoring their commitment to upholding stringent safety standards. Additionally, the airport offers training and development programs for ground handling personnel, ensuring their proficiency aligns with international benchmarks and certifications.

Experience the pinnacle of business aviation flight operation in Bahrain with Just Aviation. Our specialized services at Bahrain international airport for business aviation guarantee a streamlined journey. Benefit from seamless ground handling, fuel availability, and meticulous planning. Entrust us with crew accommodation support for a comprehensive experience.