Bahrain International Airport
Manama, Bahrain
Bahrain International Airport
Bahrain's principal international gateway serving the Arabian Gulf.
- ›Bahrain International Airport is one of the oldest airports in the Middle East, with origins dating to 1932.
- ›The airport served as an important RAF base during and after World War II.
- ›A new passenger terminal opened in January 2021 as part of a multi-billion-dollar modernization project.
- ›The airport's expanded capacity target is 14 million passengers per year.
- ›Muharraq Island, where the airport is located, is connected to Manama by causeways.
Bahrain International Airport, located on Muharraq Island near Manama, has served as a critical aviation hub in the Arabian Gulf since the 1930s, making it one of the oldest airports in the Middle East. A major expansion completed in 2021 introduced the sleek New Passenger Terminal, significantly boosting capacity and elevating the passenger experience. The airport serves as the home base for Gulf Air and connects Bahrain to destinations across the globe.
- New Passenger Terminal — Opened in 2021, this modern facility handles the majority of commercial flights with extensive retail, dining, and lounge options across multiple levels.
- Original Terminal (Legacy Building) — The historic terminal building, now largely phased out of regular commercial use, reflects the airport's long aviation heritage on Muharraq Island.
- Taxi: Licensed taxis and app-based ride-hailing services (Careem, Uber) available at the arrivals forecourt
- Car Rental: Major operators including Avis, Hertz, Budget, and Europcar operate desks within the terminal
- Private Transfer: Pre-booked hotel shuttles and private car services widely available
- Bus: Limited public bus connections linking the airport to central Manama via Bahrain Public Transport Company routes
- Gulf Hotel Bahrain Convention & Spa
- Crowne Plaza Bahrain
- Novotel Bahrain Al Dana Resort
- Ramada by Wyndham Manama City Centre
- Marriott Executive Apartments Manama
Inside the New Passenger Terminal, travellers will find a mix of international fast-food chains, regional Arabic cuisine outlets, and coffee shops airside. The duty-free zone includes several cafés suitable for a quick meal before departure. Outside the airport, the nearby Muharraq district and central Manama offer excellent traditional Bahraini seafood and street food within a short taxi ride.
- Bahrain has no personal income tax and duty-free shopping limits are generous — stock up on perfumes and electronics airside.
- Carry local currency (Bahraini Dinar) for small purchases; ATMs are available inside the terminal but card acceptance is widespread.
- The King Fahd Causeway connecting Bahrain to Saudi Arabia is nearby — factor in potential border traffic if travelling onward by road.
- Airport security is thorough; arrive at least two hours before departure for international flights and avoid packing prohibited items common in GCC airports.
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Bahrain International Airport is the international airport of Bahrain. Located on Muharraq Island, adjacent to the capital Manama and the city of Muharraq, it serves as the hub for the national carrier Gulf Air. The airport is managed by the Bahrain Airport Company. Established in 1927, it is the Arabian Peninsula's oldest international airport.
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