Manama Travel Guide - Airport

Just over 700 international flights pass through the airport on a weekly basis, half of which are operated by Gulf Air and the remaining 50 per cent by other airlines including Cathay Pacific, British Airways, KLM and Lufthansa. Tunisian Airlines was the latest carrier to begin flights to the Bahraini capital at the end of May 2007, from Tunis.

A number of first and business class lounges have been the most recent improvements to the airport, opened first by Cathay Pacific and then Gulf Air. A new Dilmun lounge was also added for use by different airline passengers travelling first class.

In the longer term, even more ambitious expansion is planned. Hundreds of millions of dollars will be spent in the coming years on a new terminal aimed at doubling traffic by 2015. By 2020, Bahrain hopes to further increase this figure to 22 million passengers a year as it bids to consolidate its position as the foremost Middle Eastern air hub while expanding its tourism sector.

Facilities in the airport are very good. Along with the new first class lounges, the terminal offers numerous duty-free stores between gates 14 and 15, banking and currency exchange in departures and arrivals, international restaurant and cafe chains, a prayer room and a post office.

The fair is supposed to be 2.5 dinar to the centre of Manama with a 50 per cent surcharge after midnight. Numerous hire car companies offer their wares at arrivals.

Airport information: +973 173 2173 2

Parking: short- and long-stay car parks are available at the terminal, with the first 20 minutes free. Charges thereafter are 0.2 dinar an hour, three dinar per day and one dinar for each additional day.