Parking congestion at Bahrain International Airport (BIA) is set to ease with the opening of 700 additional spaces.

Four new car parking areas will be officially opened by Bahrain Airport Company (BAC) tomorrow.

They are located in close proximity to the main terminal building and form the second part of the airport's multi-phase car park extension plan.

Officials said they would provide a number of long and short-term parking facilities, with car park B, located next to the main public car park, designated for short-term users.

Meanwhile, car parks C, D and E will be for longer-term users and serviced by a 24-hour shuttle bus to and from the main terminal.

For now those using the long-term parking zones will be able to do so free of charge, as BAC looks to finalise refurbishment work in these areas.

Car Park B will operate under a tariff system similar to that used in the existing main car park.

However, this will feature a revised tariff structure from next year, as it is upgraded to a premium parking facility.

As part of BAC's commitment to enhancing BIA in line with Bahrain's Economic Vision 2030, all revenue generated through the car parks will be reinvested in the development of airport facilities, capacities and services.

BAC chief executive officer Gordan Dewar said that improving the car park had become one of the company's top priorities.

'Since taking up responsibility for the management and operation of BIA, we knew that addressing the car park capacity constraints was one of our first priorities,' he said.

'We have worked hard to open car park B in time for the busy holiday period and, along with the revised tariff structure, we will be opening long-term park C, D and E for free to encourage users to park in the appropriate areas based on their preferences.

'We are now offering more space and more choice to our users.'

An awareness campaign has already been launched by BAC to inform the public of the new spaces.

Signage has also been erected around the airport, directing the public to the new car parking areas.

Additional information will be made available on the BIA's website.-TradeArabia News Service