Passenger traffic at Bahrain International Airport witnessed significant growth during the first half of the year, said acting under-secretary for civil aviation affairs at the Transportation Ministry Ahmed Al Nemah.

The total number of passengers from January to July increased by six per cent compared with the same period last year, to 4.5 million, said a report in the Gulf Daily News (GDN), our sister publication.

July witnessed a growth of 11 per cent in passenger traffic compared with last year. There was also a six per cent increase in aircraft movements during the first half of the year, while departing passengers increased by nine per cent year on year during the same period.

“These positive half-year results are very encouraging for Bahrain International Airport, and we are expecting further increases this year compared with previous years,” said Mr Al Nemah.

“The increase is largely attributable to national carrier Gulf Air’s introduction of more frequent routes to key Middle East and GCC airports, as well the introduction of some new routes to numerous international destinations.

“In addition, several airlines have launched flights to Bahrain during the first half of the year, including Pegasus from Turkey, and numerous international airlines have increased the number of flights to Bahrain.”

Al Nemah predicted continued growth during the second half of this year, with total passengers expected to reach eight million by the end of this year. - TradeArabia News Service