Gulf Daily News - 16/5/2006

Bahrain's Inter-national Airport is to become a futuristic landmark. Plans for the first phase of a massive expansion project were yesterday approved by Prime Minister Shaikh Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa. It will raise capacity to 15 million passengers and increase to 73 the number of aircraft hangars and bridges.

He welcomed the development at a work meeting in the presence of Crown Prince and Economic Development Board chairman Shaikh Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transportation Shaikh Ali bin Khalifa Al Khalifa briefed them on offers presented by international companies, specialised in designing airports.

The Premier advised them the civilised aesthetic image of Bahrain be taken into account when designing in a way that makes the airport one of the country's landmarks to attract more airline companies and reinforce its position as a main facility that provides outstanding services.

He affirmed the positive impact that air trans-portation could have on the national economy and tourism promotion.

New passenger departure and arrival premises, VIP halls, duty free markets and restaurants are also to be built and air cargo facilities and baggage capacity developed, Shaikh Ali revealed.