Muharraq: Mahmood Rafique, Editor: Bahrain Airport has won praised from a panel of an international body who commended the Kingdom of Bahrain’s aviation sector in general and Bahrain Airport in specific for leading the way in aviation services sector across the Middle East.
“Bahrain has made remarkable strides by recovering from the pandemic which had hit hard the global aviation sector,” according to top officials at the Airport Council International (ACI).
Addressing a Press Conference, the top executives at the ACI told reporters that Bahrain not only recovered from the pandemic swiftly but also showed a leadership role towards zero carbon emissions initiative.
This came as Bahrain Airport Company (BAC), Airports Council International (ACI) World, and ACI Asia Pacific announced during a joint press conference coincided with the ACI World Governing Board, World Audit Committee, and World Executive Committee two-day meetings started on Friday March 03, 2023.
BAC, for the first time, hosted strategic meetings, which concluded on Saturday, aims at providing a platform for senior decision makers to explore the ways of enhancing co-operation between airports, international aviation organizations, and their strategic partners. The agenda includes a range of meetings aimed at exchanging knowledge and expertise, finding innovative ways of enhancing efficiency in the airports and aviation sector. Developing environmental and economically sustainable projects and addressing other challenges that directly affect airports and civil aviation.
“This meeting comes at an opportune time for the civil aviation industry, which is edging closer to recovery following the impact of COVID-19 passenger traffic is continuing to rise, and so airports must be prepared to meet the needs of these travelers while working towards our environmental responsibilities. This requires a coordinated and collaborative effort which is why forums such as this are so crucial,” Mohamed Yousif Al Binfalah, Chief Executive Officer BAC, who is a also a member of the ACI World Governing Board (WGB), said.
“In Bahrain we have seen this growth firsthand as almost 63 million passengers passed through Bahrain International Airport (BIA) in 2022 a 127.5 percent jump from the traffic in 2021, and only 29 percent less than the pre pandemic figures of 96 million in 2018. This data points to an even stronger recovery in 2023, which is shaping up to be an exceptional year for Bahrain on the global stage,” he added.
“With this year’s Formula 1 Grand Prix and ACI events taking place concurrently, our Kingdom is showcasing its capacity and capability to host even more international events in the future.”
“I would like to thank the Kingdom of Bahrain for hosting this meeting and extend my appreciation to Bahrain Airport Company and its team for their contributions to what I am sure will be a successful event,” Shaikh Aimen bin Ahmed Al Hasn’t, ACI World Governing Board Chairman and Oman Airports CEO, said.
“This is one of the most important strategic gatherings of the year for the global civil aviation community , and we look forward to exploring a range of issues that will help to shape ACI’s work in the coming years . The agendas will review important issues affecting the aviation sector currently and in the coming period. The outcomes of these meetings will also help to ensure the continued growth of the sector as we emerge from the pandemic with more residents and better prepared for future challenges,” he added.
“On behalf of ACI World, I would like to thank BAC for hosting the ACI World Governing Board, World Audit Committee, and World Executive Committee meetings. These important gatherings bring together leading airport Chief Executive Officers from all ACI regions to share their expertise and guidance to address the most pressing issues and opportunities within the aviation industry . I would also like to thank Al Binfalah for his ongoing dedication to the World Governing Board, now including his position as the next Chair of the ACI World Audit Committee. His forward-looking contributions along with the rest of the board members are instrumental to communities alike for creating a sustainable future for airports for the benefit of travelers,” Luis Felipe de Oliveira, ACI World Director General said.
“As a major international hubs the Middle East performed exceptionally well in 2022 with 316 million passengers recorded . This marks a 78 % recovery of the 404 million recorded in 2019, the highest yearly growth rate among all regions,” Stefano Baronci, Director General of ACI Asia Pacific said.
“The effective and timely co-operation between Middle Eastern airports and national authorities has allowed a progressive and consistent relaxation of travel restrictions during the COVID crisis. As a result, the aviation industry in the Middle East witnessed a significant recovery in traffic and is forecasted to reach 2019 levels by the end of 2023,” he added.
