BIA set to offer a unique experience at new terminal

Manama: International design practice, Benoy, has been appointed to the Bahrain International Airport’s (BIA) new terminal development. Benoy, as Sub-Consultant to Hill International (Middle East) Ltd., is providing services for the interior design of the new passenger terminal building as part of the “Bahrain Airport Modernisation Programme.”

The considerable expansion will increase BIA’s capacity to 14 million passengers per year. Four times larger than the current airport, the future 200,000m2 terminal will serve as a gateway to the Kingdom of Bahrain once its completion in 2019.

Head of Benoy’s MENA Studios, Paul Priest said, “By applying our knowledge of the region with our expertise across aviation, hospitality and retail, we have helped to shape this terminal into a boutique experience for guests travelling to and from the Kingdom.”

Craig Menzies, Director at Benoy remarked: “We wanted the design language to symbolise the many facets of Bahrain. The airport has the technology and modern facilities. However, we didn’t want to lose the rich identity of this country in the process.” “Our design has ensured that when guests enter the terminal, they will know they have arrived in Bahrain.”

Gateways are an integral part of the design and have helped Benoy enhance the visual experience of the passengers and guests. New and improved state-of-the-art technology will be introduced throughout the airport to maintain safety and security, improve passenger convenience and speed up processes from check-in to boarding. Separate dedicated premium class facilities and an extensive retail, food and beverage and duty free zone will add to the additional offers of the new terminal.

“The airport experience is changing. Airports are being seen as more than just transport facilities; they are now destinations in their own right,” Menzies opined.

Benoy’s scope on the development runs from concept design to documentation for the interior design of the public spaces across the terminal.

Benoy is currently delivering Singapore Airport’s two major developments, Terminal 4 and Jewel Changi Airport as well as the retail planning on the new Beijing airport terminal. The firm’s portfolio also includes the 2010 upgrade of Hong Kong International Airport.

Well established in the MENA region, Benoy is also delivering the concept master plan for the prestigious Bahrain Marina.