Manama: Bahrain Airport Company (BAC), the managing entity of Bahrain International Airport (BIA), reported record-breaking annual performance in 2025, driven by significant cargo volumes and strong passenger traffic, reinforcing its role as a pivotal regional hub for commerce and connectivity.
According to Bahrain News Agency, the airport handled 405,217 tonnes of cargo, which represents a 3.2% increase compared to the previous year's 392,812 tonnes. With cargo volumes reaching an all-time high, BIA has solidified its position as a regional logistics leader, contributing to Bahrain's trade growth and its strategic role in global supply chains.
In addition, BIA welcomed 9.74 million passengers in 2025, an increase of 4.2% from 9.35 million in 2024, with aircraft movements totaling 97,740. This trend reflects higher load factors and more efficient use of runway capacity, enabling the airport to accommodate growth without a proportional increase in air traffic.
The airport's network now extends to 74 destinations across six continents, including both passenger and cargo routes, through partnerships with 39 airlines. This expansion reinforces Bahrain's position as a hub connecting emerging and established markets. In 2025, BIA added new destinations such as London Gatwick, Nairobi, New York, Bucharest, Ashgabat, and Liege, further enhancing its global connectivity. The top five fastest-growing destinations compared to 2024 were Singapore, Bengaluru, Abu Dhabi, Najaf, and Sharjah, indicating rising demand across regional and international markets.
On April 14, BIA experienced its busiest day for aircraft movements, while August 8 recorded the highest passenger volumes. Operational rhythms highlighted diverse travel patterns, with peak aircraft movements at 01:00 AM and the busiest passenger activity at 09:00 PM.
Ahmed Mohamed Janahi, BAC Acting Chief Executive Officer, remarked that BIA demonstrated operational reliability and connectivity over the past year, due to the dedication of airline partners and the airport community. He noted that this success reflects BIA's strategic vision and commitment to supporting Bahrain's broader economic goals. As the airport moves into 2026, the focus remains on enhancing the passenger experience and driving further growth in Bahrain's aviation sector, aligned with the Kingdom's economic development aspirations.
BIA continues to serve as Bahrain's aviation gateway, connecting passengers and cargo to key markets across the Middle East, Europe, Asia, Africa, and beyond.