Bahrain International Airport recorded 9.74 million passengers and handled 405,217 tonnes of cargo in 2025, underscoring its emergence as a major Middle Eastern hub.
Summary: Bahrain International Airport recorded 9.74 million passengers and handled 405,217 tonnes of cargo in 2025, expanded its route network to 74 destinations with 39 airline partners, and added long‑haul links to London Gatwick and New York.
Bahrain International Airport recorded its strongest annual results in 2025, welcoming 9.74 million passengers — a 4.2% increase over 2024 — and handling a record 405,217 tonnes of cargo, up 3.2%. These gains underline the airport’s growing importance as a regional and international hub.
Stronger hub status driven by passenger and cargo growth
The jump in passenger numbers and cargo tonnage signals that Bahrain is sharpening its role as a gateway between the Middle East and global markets. The simultaneous rise in both metrics highlights balanced growth across leisure, business travel and freight operations.
Network expansion: more destinations and long‑haul links
Bahrain’s route map now covers 74 destinations across six continents and is served by 39 airlines. The airport added long‑haul services in 2025, notably routes to London Gatwick and New York, while also opening links to cities including Nairobi, Bucharest, Ashgabat and Liège.
- Passengers in 2025: 9.74 million (up 4.2% year‑on‑year)
- Cargo handled in 2025: 405,217 tonnes (up 3.2%)
- Destinations: 74 across six continents
- Airline partners: 39
For inbound tourists, expanded connectivity means more direct options to reach Bahrain’s cultural and leisure attractions — from the Bahrain Fort to contemporary dining and shopping — making short breaks and extended stays easier to plan.
Cargo growth and wider economic impact
Cargo throughput reached a record 405,217 tonnes in 2025, up 3.2% from the prior year. This increase reinforces Bahrain’s role in regional logistics and supports sectors such as manufacturing, retail and trade that rely on reliable air freight links.
Fastest‑growing routes and regional demand
BIA identified Singapore, Bengaluru, Abu Dhabi, Najaf and Sharjah as the five fastest‑growing destinations in 2025, reflecting stronger travel links with Southeast Asia, South Asia and neighboring Gulf markets.
Peak travel days and operational insights
According to airport data, August 8, 2025 was the busiest day for passenger activity with peak traffic around 9 PM, while April 14, 2025 saw the highest number of flight movements, peaking at about 1 AM. Notably, passenger volumes rose faster than aircraft movements, suggesting improved capacity utilisation.
Looking ahead, Bahrain International Airport’s 2025 performance sets the foundation for continued route growth and upgrades to passenger experience and freight handling, positioning the airport to serve both leisure visitors and commercial traffic more effectively.
What this means for travellers and the industry
For travellers, the airport’s expanded network and rising capacity translate into more direct flight choices, potentially better schedules and easier connections across the Middle East and beyond. For businesses, stronger cargo performance improves supply‑chain options and supports trade flows through Bahrain.
So what? Bahrain International Airport’s 2025 results mean travellers can expect increased accessibility and route diversity when planning trips to or via Bahrain, while the aviation and logistics sectors gain a more capable regional hub to support growth.
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