Mohamed Yousif Albinfalah, CEO, Bahrain Airport Company (BAC): Interview

Interview: Mohamed Yousif Albinfalah

What were the main challenges the aviation industry faced during the Covid-19 pandemic, and how were these overcome?

MOHAMED YOUSIF ALBINFALAH: The pressing need to set up special operations at the airport to deal with the pandemic was apparent as early as January 2020, when operations at Bahrain International Airport (BIA) were still running from the old terminal. Concurrently, BAC was involved in completing the construction of phase one of the new terminal, and was preparing in cooperation with its partners for the transfer of operations, which included extensive systems testing and commissioning, staff training, familiarisation and public trials. Although BAC is a relatively young airport operator, it was able to mitigate the challenges brought on by the pandemic.

It is worth noting that BIA never stopped operating during the pandemic, even as global travel restrictions grounded most commercial flights. The airport played a key role in the kingdom’s fight against Covid-19, facilitating the import of personal protective equipment and other urgent medical supplies, and helping repatriate stranded Bahraini nationals.

The pandemic highlighted the expanding role that digital technology plays in the efficient processing of passengers. Over the years airports have worked to optimise passenger touchpoints, including checkins, border control, security screening and boarding. However, they were not prepared to deal with the unprecedented health procedures that arose due to the pandemic. Among many other demands, we found ourselves facilitating health declaration forms, PCR tests on arrival, payment arrangements, social distancing, and the validation of all health requirements upon arrival and departure.

Another challenge has been the lack of harmonisation. Countries and jurisdictions around the world developed unique border entry requirements, despite the efforts of international bodies such as the International Civil Aviation Organisation, the World Health Organisation and Airports Council International to recommend standardised requirements.

Reflecting on our experience since early 2020, technology provides a unique opportunity to deal not only with these short-term problems, but also with potential similar disruptions in the future.

Which technologies have the greatest potential to enhance efficiency and meet the changing expectations of airport stakeholders?

ALBINFALAH: BIA’s new passenger terminal is well positioned and equipped to adapt to ever-changing digital technologies, thanks to a robust and globally integrated IT platform that consists of around 25 subsystems that communicate with one another.

Many systems were introduced as part of the new terminal’s opening phase, including an airport management system designed to provide stakeholders with a holistic view of flights and passenger traffic for analysis, resource planning and allocation.

We are currently running a pilot project for a fully integrated, end-to-end, contactless passenger journey. The objective is to leverage the existing IT platform and improve the passenger experience.

How does BIA help enhance Bahrain’s status as a tourism and business travel destination?

ALBINFALAH: As the only airport in the country and Bahrain’s gateway to the world, BIA has a responsibility not only to promote Bahrain as a destination, but also to make sure that the airport runs safely and securely to ensure resilience and business continuity.

In addition to being an important conduit for travel in and out of the kingdom, BIA is a platform for economic growth. The airport remains focused on providing the appropriate conditions and an enabling environment for the private sector to explore international trade and investment opportunities.