Work on the $1.1-billion Bahrain Airport Modernisation Programme (AMP), the largest infrastructure project in the kingdom, is progressing at a steady pace, reported BNA citing a senior minister.

Following the revamp, the airport will see a new passenger terminal, 24 airport bridges, new arrival and departure lounges and loading bays.  

"We have made solid progress with nearly 60 per cent of the infrastructure work already completed," stated Transportation and Telecommunications Minister Kamal Ahmed.

The airport is presently serving around nine million passengers a year, but with the expansion it is expected the number would increase up to 14 million passengers per year, he added.

This will help boost the kingdom’s aviation industry, which is an integral part of Bahrain’s national gateway facilities, infrastructure and services, said the minister.

The new terminal is likely to be operational during the third quarter, he added.