Welcome to the website for Civil Aviation Affairs(CAA), the regulatory authority for all air transport activities within the Kingdom of Bahrain which also operates and maintains Bahrain International Airport (www.bahrainairport.com) and controls the Bahrain Flight Information Region(FIR).

The importance of civil aviation to the Kingdom of Bahrain cannot be underestimated. Historically Bahrain has been a gateway between east annd west, a natural stopping–off place for early trade routes and latterly a strategic hub for the Northern Gulf. Since the discovery of oil in Bahrain in the 1930's air services, which commenced at almost the same time, have played a very important role in shaping the development of the country's infrastructure and economy.

The unique and well developed logistics infrastructure in place today is the legacy of the visionary leadership and dynamic entrepreneurship of the Kingdom's early rulers. Today under the wise guidance of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa together with the leadership of His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa, the Prime Minister and with His Highness Sheikh Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Commander-in-Chief of the Bahrain Defence Force. The kingdom continues to build upon this legacy which will enable Bahrain's diverse economy to prosper and grow thereby further enhancing the country's leading role in the forefront of development in the Middle East.

The approach to the development of air transport services for the Kingdom has been to adopt an "Open Skies" policy enabling Bahrain to establish itself as a leading financial and tourism centre in the Middle East as well as providing the opportunity for both Gulf Air and other carriers to operate on an unrestricted basis serving Bahrain and other destinations either directly or on a code share basis.

There are 39 international airlines operating to 39 destinations out of Bahrain International Airport with more new carriers scheduled in the near future. 7.3m passengers and 377,000 tonnes of air cargo travelled through Bahrain International Airport in 2007 and already in 2008 very rapid growth in both sectors well above the average for the region has been recorded. CAA has a specific Directorate responsible for the management and operation of all passenger and cargo activities at the Airport.

The Air Navigation Services Directorate handled over 315,000 aircraft movements annually within the Bahrain FIR with over 87,000 movements per year at Bahrain International Airport. The Directorate also plans and implements new airways to improve air traffic flow and reduce costs to airline users and operates and maintains all communication services particularly with neighbouring states.

CAA in addition to its responsiblities for all regulatory matters concerning air transport activities within Bahrain (covering operating permits, permissions for overflight and landing,schedule clearance, carriage of dangerous goods, airworthiness and flight operations) also has responsibility for ensuring compliance with international air safety and security standards,regulations and recommendations issued by the International Civil Aviation Organization ( ICAO) and by the International Air Transport Association ( IATA). CAA is also responsible for licensing airlines , travel and cargo agents to permit the marketing and sale of air transport products and services.

The Bahrain Meteorological Services also comes under the responsibility of CAA, providing a comprehensive national meteorological service on a 24 hour basis. Weather reports are also prepared for presentation on radio and TV . Observations are reported from Bahrain International Airport and local weather stations.Terminal and area forecasts are prepared at regular intervals. VOLMET and SIGMET services are provided on a 24-hour basis. Bahrain is an active member of the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) and the Asst Undersecretary responsible for Meteorology recently completed a term of office as President of the Asian Regional Association(RAII). The Regional Office of the WMO is located in Bahrain.

CAA has already developed designs for a major expansion project for Bahrain International Airport's passenger terminal as part of an ongoing strategy of developing and enhancing world class facilities and infrastructure to maintain the Airport's position as both a major hub and gateway to the Northern Gulf. A new iconic state-of-the-art Control Tower equipped with the latest air navigation technology was recently officialy opened as the first phase of these new facilities. Future enhancements include additional aircraft parking stands and a new multi-storey car park,retail and office complex with a capacity for 4,500 cars adjacent to the main Terminal.

Air transport is a dynamic and challenging industry experiencing rapid growth, CAA is however very confident that given the professionalism and commitment of its staff, it shall continue to successfully meet such challenges whilst maintaining the high standards of safety and security the travelling public demand.

Key Personnel

The Department of Civil Aviation Affairs comprising of some 700 staff is headed by Captain AbdulRahman Mohamed Al Gaoud , Undersecretary for Civil Aviation Affairs who is supported by three Assistant Undersecretaries:
Mr . Ahmed Nemat Ali, Assistant Undersecretary for Aviation Services, Responsible for aviation services (air transport, air navigation services and aeronautical licensing).
Mr. Nabil Ali Taqi, Assistant Undersecretary for Airport Services, responsible for airport services (airport operations,engineering and maintenance and marketing and promotion).
Mr. Abdul Majeed H. Isa, Assistant Underseceretary for Meteorology, responsible for national meterological services. Majeed is also currently the President of the Regional Association II (RAII(Asia)).