Manama, Dec. 28 (BNA): Bahrain International Airport (BIA), operated and managed by Bahrain Airport Company (BAC), has received the highest airport safety rating of five stars for COVID-19 in recognition of the airport having the highest airport safety rates. The highest standards of hygiene and safety protocols to prevent the spread of the Coronavirus. It places BIA among the top 5% of airports around the world in terms of cleanliness and hygiene.
BIA Airport received a 5-star rating for COVID-19 airport safety after a detailed review of COVID-19 safety standards conducted by Skytrax, the international air transport rating organization, in December 2021. This safety certification is a global standard for determining the assurance of safe travel for customers and a significant recognition of the effectiveness of safety measures taken It was introduced by BIA to protect its customers and employees from the spread of the coronavirus.
The audit evaluated 175 different safety protocols specifically related to the COVID-19 pandemic that reduce risks and enhance the well-being of customers and employees. The inspections examined the implementation of health, hygiene and safety procedures in accordance with the recommendations of the Flight Recovery Task Force of the International Civil Aviation Organization Council, in addition to the requirements of the Government of the Kingdom of Bahrain. The five-star COVID-19 airport safety rating recognizes very high standards of airport hygiene and maintenance procedures, while consistently adhering to these protocols.
Bahrain Airport Company CEO, Mohammed Yousef Al-Binfalah said: “We are proud to receive this 5-star rating which recognizes the tremendous efforts our team puts in on a daily basis to ensure our customers travel with complete peace of mind. We dedicate this award to the Government of Bahrain, which has taken proactive measures since the beginning of the pandemic to protect public health and safety, as well as to healthcare workers on the front lines, who have worked tirelessly to keep the people of Bahrain safe.”
He added: “Since January, Bahrain International Airport has received many awards and recognition from international bodies for its exceptional standards and efforts in protecting the health and safety of passengers. We remain committed to ensuring that travel through the airport is safe, enjoyable and hassle-free.”
Edward Plaisted of Skytrax said: “The standards, efficiency, and consistency of the COVID-19 safety protocols available here at Bahrain International Airport are excellent, and we congratulate Bahrain Airport Company for receiving the highest rating for airport safety COVID-19. This safety rating provides a significant degree of assurance to customers traveling across The airport highlights the effectiveness of the hygiene and safety protocols they have put in place. COVID-19 safety must provide the safest environment for customers and employees, and BIA has proven to be an industry leader.”
The BIA has introduced an extensive program of safety measures to prevent the spread of the coronavirus. Throughout the building, there are frequent hand sanitizers, including in high-contact areas such as check-in, boarding gates, and self-catering facilities. Frequently touched surfaces have been treated with antimicrobial coatings, and social distancing is provided throughout the building with a combination of floor and bench markings. Front line service counters are equipped with hard screens, self service points like ATMs, vending machines etc. all have hand sanitizers nearby. All airport users are required to wear face masks.
The station cleanliness standards are rated excellent, and this is verified during the COVID-19 review using the ATP test to analyze and evaluate this. The COVID-19 Safety Rating assesses the effectiveness and consistency of COVID-19 measures
Provided, including terminal hygiene, cleaning and disinfection systems, standard compliance and use of personal protective equipment for employees, branding, standards and application of social distancing signs, floor and seat space markings, hand sanitizing facilities, PA guidance at the airport, regulation and control of passenger flows in all around the airport, security screening systems, general passenger facilities (such as baggage carts) and control of social distancing and use of face masks.
AOQ