Queue Management & Safety Solutions at Bahrain International Airport

Established in 1927, Bahrain International Airport (BIA) is the Gulf region’s first international airport and a vital gateway connecting Bahrain to destinations around the world. BIA welcomed its first scheduled commercial flight in 1932 and has since grown into a major regional hub for both passengers and cargo. In 2021, the airport introduced a $1.1 billion state-of-the-art terminal which officially opened in 2022, enhancing capacity and elevating the passenger experience in line with Bahrain’s Vision 2030.

As part of its continued development and focus on operational excellence, BIA partnered with Tensator® to implement a range of queue management and safety solutions across multiple key areas within the terminal.

The Challenge

With a newly expanded terminal and growing passenger volumes, BIA needed to ensure consistent, safe, and intuitive passenger flow across several high-traffic zones of the airport. The challenge was not limited to a single area—installations were required in check-in zones, security screening areas, boarding gates, and staff-only sections, all of which had distinct requirements for safety, security, branding, and accessibility.

Tensator® was tasked with delivering bespoke, durable, and branded queue management solutions tailored to the unique needs of each space—within a short installation time frame and while maintaining the high standards expected of an international airport.

The Journey

Tensator worked closely with the Bahrain Airport Company and on-site teams to assess the requirements of each zone within the terminal. With the airport’s emphasis on premium service, security, and visual consistency, our team proposed a carefully considered mix of products—each offering practical functionality, visual clarity, and enhanced safety.

From site evaluations through to delivery and installation, Tensator ensured seamless coordination across all phases of the project.

The Solution

A combination of Tensabarrier® retractable barriers, branded webbing, post-top signage, and fluted totems was implemented throughout the airport:

• Boarding Gates: Equipped with dual-line Tensabarriers® with branded webbing and universal bases to maintain accessibility. While used as single-line barriers in some configurations, the dual-line format offers added deterrence against line-cutting and provides a more physical boundary. Post-top signage is also used to further enhance passenger guidance.
• Check-in Areas: Fitted with Correx fluted totems featuring clear messaging such as “Economy” or “Bag Drop”, alongside branded Tensabarriers® for clear queue delineation. These totems and post-top signs offer clear visibility for passengers approaching from various angles.
• Departure Screening (DEP) Area: A critical security checkpoint equipped with socket-fixed Tensabarriers®, offering a tamper-proof and immovable solution ideal for high-security environments. Signage includes queue indicators and security messaging.
• Additional Areas: Tensabarriers were also used to cordon off staff-only areas, direct passengers around a commemorative sculpture in the terminal, and segment open areas to guide flow and prevent congestion.

The Results

The strategic implementation of Tensator’s solutions has delivered measurable improvements across the airport:

• Enhanced Passenger Flow: Clear, well-defined queuing systems help guide passengers efficiently through key zones—minimising confusion and delays.
• Improved Safety & Security: Dual-line and socket-fixed barriers provide additional physical deterrence, ideal for preventing queue jumpers or accidents.
• Brand Presence: Custom-printed BIA webbing reinforces airport branding while maintaining a premium, cohesive aesthetic.
• Durability & Stability: The use of universal and socket-fixed bases ensures barriers remain stable, accessible, and compliant with safety standards.
• Operational Efficiency: Staff are better supported with clearly segmented zones and signage, particularly at peak times.

Summary

The partnership between Bahrain International Airport and Tensator® showcases the impact of tailored queue management and safety solutions in large-scale, high-traffic environments. By addressing the unique requirements of multiple operational areas, Tensator has supported BIA in enhancing passenger experience, improving safety, and maintaining a visually consistent terminal environment.

As BIA continues its development journey in line with Bahrain’s Vision 2030, Tensator remains a trusted partner—actively working on future proposals.

Looking to expand your airport’s capabilities with proven queue management and safety solutions?