Fee increase not under consideration at Bahrain airport

Dubai: Bahrain International is not considering an increase in passenger airport charges, the airport’s chief commercial officer told Gulf News on Wednesday following reports last year a new $26 tax could be introduced.

Gulf governments are considering new ways to raise revenue as falling oil prices contribute to higher budget deficits. In October 2015, Bahrain’s Daily News reported the country’s Muharraq Municipal Council said it was considering a new $26 airport tax.

“I am not aware of any strategies by the regulator to increase the passenger service charge,” Mohammad Khalil told Gulf News on Wednesday at the Airport Show in Dubai on Wednesday. “As far as I know they (airport charges) will continue to be flat.”

Earlier this year, Dubai and Sharjah introduced a Dh35 charge on most passengers flying out of the cities’ airports, including transit passengers.