Bahrain International Airport (BIA) has become the world’s first airport to attain the coveted International Air Transport Association (IATA) Environmental Assessment (IEnvA) Certification, Bahrain Airport Company (BAC), the managing body and operator of BIA, announced.

The groundbreaking achievement highlights BIA’s innovative approach to environmental sustainability and responsible operations.

IATA’s Regional Vice-President for Africa and the Middle East (AME), Kamil Alawadhi handed the certification to BAC CEO Mohamed Yousif AlBinfalah at the GFG pavilion during the second day of the Bahrain International Airshow, which took place at Sakhir Air Base from November 13-15 under the patronage of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa. The handover ceremony was attended by representatives from BAC’s health and safety department.

The IEnvA programme, established by IATA more than a decade ago, has been instrumental in enhancing the environmental performance of airlines, aligning with the ISO 14001 standard. In July 2022, IATA expanded the programme to encompass airports and ground handling companies, recognising the crucial role these stakeholders play in minimising the aviation industry’s environmental footprint.

BAC enrolled in the programme in February 2023. The rigorous certification process involved five stages, including comprehensive gap analyses and on-site assessments conducted by IATA experts. BIA successfully demonstrated its adherence to stringent environmental management standards and its dedication to continuous improvement.

“Achieving the world’s first IEnvA airport certification is a remarkable milestone, reflecting BAC’s strategic dedication to minimising the airport’s environmental footprint,” said Mohamed AlBinfalah.

“This achievement is a direct result of the hard work and dedication of the entire airport community, who have embraced our strategic objective.

“By minimising our environmental impact, we not only enhance our own performance but also contribute to a more sustainable future for the entire aviation industry.”

Kamil Alawadhi added: “I would like to extend my most sincere congratulations to Bahrain Airport for being the first airport to achieve full IEnvA Certification.

“This is a remarkable achievement that reflects their unwavering dedication to environmental sustainability and responsible business practices through robust environmental management plans with continual performance improvements.

“I commend the efforts of everyone involved and wish Bahrain Airport continued success in improving their sustainability performance.”

The certification cements BAC’s commitment to a sustainable future for aviation, setting a new industry standard for environmental performance and responsible operations worldwide.

 GO: Visit www.bahrainairport.bh for more information.