Bahrain airport chief sees 25% fall in departures

Swine flu and the impact of the global financial crisis have been blamed for a 20-25 percent fall in the number of people flying out of Bahrain International Airport this summer.

The total number of passengers departing Bahrain is sharply down compared to the same period last year, airport director Mohammed Tamer Al Kaabi said.

And he revealed there had been a slump of up to 50 percent in the number of people flying to the US, Canada and Europe.

"Several discussions that we have had with representatives of airlines and travel agents have come to the same conclusion - that while passenger departures are 20 to 25 percent down overall, those to the US, Canada and Europe are down by at least 50 percent over the same time in 2008," he said in comments published by Gulf Daily News on Tuesday.

"The summer is the peak time for travel outside Bahrain, but there are not enough people travelling and many airlines are reporting fewer loads."

Al Kaabi added this would also affect the number of arrivals, because less people departing meant there would be fewer holidaymakers returning.

He said swine flu epidemic was thought to be the main cause of the fall in numbers, but suggested money worries could also be responsible.

"Feedback we have had from airlines and travel agencies suggests that people are reluctant to spend on holidays they can do without," he told the paper.

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