The Bahrain International Airshow (BIAS) proudly secured partnerships with new and existing partners, strengthening its position as one of the region’s premier aviation events, during its attendance at the Dubai Airshow 2025.
The Bahrain delegation was led by His Excellency Shaikh Abdulla bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, Minister of Transportation and Telecommunications, who met with leading global aerospace and aviation companies to discuss the upcoming Bahrain International Airshow 2026, set to take place in 18-20 November next year at the Sakhir Airbase.
During the Dubai Airshow, His Excellency Shaikh Abdulla bin Ahmed Al Khalifa held productive discussions with key industry leaders, exploring avenues for collaboration, investment, and participation in BIAS 2026. These meetings underscored Bahrain’s commitment to fostering international partnerships and advancing the Kingdom’s strategic role as a regional aviation hub.
Global industry leaders Boeing, Lockheed Martin, and Thales, joined Joramco, DHL, DFS Aviation, Chevron, Bahrain Airport Services, Aloula Aviation and Valo Aviation in securing their presence at BIAS 2026 during the Dubai Airshow.
Commenting on the occasion, His Excellency Shaikh Abdullah bin Ahmed Al Khalifa said: “The Bahrain International Airshow continues to strengthen its global reputation as a dynamic platform for connecting decision-makers and driving collaboration across the aviation and aerospace sectors. Our engagement at the Dubai Airshow has yielded exceptional outcomes, and we are delighted to have secured the participation of several leading companies ahead of the 2026 edition. This reflects Bahrain’s position as a trusted destination for high-level business engagement and innovation.”
The Bahrain International Airshow, organized by the Ministry of Transportation and Telecommunications in collaboration with the Royal Bahraini Air Force in association with Farnborough International, has established itself as a distinguished biennial event, offering a unique platform for business, innovation, and networking across the aviation and aerospace sectors.
As preparations intensify for BIAS 2026, Bahrain looks forward to welcoming participants, exhibitors, and visitors from around the world to experience the Kingdom’s growing contribution to global aviation.
For more information on the Bahrain International Airshow 2026 or how to get involved, visit: https://airshow.bh/
Bahrain International Airshow (BIAS) promises to deliver opportunities for global aerospace, defence and space business innovation with new themes and features for its 2026 show.
Throughout the three-day show, there will be a dedicated focus on Advanced Air Mobility (AAM), a sector transforming the way people and goods move. Following the announcement that Eve Mobility and Bahrain’s Ministry of Transportation and Telecommunications (MTT) signed a flying taxi framework agreement, the show will host AAM leaders, integrated airspace management solutions, and the latest technology shaping the next generation of mobility. Manufacturers, investors, and regulators will come together to explore emerging business models and policy frameworks that will define the skies of tomorrow.
Ground Services Equipment Expo
In addition, the new Ground Services Equipment (GSE) Expo aims to promote future-focused, sustainable advancements across the wider aviation infrastructure. This new initiative on BIAS’ growing floorplan aligns with the Kingdom of Bahrain’s 2030 Vision for zero emissions and emphasises the use of electrical machinery in the industry.
Yousif Mohamed Mahmoud, Director General of the Bahrain International Airshow, said: “For 2026, we are extending the airshow beyond its reputation as a premier aerospace marketplace to serve as a strategic platform driving sustainable growth and cross-sector collaboration. With our signature focus on high-level networking, government access, and curated business engagement, the 2026 edition will introduce new transformative content threads and adjacent features that mirror the industry’s evolving landscape. Stakeholders from across the international aviation community are invited to join us in shaping the future of aerospace through innovation, collaboration, and opportunity at the Bahrain International Airshow 2026.”
For international stakeholders, the Bahrain International Airshow serves as a gateway to new opportunities, strategic insights, and impactful partnerships in one of the world’s fastest-growing regions. The Bahrain International Airshow 2026 will build upon the successes of its previous edition last year, which was the largest iteration of the airshow since launch, welcoming over 57,000 trade visitors from 83 countries and 226 civil and military delegations, alongside over 125 aircraft to Sakhir Air Base over three days.
Taking place from 18-20 November 2026, the Bahrain International Airshow is held under the patronage of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, King of the Kingdom of Bahrain, and under the supervision of His Highness Shaikh Abdullah bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Personal Representative of His Majesty the King and the Chairman of BIAS’ Supreme Organising Committee. The airshow is organised in cooperation with the Bahrain Ministry of Transportation and Telecommunications and the Royal Bahraini Air Force in association with Farnborough International.
The Bahrain International Airshow delegation will be present at the Dubai Airshow 2025 to meet with new and existing partners and sign agreements for the 2026 show.
His Excellency Dr Shaikh Abdulla bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, Bahrain’s Minister of Transportation and Telecommunications, held a high-level planning meeting with senior officials from Farnborough International, the globally renowned organisers of the Farnborough International Airshow, marking the official launch of strategic preparations for the Bahrain International Airshow 2026.
Taking place from 18-20 November 2026, the Bahrain International Airshow is held under the patronage of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, King of the Kingdom of Bahrain, and under the supervision of His Highness Shaikh Abdullah bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Personal Representative of His Majesty the King and the Chairman of BIAS’ Supreme Organising Committee. The airshow is organised by the Bahrain Ministry of Transportation and Telecommunications and the Royal Bahraini Air Force in association with Farnborough International.
This critical engagement follows the directives of His Royal Highness Shaikh Abdulla bin Hamad Al Khalifa, who has emphasised the importance of hosting a world-class event that reflects Bahrain’s growing prominence and partnerships in the global aviation landscape, an unwavering priority for the country. The meeting underscored the enduring partnership between the Kingdom of Bahrain and the United Kingdom, particularly in aviation and aerospace. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to deepening bilateral ties through collaboration and knowledge exchange, with the airshow serving as a key platform to showcase innovation, investment opportunities, and global connectivity.
With a vision to be the world’s leading boutique airshow, Bahrain International Airshow offers regional and international organisations an unrivalled platform for building new partnerships and cementing existing ones. Cementing its position as one of the most respected and business-focused aviation events in the region, the Supreme Organising Committee is focused on reinforcing operational excellence, enhancing international participation, and expanding the airshow’s commercial and technological footprint.
The Bahrain International Airshow 2026 will build upon the successes of its previous edition last year, which was the largest iteration of the airshow since launch, welcoming over 57,000 trade visitors from 83 countries and 226 civil and military delegations, alongside over 125 aircraft to Sakhir Air Base over three days. As preparations officially begin, stakeholders from across the international aviation community are invited to join Bahrain in shaping the future of aerospace through innovation, collaboration, and opportunity at the Bahrain International Airshow 2026.
International trade, innovation and allyship were the top agenda items for Bahrain International Airshow (BIAS). The largest iteration since launch, BIAS welcomed over 57,000 trade visitors from 83 countries and 226 civil and military delegations to Sakhir Air Base over three days, creating enduring prosperity for Bahrain and its partners.
With a vision to be the world’s leading boutique airshow, BIAS offered regional and international organisations an unrivalled platform for building new partnerships and cementing existing ones. Significant announcements were issued by companies including Infracorp and Mena Aerospace detailing their partnership to develop aircraft hangar facilities in Bahrain; Valo Aviation highlighted its accreditation regarding Bahraini Air Operators Certificate (AOC) and becoming the Kingdom’s inaugural business jet operator; the National Space Science Agency (NSSA) signed a Technical Collaboration Framework Agreement with Mohamed Bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC); and Bahrain’s Ministry of Interior purchasing a fleet of Airbus helicopters.
Aircraft at BIAS 2024
Over 125 different types of aircraft were showcased across the static and flying display, demonstrating the latest innovation and technologies propelling the industry, with BIAS debuts from USDOD B-52H Stratofortress and flydubai within its showcase. Assets and teams on show included the RBAF F-16, RSAF Saudi Hawks, RSAF Typhoon, US DOD F-16, Gulf Air B787-9, US DOD P-8 Poseidon, PAF JF-17, IAF Sarang Helicopter Team and The Global Stars.
The Bahrain International Airshow is held under the patronage of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, King of the Kingdom of Bahrain, and under the supervision of His Highness Shaikh Abdullah bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Personal Representative of His Majesty the King and the Chairman of BIAS’ Supreme Organising Committee. The airshow is organised by the Bahrain Ministry of Transportation and Telecommunications and the Royal Bahraini Airforce in association with Farnborough International.
The Saudi Hawks and Pakistan Air Force have landed at Sakhir Air Base ahead of their presence at the much-anticipated Bahrain International Airshow, taking place 13-15 November 2024.
Saudi Hawks
Known for its world-renowned aircraft flying display, Bahrain International Airshow is gearing up for its most impressive showcase yet. A world-renowned aerobatic display team, Saudi Hawks are the Royal Saudi Air Force aerobatic display team flying six BAE Hawk-equipped Mk.65. The Royal Saudi Air Force introduced the display team to highlight its capabilities, efficiency, and the ability of its pilots and technicians to showcase the aircraft and its advanced technologies.
Pakistan Air Force
Hot on the heels of its recent joint exercise with China, Indus Shield-Chinese, the Pakistan Air Force returns to Bahrain International Airshow to showcase its aerial excellence. Pakistan stands as the eighth largest Air Force in the world and the largest Air Force of the Arab world in terms of aircraft fleet. Its primary mandate and mission is ‘to provide, in synergy with other inter-services, the most efficient, assured and cost effective aerial defence of Pakistan’.
The Bahrain International Airshow is held under the patronage of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, King of the Kingdom of Bahrain, and under the supervision of His Highness Shaikh Abdullah bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Personal Representative of His Majesty the King and the Chairman of BIAS’ Supreme Organising Committee. Over 125 different types of aircraft will be showcased, providing visitors the opportunity to experience them close up, before a curated flying display of assets and aerobatic teams takes to the sky to demonstrate the latest innovations and technologies in the industry.
Bahrain International Airshow (BIAS) is investing in and developing new immersive experiences within its family area to celebrate the 75-year anniversary of aviation in the country.
Open to schools, students and the wider public, the Aerospace Festival will take visitors through a journey of aerospace, from ‘boarding’ the event and exploring the futuristic ‘airport’ and aviation exhibitions to carnival games and watching the world-class flying display.
Special Features
Features of the family area will include an airshow grandstand, Heritage Village, aviation-themed Carnival Zone, food festival highlighting global cuisine, roaming entertainers, kids zone and aviation museum and exhibition. The Heritage Village will celebrate Bahrain’s rich culture, showcasing products, food and crafts highlighting the beauty of Bahraini traditions. An installation showcasing the first human to ever fly, inventor Abbas bin Firnas, who took flight in the 9th century with a pair of wings built by silk, wood and real feathers, will celebrate the innovation and progress of the middle east as champions of aviation.
The Kid Zone will provide little ones and young adults with opportunities to meet pilots flying in the airshow and workshops on becoming engineers, pilots and astronauts, as well as crafting and simulators. With hours of activities on offer, new shaded areas will allow families to take a break and relax while watching the afternoon flying displays from picture-perfect viewpoints. For aviation enthusiasts, the ‘Instagram-friendly’ aerospace festival will provide plenty of photo and selfie opportunities to keep their feeds up to date with fun content.
Taking place 13-15 November, the airshow is held under the patronage of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, King of the Kingdom of Bahrain, and under the supervision of His Highness Shaikh Abdullah bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Personal Representative of His Majesty the King and the Chairman of BIAS’ Supreme Organising Committee. Tickets for under 16 are free and are just 5 BD for adults over 16.
Bahrain International Airshow (BIAS) is poised to accelerate business connections, collaboration and knowledge sharing in the Gulf, one year out from its 2024 instalment.
Following the success of the first instalment of the conference, BIAS is working with industry leaders to build upon the show’s thought leadership conference programme in 2024.
The inaugural Bahrain International Airshow (BIAS) conference programme in 2022 focused on matters of importance across the aerospace, aviation, and space sectors for the Kingdom of Bahrain and the wider region.
The programme featured dignitaries, subject matter experts, captains of industry and other diverse speakers such as Captain Waleed Al Alawi, Chief Executive Officer, Gulf Air; Heidi Grant, President of Business Development, Boeing; Dr Mohamed Al-Aseeri, CEO, NSSA; Nancy Ziuzin Schlegel, VP for International Government Relations, Lockheed Martin; Mohamed Yousif Al Binfalah, Chief Executive Officer, Bahrain Airport Company; H. E. Salem Butti Salem Al Qubaisi, Director General, UAE Space Agency; Sue Donoghue, Arab Cluster CEO, DHL Global Forwarding.
BIAS is curating the 2024 programme, which is focused on key challenges and opportunities in the industry, in partnership with Manama Air Power Symposium, Kallman Worldwide and other key partners, including NSSA.
Conference Programme
Across two days of content, the programme will feature four forums:
Airlines & Airports
Space
Defence
Diversity & Inclusion
Topics will include sustainability and technological innovation, advancements around SAF emerging in the EMEA region, demand for investment in infrastructure, international collaboration for sustainable space operations such as active debris removal, commercial space launches in the Middle East, accelerating gender equality in the sector and the contribution to future workforce challenges.
An in-demand opportunity for networking and doing business in the region, the BIAS Supreme Organising Committee has reported more than 65% of the luxury exhibitor chalets have been sold, with companies such as Lockheed Martin, Rolls-Royce, Thales and Gulf Air securing their spots.
Commenting on the demand of the airshow, Yousif Mohamed Mahmoud, Director General, Bahrain International Airshow Group, said: “The continued investment from the key international and regional aerospace leaders into the airshow demonstrates the supportive role BIAS plays in the industry and our need to support organisations in driving business and sharing knowledge. We are thrilled that we will be welcoming leaders from across the world to Bahrain again next year.”
In October, the show unveiled a new brand identity for the airshow to embody the Kingdom of Bahrain’s position as an innovative global hub for the aerospace industry. With the committee focused on the next 10 years and beyond, the new identity is an affirmation of the key values of the show – allyship, innovation and international trade – characterising the advancement of both the event and the Kingdom of Bahrain.
Held under the patronage of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, King of the Kingdom of Bahrain, and under the supervision of His Highness Shaikh Abdullah bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Personal Representative of His Majesty the King and the Chairman of BIAS’ Supreme Organising Committee, BIAS will take place 13-15 November 2024 at Sakhir Airbase, Bahrain.
Bahrain International Airshow championed collaboration and thought leadership as it returned to the global airshow circuit.
International deals and partnerships worth over USD 1.8bn signed, including purchase of Pratt & Whitney engines by Royal Jordanian, codeshare partnership between Emirates and Gulf Air and Texel Air Bahrain and Sierra Nevada Corporation (SNC) alliance.
Over 30 countries present, 186 participating companies across the display, exhibition hall and chalets, and 200 civilian and military delegations taking part.
Thousands of aerospace and defence professionals from over 30 countries around the world connected at the Bahrain International Airshow (BIAS) 2022 for three days of partnership building, collaboration and thought leadership.
Officially opened by His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander and Prime Minister, on behalf of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, King of the Kingdom of Bahrain, the Bahrain International Airshow, is organised by the Bahrain Ministry of Transportation and Telecommunications and the Royal Bahraini Airforce in association with Farnborough International.
The three-day event, which took place 9-11 November 2022, saw 186 participating companies across the display, exhibition hall and chalets and 200 civilian and military delegations taking part. The airshow followed on from Manama Air Power Symposium 2022, which brought together a high-caliber audience of over 300 air force commanders and operators, policymakers, and industry leaders from over 25 countries for the most important regional air power conference in 2022.
New deals and partnerships worth over USD 1.8 billion were announced at the show including the purchase of 30 of the latest-generation, single-aisle aircraft powered by Pratt & Whitney GTF engines by Royal Jordanian Airlines (“Royal Jordanian”), a strategic partnership between MAE Aircraft Management and Asia Cargo Network Singapore and Texel Air Bahrain and Sierra Nevada Corporation’s (SNC) new alliance.
Two dedicated conference theatres offered a thought exchange platform, where senior aerospace executives from the Gulf region and international companies collaborated to bring issues of mutual interest to the fore. The programme included panels and keynotes on four key themes: Airports and Airlines, Cargo and Logistics, Women in Aerospace and Space.
Each afternoon saw the skies above Sakhir Air Base filled with the world’s most renowned air display teams and aircraft, with showcases of the Gulf Air 787, RBAF, JF-17, Fursan Al Emarat, UAE Mirage 2000, RSAF Typhoon, USAF F-16 demo team, Global Stars, Red Arrows, DHL B767-300 Flypast, UAE F16, Saudi Hawks and P-8 flypast.
On the closing of BIAS 2022, His Excellency the Minister of Transportation and Telecommunications, Mohamed bin Thamer AlKaabi, said: “The sixth edition of the event has built on the Show’s previous successes and strengthened BIAS’s position as a unique platform for business development, engagement and the showcasing of the latest technological innovations in the aerospace industry. It continues to generate new opportunities in the aviation sector and the commercial and military aircraft markets. BIAS provides the right environment for deal-making and cooperation agreements.
“The event has witnessed fruitful visits and meetings, and we are looking forward to seeing the outcomes of the deals concluded by the firms during the airshow. We would also like to thank the sponsors, supporters, and all participants from delegations and companies for their trust in the airshow, and we look forward to seeing them again at the next Bahrain International Airshow.”
10 Year Anniversary of the Bahrain International Airshow
Bahrain readies to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Bahrain International Airshow (BIAS), taking place 9-11 November 2022, with a host of new features and programmes.
Bahrain is committed to cementing itself as a collaborative peer within the global aerospace sector and has continued to advance its partnerships with globally established organisations. With a regional aviation industry that generates $130 billion annually for the economy, equivalent to 4.4% of the region’s gross domestic product (GDP), continued investment in the sector by all of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) members presents growing opportunities for global aviation players.
Harnessing a growth mindset, BIAS has undertaken a period of significant investment. With a ten-year track record of success, the 2022 Airshow will include enhanced features across the three-day event, creating more opportunities for business, networking, growth and knowledge sharing.
Organised by the Bahrain Ministry of Transportation and Telecommunications and the Royal Bahraini Airforce in association with Farnborough International, BIAS has been designed to reflect aerospace and defence industry demands and will harness global expertise to provide thought leadership. The show aims to engage, retain and grow its world-class delegation programme, providing exhibitors with a personal opportunity to network with high level VIP decision-makers.
With a conference lineup that will discuss the future of airport and airlines, women in aviation, Cargo and Logistics and the Space industry, the 2022 edition of BIAS will see globally renowned organisations gather at the Middle East’s gateway to the Gulf to plan for the future.
The growth in air passenger and cargo traffic in the Middle East is expected to outperform those in all other regions in the world by 2032. To support this growth and regional focus, the 2022 airshow will see the launch of the Cargo Hub to facilitate the development of new partnerships and business connections, as well as share insight from industry-leading professionals and exhibitors.
With over 140 companies expected to exhibit across the defence, space, business and aviation sectors, the boutique aerospace event offers visitors the opportunity to strengthen existing business connections and meet key with global senior decision makers and stakeholders of aerospace businesses.
To provide additional improvements to its first-class experience, extensive investment and refurbishments have been made to the luxury airshow exhibitor chalets. The ready-built chalets are positioned adjacent to the static aircraft park and parallel to the runway, providing unrivalled views of both the static and flying display.
Offering one of the most internationally renowned aircraft displays on the airshow circuit, BIAS will also host an impressive static showcase and daily flying displays featuring the latest in both military jets and commercial aircraft.
Following his recent Middle East Business Aviation Association Lifetime Achievement Award win for outstanding contribution to the Bahrain aviation sector over the last decade, H.E. Engineer Kamal bin Ahmed Mohammed, the Minister of Transportation and Telecommunications said: “Throughout the uncertainty of the last two years, Bahrain’s agile response to the crisis enabled the Kingdom to remain a constant presence across global sectors, and we are looking forward to welcoming everyone back in November this year.
“We’re proud to have established BIAS as a key event in the aerospace and defence calendar and we aim to build upon the success of the 2018 instalment, which saw more than 54,000 trade visitors, 11 of the top 15 global aerospace companies attending and over $5 billion worth of aerospace orders and commitments confirmed across the three days.”
Bahrain’s Ministry of Transportation and Telecommunications has renewed its long-standing partnership with leading aerospace event organiser Farnborough International to organise the 2022 and 2024 editions of the Bahrain International Airshow.
The two-event contract was signed in London by H.E. Engineer Kamal bin Ahmed Mohammed, Minister of Transportation and Telecommunications and Deputy Chairman of the Supreme Organizing Committee for Bahrain International Airshow, and Gareth Rogers, Chief Executive Officer of Farnborough International.
Taking place on 9-11 November 2022, the Bahrain International Airshow (BIAS) will celebrate more than 10 years of bringing together the best and brightest of the aerospace industry in an intimate platform to do business. An established event in the aerospace and defence calendar, the 2022 edition of BIAS will see industry-leading professionals and organisations gather at the Gateway to the Gulf for unrivalled business and networking opportunities.
Commenting on the long-standing partnership, H.E. Engineer Kamal bin Ahmed Mohammed, said: “Following the resounding success of the last Airshow we held in 2018 and the cancellation of our 2020 event due to the Covid-19 pandemic, we are thrilled to be bringing to the world the next instalment of the Bahrain International Airshow, which is held under the patronage of His Majesty the King and is organised with the Royal Bahraini Airforce, in association with Farnborough International.
“After undertaking a programme of significant investment, the 2022 Airshow will include enhanced features across the three-day event, creating more opportunities for business, networking, growth and knowledge sharing, all taking place in a Covid-safe environment to allow our exhibitors, visitors, partners and sponsors to attend the show with confidence and explore opportunities to revive the aviation industry’s growth and sustainability.”
Gareth Rogers, Chief Executive Officer of Farnborough International, added: “At Farnborough International we are proud to partner with global pioneers across the sector and we are excited to be continuing our excellent relationship with Bahrain’s Ministry of Transportation and Telecommunications to bring the Bahrain International Airshow to the global aerospace and defence industry.
“While the last two years have been an unimaginably challenging time, we now have the opportunity to connect the global aerospace industry and spearhead innovations as a collective to shape a lucrative future.”
Building upon the success of the 2018 instalment, which saw more than 54,000 trade visitors, 11 of the top 15 global aerospace companies attending and over $5 billion worth of aerospace orders and commitments confirmed, BIAS 2022 will provide viable networking opportunities and facilitate the development of relationships between the leading players within the industry.
Priding itself on organising and delivering the world’s most pioneering and respected aerospace and aviation events which connect the global aerospace and defence communities, Farnborough International will support the Bahraini Ministry in strengthening the position of BIAS as a principal platform in the Middle East.
