[2] The first scheduled commercial airliner to arrive in Bahrain, in 1932, was a flight from London to Delhi operated on a Handley Page H.P.42 aircraft named Hannibal.

[5][6] The majority of these facilities were later acquired by the Bahraini flag carrier airline, Gulf Air, while a small portion continues to be utilized by the U.S. Navy as Aviation Support Unit (ASU) Bahrain.

[citation needed] In 1936, the operation of H.P.42 aircraft from London to India via Bahrain had been stepped up to a twice-weekly frequency.

The landing strip of these giants on the water was from where the marina club is located in Mina Salman today.

1950 was a significant year not only for Muharraq as an international airport, but also for Bahrain's commercial aviation history.

The company started with only one aircraft, a second-hand Anson Mark II, which was used initially on services to Dhahran.

However, within two years, the fleet had expanded to four de Havilland aircraft and DC-3s for use on a steadily growing network in the Persian Gulf.

It was easily the most modern and advanced airport in the Persian Gulf with a good runway, control tower, lighting, communication facilities and even restaurants.

In December 1971, the airport opened new passenger facilities, which included a wide area that could accommodate four 747 aircraft.

In 1976, the airport marked another significant first with the inauguration of supersonic flights, which saw the start-up of regular BA Concorde service between London and Bahrain.

[14] Since 2020 the airport has placed an increased effort to enhance the sustainability of the airport, including a LEED gold certification for the new Terminal Passenger Building in 2021,[15] achieving a second consecutive ISO recertification for quality, environmental and occupational health and safety management systems in March 2024[16] and becoming the first airport in the world to achieve the International Air Transport Association Environmental Assessment Certification in November 2024.

The terminal features check-in halls, check-in desks, passport control booths, E-gates, security lanes, a 9,000 sqm duty-free retail space, lounges, food and beverage zones, 24 departure gates, and 7,000 new parking spaces both at-grade and in multi-story facilities.