UAE and Bahrain Initiate ‘Single Travel Point’ Pilot to Streamline Regional Aviation

The United Arab Emirates and the Kingdom of Bahrain have officially launched the pilot phase of the “Single Travel Point” initiative, a bilateral project designed to eliminate traditional international arrival procedures for eligible travelers. According to reporting by Gulf News, the system went live on February 16, 2026, marking a significant step toward integrated regional mobility.

This initiative, also referred to as “One-Point Air Travellers,” allows passengers to complete all necessary immigration, customs, and security clearances at their point of departure. By shifting these checks to the origin airport, travelers can arrive at their destination with the ease of a domestic passenger, bypassing arrival queues entirely.

The pilot program is currently operational between Zayed International Airport in Abu Dhabi and Bahrain International Airport in Manama. As noted in the reports, eligibility is initially restricted to citizens of the UAE and Bahrain traveling on Etihad Airways or Gulf Air.

Operational Mechanics and Passenger Journey

The core functionality of the Single Travel Point relies on advanced biometric verification and real-time data sharing between the two nations. Gulf News highlights that the system utilizes facial recognition technology to verify traveler identity and share security data before the flight departs.

Departure as the Primary Checkpoint

Under this new protocol, the traditional international travel process is re-engineered. Passengers undergo comprehensive screening, including immigration and customs, only once, at their airport of origin. Once cleared, their data is transmitted securely to the destination authorities while the flight is airborne.

The ‘Domestic’ Arrival Experience

Upon landing, eligible passengers are permitted to exit the airport immediately. By treating the flight as a domestic arrival, the system removes the need for passport control or customs inspections at the destination, significantly reducing “air-side dwell” time and airport congestion.

Strategic Context: A Blueprint for GCC Integration

While currently a bilateral agreement, the Single Travel Point is positioned as a proof-of-concept for a broader Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) strategy. Reports indicate that the ultimate goal is to link all six GCC states, including Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Oman, and Qatar, under similar seamless travel protocols.

This operational integration is distinct from the “Unified GCC Tourist Visa,” which focuses on access permissions for international tourists. In contrast, the Single Travel Point focuses on the logistics of border crossing for citizens, effectively creating a “domestic” travel zone within the region.

Official Commentary

Authorities from both nations have emphasized the project’s role in enhancing security and economic ties. The initiative is being implemented by the UAE’s Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) in cooperation with Bahrain’s Ministry of Interior.

According to statements cited in the coverage, Major General Suhail Saeed Al Khaili, Director General of the ICP, described the project as a milestone for regional mobility. Similarly, airline stakeholders have welcomed the move.

“This initiative redefines travel between the UAE and Bahrain and aligns with our strategy to enhance the passenger journey.”

, Captain Majed Al Marzouqi, Etihad Airways (via Gulf News)

AirPro News Analysis

The launch of the Single Travel Point represents a critical evolution in Middle Eastern aviation infrastructure. By moving border processing upstream to the point of departure, airports can optimize terminal space usage and reduce the staffing burden on arrival halls. For airlines like Etihad and Gulf Air, this offers a competitive product differentiation against other carriers that may not yet have access to the dedicated “domestic” lanes.

Furthermore, this development suggests that the GCC is moving rapidly toward a Schengen-style aviation model. While the current pilot is limited to citizens, the infrastructure being tested, specifically the real-time cross-border biometric data exchange, is the necessary foundation for eventually expanding these privileges to expatriate residents and international tourists.

Future Expansion and Outlook

While the current phase is restricted to citizens flying specific routes, the long-term vision includes expanding eligibility to expatriate residents of GCC countries. However, reports note that no specific timeline has been set for this expansion.

Success at Zayed International and Bahrain International could pave the way for adoption at other major regional hubs, such as Dubai International (DXB). The initiative aims to bolster tourism and trade by making short-haul cross-border trips as frictionless as domestic commuting.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is currently eligible for the Single Travel Point?
The pilot phase is currently restricted to citizens of the UAE and Bahrain.

Which airlines are participating?
Travelers must be flying on Etihad Airways or Gulf Air to utilize the service.

Does this replace the Unified GCC Tourist Visa?
No. This is a logistical measure to streamline airport processing for citizens. The Unified Visa is a separate policy regarding entry permissions for international tourists.

Sources

• Gulf News
• Huda Ata