Bahrain Tower [OBBI_TWR]
Amendment History
| Revision | Effective Date | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Version 1 | 13AUG25 | Initial Publication |
Chapter 1. Position Overview
Bahrain Tower (TWR) controls movement of aircraft on the runway and holding at all runway holding points. In addition to this the TWR Controller also has the responsibility of all aircraft within the Class D Bahrain Control Zone and shall ensure separation within the Control Zone (CTR) between IFR traffic is maintained for flights arriving and departing Bahrain. Traffic Information is provided between IFR and VFR Flights as well as VFR to IFR Flights within the Control Zone (CTR)
The TWR Controller is responsible for selecting the active runways for arrivals and departures at Bahrain and holds full authority over the runway.
Chapter 2. Airspace
The Bahrain Control Zone (CTR) is Class D Airspace from the Ground up to 2500ft Mean Sea Level (MSL). The TWR Controller is responsible for ensuring all traffic within the Control Zone are separated. This will typically include all IFR Flights departing and arriving as well as VFR Flights operating within the Control Zone or entering and exiting.
Below you can find a top down view of the Bahrain Control Zone.
Chapter 3. GEN | General Operating Procedures
3.1 Runway Selection
At Bahrain International Airport (OBBI), the preferential runway is 30R for departure and arrival which may be utilised with a tailwind of up to 5kts. If the tailwind component is greater than 5kts then runway 12L should be used for arrivals and departures.
References to Use
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You can always refernece real world sources! However, this should NEVER become a reliance.
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All Controllers should bare the ability to read weather and make an assessment on what the active runway in use should be.
3.1.1 Runway Change
If the TWR Controller deems it necessary to change the active runway due to a change in wind direction this should be coordinated with all controllers above and below as this changes departure and arrival clearances. This should not be done suddenly, it must be carefully coordinated. The Approach Controller and Tower Controller will carefully select which aircraft is the last aircraft to land prior to the runway change.
This process is the same with the DLV or SMC Controller if an aircraft is already taxing to the active runway prior to runway change it may be less disruptive to allow the aircraft to depart if they can accept the tailwind. Aircraft can be re-issued with a departure clearance.
3.2 Line Up Procedures
The TWR Controller must issue clear and precise instructions when issuing aircraft with an instruction to line up on the active runway. There should be no delay and must include the following information:
- The Correct Runway Designator.
- The Holding Point at which the aircraft is to enter the runway by.
- Any relevant traffic information.
Example:
TWR Controller: "GFA087, via A9 line up and wait RWY30R"
3.2.1 Conditional Line Up Clearance (Landing Traffic)
The TWR Controller may issue a conditional line up clearance in order to maximise movements and runway efficency. This must be done efficently and precisely.
Example:
TWR Controller: "GFA087, behind the landing Qatar Airbus A320, 3 mile final, line up and wait RWY30R via A9, behind"
Vitally Important
The use of the word "behind" at the start and end of the instruction is compulsory, this is to ensure the aircraft fully understands they are to give way to the landing traffic
3.2.2 Conditional Line Up Clearance (Departing Traffic)
The TWR Controller can also issue a conditional line up clearance for traffic waiting to depart behind a departing aircraft ahead of him. Again, this must be done efficently and precisly to prevent any runway incursions or misunderstanding.
Example:
TWR Controller: "GFA087, behind the departing Company Airbus A321, via A9 line up and wait RWY30R, behind"
Company Traffic
The use of the word company traffic in clearances can be used if the traffic related to the instruction is of the same company that is receiving the clearance
3.3 Take Off Procedures
3.3.1 Takeoff Headings
Due to the very tight narrow airspace and immediate FIR boundaries in close proximity to Bahrain International Airport (OBBI) there are no published Standard Intrument Departures (SIDs). All departing aircraft are provided with an initial heading to fly after departure which directs them into the Bahrain Terminal Maneuvering Area (TMA) so they can be sequenced and flowed correctly into the correct enroute environment or terminal environment.
| Runway | Initial Takeoff Heading | Route |
|---|---|---|
| 30R | 300 | B457 NARMI |
| 30R | 345 | All Other Routes |
| 12L | 120 | B457 NARMI |
| 12L | 075 | All Other Routes |
Exception
Helicopters are given heading 030 after departure from all runways on all routings.
3.3.2 Take Off Clearances
Aircraft should only be given take off clearance once the runway is clear of obstructions and separation between any previously departed aircraft has been achieved.
Example:
TWR Controller: "GFA023, After Departure Fly Heading 345 Degrees, Surface Wind 300 Degrees at 12 knots, Runway 30R, Cleared for takeoff"
3.3.3 Handing Off
Once the aircraft has taken off and a postive rate of climb can be seen (typically passing 800ft) they should be informed to contact the Approach Controller with their passing altitude.
Example:
TWR Controller: "GFA023, report your passing altitude to Bahrain Approach 127.850, Goodbye"
3.3.4 Wake Separation
Time based separation is utilised at Bahrain to ensure separation between various wake turbulence catergories is maintained. The TWR Controller is responsible for ensuring the seperation system is enforced.
3.3.4.1 Wake Turbulence Catergories
Aircraft are divided into 4 different Wake Turbulence Catergories (WTC) based on the aircrafts certified Maximum Take Off Weight.
| Wake Turbulence Catergory (WTC) | Maximum Take Off Weight (MTOW) |
|---|---|
| Light (L) | ≤ 7000KG |
| Medium (M) | 7000KG to 136,000KG |
| Heavy (H) | ≥ 136,000KG |
| Super (J) | A388 ONLY |
It is the responsibility of the controller to check the Flight Plan (FPL) if they are unsure of an aircrafts Wake Turbulence Catergory.
3.3.4.2 Time Based Separation Table
| Preceeding (Before) | Behind | Suceeding (After) | Separation Time | From an intersection |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Light | Medium | 2 min | 3 min | |
| Medium | Heavy | 2 min | 3 min | |
| Light | Heavy | 2 min | 3 min | |
| Medium | Super | 3 min | 4 min | |
| Light | Super | 3 min | 4 min |
3.3.5 Stopping a Departure
In the event you are required to stop a departure after take off clearance has been issued you need to act fast. This can be to prevent a potential collision as a result of a runway incursion or due to a go around which is now in the flight path of the departing aircraft.
The instruction must be issued early enough so that the departing aircraft does not reach it's "V1" (maximum speed at which a rejected takeoff can be initiated).
For stopping an aircraft that has already begun it's take off roll the following phraseology should be used.
Example:
TWR Controller: "FDB687, stop immediately, I say again, stop immediately, runway incursion"
For an aircraft that has not yet begun the take off roll the following phraseoloy should be used:
Example:
TWR Controller: "FDB687, hold position, cancel take off, I say again, cancel take off due runway incursion"
3.4 Arrival Procedures
The TWR Controller is responsible for issuing traffic landing clearance. They must ensure that separation is maintained on the approach between all aircraft and that all arriving aircraft have a clear unobstructed runway with an issued clearance no later than 2nm from touchdown.
3.4.1 Landing Clearance
Example:
TWR Controller: "BCS555, Surface Winds 300 Degrees at 10 knots, Runway 30R, Cleared to land"
3.4.1.1 Late Landing Clearance
In the event traffic may be issued a late landing clearance due to traffic departing ahead of them or vacating slowly they can be issued a late landing clearance, however, the landing traffic must be issued a landing clearance no later than 2nm from touchdown.
TWR Controller: "BCS555, Expect late landing clearance, one to vacate ahead"
3.4.2 Preferred Exit Points
In order to ensure minimum runway occupancy time pilots are expected to vacate the active runway by the taxiways.
| Runway | Exit Points |
|---|---|
| 30R | A4 or before |
| 12L | A7 or before |
Note
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Aircraft landing on RWY30R shall not vacate the runway at A6 or A7.
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Aircraft landing on RWY12L shall not vacate the runway at A4.
3.4.3 Vacating Traffic
Traffic vacating the active runway shall not be immediately transfered to the SMC Controller, it is the responsibility of the TWR Controller to issue an initial taxi clearance onto taxiway A to ensure the runway is not obstructed by aircraft stopping at the holding point and then waiting for an instruction from the SMC controller.
The aim is to ensure the runway is kept clear to allow smooth and efficent flow of traffic in and out of Bahrain International Airport (OBBI).
The SMC Controller (if online) has the responsibility to ensure all aircraft on final approach are allocated with a stand number, this allows the TWR Controller to be able to issue an initial taxi clearance after vacating the runway in the direction of that allocated parking stand.
3.4.3.1 After Landing Phraseology
Example:
TWR Controller: "BCS555, Welcome to Bahrain, left turn on taxiway Alpha, hold short of taxiway Sierra, Contact Bahrain Ground 121.850"
3.4.4 Separation Requirements
Within the Bahrain Control Zone (CTR) the TWR Controller is responsible for ensuring adequate separation exists between all traffic, this includes vertically and laterally to ensure safe and efficient operation.
3.4.4.1 Longitudinal Separation (Lateral)
Aircraft arriving into Bahrain on the final approach to RWY12L/30R must be separated by at least 3nm.
3.4.4.2 Speed Control
Though the TWR Controller is not able to issue aircraft with a measurement of speed they can advise aircraft to reduce to their minimum final approach speed if separation on the approach is starting to look like it may not work.
Example:
TWR Controller: "DHK502, reduce to minimum approach speed"
3.4.4.3 Wake Turbulence Separation
Aircraft must also be suitable separated in accordance with their Wake Turbulence Catergories, much like departing aircraft to reduce the impact of wake produced by the preceding aircraft.
| Succeeding Aircraft | Behind | Preceding Aircraft | Arrival Separation Minima |
|---|---|---|---|
| Light (L) | Medium (M) | 5nm | |
| Medium (M) | Heavy (H) | 5nm | |
| Light (L) | Heavy (H) | 6nm | |
| Heavy (H) | Heavy (H) | 4nm | |
| Medium (M) | A380 | 7nm | |
| Light (L) | A380 | 8nm |
3.4.5 Go Around Procedures
It is the responsibility of the TWR Controller to issue Go Around Instructions if the controller observes a loss of separation on the final approach or an obstruction on the runway that will not clear before the arriving aircraft meets the 2nm clearance issued critera.
Example:
TWR Controller: "GFA526, "go around, I say again, go around, acknowledge"
Once the aircraft has acknowledged the go around, the TWR Controller shall issue the aircraft which the standard missed approach phraseology.
TWR Controller: "GFA526, fly the standard missed approach procedure, climb altitude 2500ft, contact Bahrain Approach on 127.850"
Coordination
If a go around instruction has been issued, the Approach Controller should be notified immediately once the aircraft has been given instructions.
3.5 VFR Procedures
- VFR Flights shall not take place above FL150 to prevent entering the Class A Airspace.
- VFR Flights are not permitted when the ceiling is less than 1500ft or when the ground visibility is less than 5KM.
- Bahrain Tower (TWR) and Bahrain Approach (APP) both hold the authority to delay VFR flights into either Class D Control Zone or the Class C Terminal Manevuering Area if traffic levels permit.
3.5.1 Visual Reporting Points (VRPs)
Visual Reporting Points (VRPs) are specific geographical locations used in aviation to assist pilots in navigation and communication with air traffic control. These points help pilots maintain situational awareness and provide reference points for reporting their position during flight.
Bahrain has a number of Visual Reporting Points (VRPs) which you can see below.
| Identifier | Name | Radial & DME from BHR VOR/DME | Coordinates |
|---|---|---|---|
| N1 | November 1 | 020 Degrees / 6nm | 262059.85N 504157.35E |
| N2 | November 2 | 350 Degrees / 2nm | 261729.13N 503902.73E |
| E | Echo | 160 Degrees / 6nm | 260945.38N 504116.75E |
| S1 | Sierra 1 | 230 Degrees / 4nm | 261304.73N 503546.62E |
| S2 | Sierra 2 | 270 Degrees / 1.5nm | 261533.39N 503738.75E |
| W | Whiskey | 270 Degrees / 7.5nm | 261553.19N 503059.68E |
Aircraft Transitting the Bahrain Control Zone (CTR) have a mandatory reporting point overhead the BHR VOR.
3.5.2 VFR Departures
VFR Flights planning to depart Bahrain International Airport (OBBI) to leave the Control Zone (CTR) must first have prior approval from the APP Controller to enter the Terminal Manevuering Area (TMA). All VFR departures leaving the Control Zone (CTR) must exit via one of the established Visual Reporting Points (VRPs) described in Section 3.5.1.
3.5.2.1 VFR Departure Phraseology
Pilot: "Bahrain Tower, A9C-ZZ with you holding point A8, runway 30R"
TWR: "A9C-ZZ, via A8, cleared for takeoff runway 30R, winds calm, report overhead Whiskey VRP"
Pilot: "Bahrain Tower, via A8 cleared for takeoff runway 30R, will report ovehead Whiskey VRP"
Pilot: "Bahrain Tower, A9C-ZZ overhead Whiskey VRP"
TWR: "A-ZZ, roger, contact Bahrain Approach 127.850"
Callsign Shortening
With VFR Traffic you are allowed to abbreviate the callsign once contact has been established. Your first transmission with the aircraft must always include their full callsign however, from then on, you may abbreviate the callsign to 3 letters, this helps reduce frequency congestion.
3.5.2.2 VFR Zone Entry Phraseology
Pilot: "Bahrain Tower, A9C-ZZ with you 5nm North West of the Whiskey VRP, Altitude 1500ft, request clearance into the Control Zone for Full Stop Landing"
TWR: "A9C-ZZ, Good Afternoon, cleared to enter the Control Zone, not above altitude 1500ft via Whiskey VRP, VFR, QNH 1001, Squawk 7001"
Pilot: "Cleared to enter the Control Zone not above altitude 1500ft via Whiskey VRP, QNH 1001, Squawk 7001"
TWR: "A-ZZ, Readback Correct, report overhead the airfield"
Controller Preference
The Controller can elect where to have the inbound VFR traffic head to after they have recieved their initial zone entry clearance depending on traffic levels.
3.5.2.3 VFR Circuits
Pilot: "Bahrain Tower, A9C-ZZ, with you holding point A8, ready for departure"
TWR: "A9C-ZZ, after departure right hand turn out, via A8, cleared for takeoff RWY30R, winds calm"
Pilot: "After departure right hand turn out, via A8, cleared for takeoff RWY30R, A9C-ZZ"
Once the aircraft is airborne and established on the right hand turn off you can advise them to report downwind with intentions.
TWR: "A-ZZ, report downwind with intentions"
Pilot: "Wilco, A-ZZ"
Pilot: "A-ZZ, right hand downwind RWY30R for touch and go"
TWR: "A-ZZ, roger, you are number 2 to a Gulf Air Airbus A320 on 3nm final, maintain visual separation, caution wake turbulence, report final runway 30R"
Pilot: "traffic is in sight, maintaining visual separation, will report final runway 30R, A-ZZ"
Pilot: "A-ZZ, final runway 30R"
TWR: "A-ZZ, cleared touch and go runway 30R, winds calm, report downwind"
3.5.2.4 Traffic Information
The TWR Controller is responsible for providing VFR and IFR flights with the necessary traffic information to prevent any loss of seperation within the Control Zone (CTR).
Example:
TWR: "A9C-ZZ, traffic information, traffic is a Gulf Air Airbus A320, 7nm final RWY30R, report the traffic in sight"
Once the aircraft confirms they have the aircraft in sight, the TWR Controller can then further issue the aircraft with an instruction.
Example:
TWR: "A9C-ZZ, you are number 2 to the Gulf Air Airbus A320 on 7nm final RWY30R, maintain visual separation, caution wake turublence, report final Runway 30R"
3.5.2.5 VFR Service Requirements
Within the Class D Bahrain Control Zone (CTR) the TWR controller is not required to provide VFR traffic with separation, the only service provided to VFR traffic is Traffic Information between VFR and IFR aircraft. The pilot can request traffic avoidance on request, however it is up to TWR controller as to whether they can provide.
3.6 Restricted Airspace
The Bahrain Control Zone (CTR) is in very close proximity to the R57 Restricted Airspace.
Under no circumstance are flights allowed to enter the restricted airspace without prior permission from the APP Controller. The only flights allowed to enter the R57 Airspace are those operating into Sakhir Airbase (OBKH) or Isa Airbase (OBBS) with a correctly filed flight plan.
If there is no controller on above Tower then the aircraft should be advised to remain outside of Control Zone (CTR)