Gulf Airlines Cancel Flights From Bahrain as Regional Tensions Disrupt Summer Travel Plans

MANAMA, Jul 24: Several Gulf airlines have cancelled or suspended flights to and from Bahrain and other regional destinations amid the ongoing security situation in the region, affecting passengers travelling during the busy summer holiday period.

Despite the disruptions, Bahrain International Airport continues to operate normally, with several flights arriving and departing as scheduled, according to airport flight listings.

Flights operated by Gulf Air to various destinations continued on time, while services by flydubai, Air Arabia, Flynas and Kuwait Airways to destinations including Sharjah, Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Kuwait City and Riyadh also operated from Bahrain.

However, some airlines have announced cancellations. Etihad Airways suspended its Bahrain flights until July 25, while Emirates cancelled some services citing operational reasons.

Passengers affected by the cancellations said they were exploring alternative travel options amid uncertainty.

“We are a group of friends and relatives travelling together next week whose flights have been cancelled,” said a Portuguese resident.

“Like many other passengers, we are looking at all options, including travelling from neighbouring Gulf states to our final destination. Honestly, it's tiresome due to the ongoing conflict, but we remain hopeful,” the passenger added.

Airlines have advised travellers to update their contact information to ensure they receive the latest flight updates and schedule changes.

Meanwhile, KLM announced that it would not operate flights to Dubai, Riyadh and Dammam until September 6, adding to the growing list of international carriers adjusting operations due to regional instability.

The UK Foreign Office also updated its travel advisory for Bahrain, advising British nationals against all but essential travel.

“British nationals currently in the Middle East should be prepared for possible flight cancellations, periodic airspace closures, and potential travel disruptions,” the advisory said.

The US State Department said some airlines in the region had delayed the resumption of previously scheduled flights, while others had cancelled certain routes.

Earlier this week, Bahrain’s Civil Aviation Affairs (CAA) said the country’s civil air navigation systems in the Bahrain Flight Information Region (FIR) had been targeted by hostile drones following what it described as Iranian aggression against Bahrain.

The CAA said the incident did not affect air navigation services and confirmed that authorities responded immediately under established security procedures.

Officials said necessary measures were implemented to ensure the continuity of aviation operations and maintain the safe movement of air traffic.

The latest disruptions come as regional tensions continue to impact aviation, with airlines closely monitoring security developments and adjusting schedules accordingly.