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Bahrain International Airport is currently experiencing significant disruption, with a total of 93 flight cancellations reported today. This ongoing issue, caused by the closure of Bahrain’s airspace amidst regional tensions, has primarily affected two major airlines – Gulf Air and Qatar Airways. This article explores the impact of the situation on Bahrain’s aviation sector, the airlines involved and the potential long-term consequences for tourism in the region.

Major Airport Affected

Bahrain International Airport (BAH), the main gateway to Bahrain, has been at the centre of the travel chaos. As of today, 93 flights have been cancelled, leaving many passengers stranded and causing widespread frustration. This disruption follows the temporary closure of Bahrain’s airspace, which has left many flights grounded and international routes severely impacted.

The suspension of air traffic, while expected to be temporary, has already caused a substantial backlog of cancelled flights. Although Gulf Air has announced additional flight routes via Saudi Arabia’s King Fahad International Airport in Dammam, the closure of the airport’s airspace has led to a dramatic shift in travel patterns for both local and international passengers.

Impacted Airlines

The two primary airlines affected by the ongoing disruptions at Bahrain International Airport are Gulf Air and Qatar Airways.

Gulf Air, the national carrier of Bahrain, has been hit hardest by the closures, with 91 of its flights being cancelled, accounting for 65% of the total cancellations today. Qatar Airways, while facing a smaller number of cancellations, has also been affected, with 2 of its flights cancelled, representing 22% of the day’s cancellations.

Gulf Air, known for its extensive network of international flights, has been forced to make adjustments to its operations due to the closure of Bahrain’s airspace. In an attempt to mitigate the impact on its passengers, Gulf Air has introduced temporary new routes via King Fahad International Airport in Dammam (DMM). These new destinations include Cairo, Casablanca and Chennai, which are now part of the airline’s commercial network. These services are scheduled to remain operational until 28 March 2026.

Despite these efforts, the long-term impact of the airspace closure on Gulf Air’s regular routes to destinations like London Heathrow, Mumbai and Bangkok remains uncertain. Passengers booked on flights departing from Bahrain International Airport have been left in a state of confusion, particularly as the airline has yet to confirm when full services will be resumed.

Probable Impact on Tourism

The ongoing disruptions at Bahrain International Airport could have significant ramifications for future tourism in the region. As one of the primary transportation hubs in the Gulf region, Bahrain relies heavily on air travel to drive tourism and business activity. With the closure of Bahrain’s airspace and the resulting flight cancellations, the country’s tourism sector may experience a decline in both inbound and outbound travel.

The temporary suspension of flights is likely to affect tourists who had planned to visit Bahrain, as well as those intending to travel to other Gulf states. Although Gulf Air’s new routes to Cairo, Casablanca and Chennai may help alleviate some of the strain, the uncertainty surrounding the situation is likely to deter some potential visitors from booking trips to Bahrain. This may result in a drop in tourist arrivals, particularly from Europe and Asia, where Bahrain typically receives significant numbers of visitors.

In addition, the broader geopolitical situation in the region could discourage international travellers from booking flights to Bahrain. The ongoing regional tensions, combined with the airspace closure, might contribute to concerns over safety and stability. This could, in turn, affect the long-term viability of Bahrain’s tourism industry if the situation does not stabilise in the near future.

What Affected Passengers Can Do Now

For passengers affected by the ongoing flight cancellations and delays, it is important to stay informed and follow the necessary procedures to minimise inconvenience. Gulf Air has been proactive in providing transportation for passengers with confirmed bookings, offering land transport between Bahrain and Dammam for those whose flights are operating from Saudi Arabia. Passengers with bookings on flights to and from Bahrain are encouraged to check Gulf Air’s official website or mobile app for the latest updates and to confirm the status of their travel plans.

Passengers travelling on Gulf Air should also be aware that the airline is assisting with Saudi transit visas for travellers using the arranged land transportation to Dammam. However, for passengers whose final destination is Saudi Arabia, it is important to ensure that they have a valid visa, which should be arranged independently before travel.

In the absence of regular flight services, passengers may need to make alternative travel arrangements. Those with urgent travel needs are advised to contact Gulf Air directly to explore available options. As the situation evolves, passengers are encouraged to monitor the news for updates from Bahrain’s Civil Aviation Affairs regarding the reopening of the airspace.

For those planning future travel to Bahrain, it is advised to be aware of the ongoing uncertainty and to ensure that any travel plans are flexible. The full resumption of services is expected only when Bahrain’s airspace is declared safe by the relevant authorities.

-The information provided is sourced from FlightAware.