Bahrain International Airport has officially announced the gradual resumption of flight operations, ending a weeks-long closure of its airspace mandated amid the ongoing Middle Eastern conflict. The airport confirmed on Wednesday, 8 April, that flights would be progressively restored following the government's decision to reopen the airspace, which had been shut since 28 February.
Passenger Advisory and Airline Updates
The international airport has issued a clear advisory to passengers, urging them to check directly with their airlines for the latest flight information and to only proceed to the airport if they have a confirmed booking. This precautionary measure aims to prevent overcrowding and ensure a smooth transition as services slowly return to normal.
Gulf Air, Bahrain's national flag carrier, has confirmed that it will be gradually restarting its flight schedule from Bahrain International Airport. Over the past month, the airline had been temporarily operating flights to and from Bahrain via King Fahd International Airport in Dammam, Saudi Arabia, due to the airspace closure.
Temporary Operations and Shuttle Service
During the closure, Gulf Air established a dedicated shuttle service to transport passengers from Bahrain across the Saudi border to Dammam airport, from where they could continue to their final destinations. The King Fahd Causeway, which connects Bahrain and Saudi Arabia, was temporarily closed on Tuesday as a precautionary measure but reopened hours later.
The UK's Foreign Office has warned that the causeway may be subject to further short-notice closures, highlighting the ongoing volatility in the region. Despite the resumption of operations in Bahrain, Gulf Air has stated that its service via Dammam's airport will continue for the time being to provide additional flexibility and options for travellers.
Booking and Refund Policies
Passengers can now book flights directly from Bahrain International Airport, according to Gulf Air. The airline is also offering full refunds to ticket holders for flights scheduled up until 15 April, or alternatively, passengers can choose to rebook for a later date. This policy is designed to accommodate those affected by the prolonged disruption and uncertainty.
Currently, Bahrain airport's website only displays arrivals and departures from Saudi Arabia, reflecting the limited initial resumption of services. Dammam's airport continues to operate Gulf Air flights to key destinations such as London Heathrow, maintaining connectivity during this transitional period.
Background of the Airspace Closure
The decision to temporarily shut Bahrain's airspace on 28 February coincided with the day the United States and Israel launched wide-ranging strikes on Iran, resulting in the death of Iran's supreme leader, Ali Khamenei. This escalation in the Middle East conflict has led to significant travel chaos, with airspaces across the region shutting down and causing widespread flight cancellations and delays.
In a related development, the United States and Iran agreed to a two-week ceasefire just a day before Bahrain announced the resumption of flights. This ceasefire follows weeks of air strikes across the Middle East, including incidents in Bahrain. According to Bahrain's interior ministry, two people were killed in two separate Iranian attacks, with the most recent strike hitting a residential building in the capital, Manama.
Additionally, the UAE's defence ministry reported that one of its civilian contractors was killed in an Iranian attack on Bahrain. These attacks have underscored the severe impact of the conflict on civilian infrastructure and international travel, prompting the extended airspace closure that has now been partially lifted.
