Bahrain-Bound Flights: Cancelled Or Still Operational?

In October 2024, Emirates and Flydubai cancelled flights to Bahrain due to regional unrest and airspace restrictions after Iran fired ballistic missiles at Israel. Lufthansa also discontinued flights to Bahrain in September 2024 due to profitability and capacity shortage issues. These cancellations highlight the impact of geopolitical tensions and industry challenges on air travel.

Lufthansa discontinues flights to Bahrain

Lufthansa has discontinued its flights to Bahrain and Kuwait, with the decision coming into effect on 16 September 2024. The Lufthansa Group has attributed this move to the optimisation of its route network, taking into account factors such as seasonality, profitability, and capacity shortages caused by aircraft manufacturers' delivery problems.

As a result, the airline will no longer operate flights between Frankfurt and Bahrain (BAH) and Frankfurt and Kuwait (KWI) from 16 September 2024 onwards. Additionally, flights between Frankfurt and Dammam (DMM) will be cancelled up to and including 15 September 2024, after which Dammam will be accessible via a stopover in Riyadh (RUH).

Lufthansa's decision to discontinue these routes is part of a broader trend of airlines suspending or rerouting flights in the Middle East due to escalating tensions and airspace restrictions. Dubai’s Emirates airline, for example, cancelled flights to several destinations in the region, including Bahrain, Kuwait, and Tehran, in October 2024. Similarly, Qatar Airways temporarily suspended flights to Iraq and Iran due to airspace closures.

The Lufthansa Group has advised passengers affected by the cancellations to make rebookings, reissues, or refunds in accordance with the Schedule Change/Irregularity Policy for Travel Agents. Customers with queries or requiring assistance can contact the Lufthansa Group Agency Support team for further information and support.

Emirates cancels flights to Bahrain

Emirates Airlines has cancelled several flights to major airports amid escalating regional tensions in the Middle East. On 2 October 2024, Emirates announced the cancellation of flights to and from Iraq, Iran, and Jordan for three days, following an Iranian missile strike on Israel. The airline also cancelled flights between Dubai and Beirut until 8 October, citing safety concerns.

The cancellations included the EK837/838 Dubai to Bahrain route, as well as flights to Kuwait and Muscat. Emirates advised passengers to check the status of their flights on their website and stated that they would continue to monitor the situation in the region. Emirates assured customers that all other flights remain operational, including flights from the UK to Dubai.

The decision by Emirates to cancel flights to Bahrain and other destinations in the region was made in response to rising tensions and security concerns. Iran's launch of approximately 200 missiles, including hypersonic weapons, towards Israel on 1 October 2024, caused immediate concerns for the safety of passengers and crews. Several other airlines also suspended or rerouted flights to the Middle East due to airspace restrictions and closures.

The cancellations by Emirates and other airlines have had a significant impact on travel in the region. Many airlines have had to adjust their operations and flight schedules, and passengers have been advised to stay informed about potential changes. Emirates and other airlines have urged travellers to check the status of their flights and to contact their booking agents or the airline directly for alternative travel arrangements.

Flydubai cancels flights to Bahrain

On 2 October 2024, Flydubai cancelled flights to Jordan, Iraq, Israel, and Iran due to regional unrest. The airline also confirmed that flights FZ 143 to Amman International Airport (AMM) and FZ 157 to Ankara International Airport (ESB) had returned to Dubai. Flydubai flights to Jordan, Iraq, Israel, and Iran (except for Bandar Abbas, Kish, and Lar) were also cancelled on 2 and 3 October, with passengers connecting to these destinations not being accepted for onward travel.

Flydubai's cancellations came amid a period of heightened tensions in the Middle East, which saw Iran fire more than 180 ballistic missiles at Israel. This led to the closure of airspace in several countries and the rerouting of flights by multiple airlines. Dubai's Emirates airline, for example, cancelled flights to and from Basra and Baghdad in Iraq, Tehran in Iran, and Amman in Jordan, in addition to Bahrain, Kuwait, Muscat, and London Heathrow.

In the event of a flight cancellation or schedule change, Flydubai's policy is to notify passengers in advance using the contact details provided during booking. Passengers with a confirmed booking that is cancelled or changed are given the option to rebook their flight free of charge within 10 days of their original flight or to the next scheduled flight, without incurring any penalties or fare differences. Refunds are issued in the form of a Flydubai voucher. For rebooking outside of the 10-day window, no penalty is payable, but any difference in the flight fare will need to be paid by the passenger.

Flydubai continues to monitor the situation in the region closely and is in contact with relevant authorities regarding developments. Passengers are advised to check the flight status on the Flydubai website for the latest information regarding their flights.

British Airways ceases flights to Bahrain

British Airways has indefinitely ceased flights to Bahrain and Kuwait as of early 2025, citing issues with Rolls-Royce engines that power their Boeing 787 Dreamliner fleet. The airline has faced backlash for this decision, as it cuts a route to one of the UK's most important allies in the Middle East.

The decision to suspend flights to Bahrain and Kuwait comes after a review by the airline that deemed these routes not commercially viable. This decision is expected to lead to redundancies for staff based in the region, some of whom have served on these routes for decades.

The suspension of flights to Bahrain and Kuwait is the latest in a series of route cuts by British Airways, including the cancellation of non-stop flights to Beijing and the reduction of flights to Hong Kong, Dallas, Miami, and Kuala Lumpur. The airline has blamed the closure of Russian airspace for cuts to its Asian network.

British Airways has provided flights to Bahrain for 92 years, with the first flight launched in October 1932. The London-Bahrain route was also the first to be flown by Concorde. The decision to cease flights to Bahrain has sparked concern that the UK's global influence could be reduced while straining relations with allies in the region.

Passengers impacted by the suspension of flights to Bahrain and Kuwait were informed in November 2024, and are entitled to re-routing to their final destination or a refund if their flight was cancelled.

Bahrain flights cancelled due to regional unrest

Dubai's Emirates airline has cancelled flights to Bahrain due to regional unrest. The airline announced on 2 October 2024 that it would be cancelling the following flights on 2 October: EK 837/838 Dubai-Bahrain-Dubai. This comes amid a wider cancellation of flights to Iraq, Iran, and Jordan, as well as Basra and Baghdad in Iraq, Tehran in Iran, and Amman in Jordan.

Emirates is not alone in this decision, as Flydubai has also cancelled flights to Jordan, Iraq, Israel, and Iran on the same days. On Tuesday, 1 October, a Flydubai spokesperson confirmed that some flights had returned to Dubai due to temporary airspace closures. This includes flight FZ 143 to Amman International Airport (AMM) and flight FZ 157 to Ankara International Airport (ESB).

The cancellations come as Iran fired more than 180 ballistic missiles at Israel, prompting many airlines to suspend operations to Tel Aviv and Beirut. This has resulted in the closure of Israeli and Lebanese airspace and the rerouting of several flights.

Lufthansa has also discontinued flights to Bahrain, effective 16 September 2024. This decision is part of the Lufthansa Group's evaluation and optimization of its route network, considering seasonality, profitability, and capacity shortages.

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