Qatar Airways: Flights To Bahrain Resuming Soon?

Qatar Airways and Gulf Air resumed flights between Doha, Qatar, and Bahrain on May 25, 2023, after a six-year absence. The restoration of air travel between the two Gulf countries comes as part of a broader normalisation of ties, following a dispute that began in 2017. This resumption of flights will improve connectivity in the region and provide travellers with more options for visiting Bahrain, a popular destination known for its cultural diversity, ancient ruins, and modern attractions.

Qatar Airways resumed flights to Bahrain on 25 May 2023

The restoration of ties between Qatar and Bahrain was announced in April 2023, signalling a positive step towards resolving regional tensions. Bahrain's Civil Aviation Affairs shared the news, expressing the resumption of flights as a way to strengthen the "brotherly relations" between the two countries and their citizens.

The first flight, QR1108, departed from Hamad International Airport in Doha at 8 pm, arriving at Bahrain International Airport at 8:50 pm. The return flight, QR1109, departed from Bahrain at 10:20 pm and landed back in Doha at 11:15 pm. While initially offering one daily flight, Qatar Airways planned to introduce two additional daily services from 15 June.

The resumption of flights between Qatar and Bahrain holds importance for travellers and the aviation industry in the region. It provides more convenient and direct travel options, reducing convoluted flight paths that had to be taken to avoid certain airspaces during the blockade. Additionally, it enhances connectivity and provides more efficient routes for Qatar Airways, benefiting travellers in terms of time and cost.

This development is part of Qatar Airways' broader strategy to expand its route network and enhance its fleet. The airline has also announced new destinations and the resumption of flights to several other cities worldwide.

The Gulf countries announced a restoration of ties in April 2023

In April 2023, the Gulf countries announced a restoration of ties, resolving a dispute dating back to 2017. On May 25, 2023, Qatar and Bahrain resumed flights between the two countries, marking a significant step in normalising relations. This development came after Bahrain's Civil Aviation Affairs announced the resumption of flights, emphasising the "brotherly relations" between the two nations.

The restoration of ties was announced when the respective foreign delegates of Qatar and Bahrain met on April 12, 2023, at the headquarters of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) General Secretariat in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. This move signalled a resolution to the dispute that began in 2017 when Bahrain, along with Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and Egypt, severed ties with Qatar and imposed a blockade. They accused Qatar of being too close to Iran and supporting hardline groups, which Qatar firmly denied.

The blockade included banning Qatari planes and ships from using the airspace and waters of the four Arab countries, as well as cutting trade links. However, in 2021, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Egypt resumed ties with Qatar, and the UAE and Qatar are now in the process of restoring diplomatic ties and reopening embassies. Bahrain's dispute with Qatar centred on Qatar's relationship with Iran and issues along their maritime border.

The resumption of flights between Qatar and Bahrain is a positive step towards strengthening relations and improving connectivity between the two countries. Qatar Airways now offers daily flights between Doha and Bahrain, with more services planned for the future. This development is part of Qatar Airways' expansion plans, which include new routes and the resumption of flights to several destinations worldwide.

The restoration of ties between Qatar and Bahrain, as well as the broader regional push for reconciliation, bodes well for increased cooperation and stability in the Gulf region. These efforts extend beyond Qatar and Bahrain, with initiatives such as bringing Syria back into the Arab League and fostering ties between Iran and Saudi Arabia.

Bahrain was the last country to approve the resumption of flights

Qatar Airways has resumed flights to Bahrain, with the first flight taking off on May 25, 2023. This resumption comes after a six-year absence due to the Qatar blockade imposed in 2017 by Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Egypt. Bahrain was the last country among these nations to approve the resumption of flights, marking a significant step in normalizing ties between Qatar and its neighboring countries.

The dispute between Qatar and the blockading countries centered on allegations that Qatar was too close to Iran and supported hardline groups, which Qatar firmly denied. During the blockade, Qatar Airways was banned from using the airspace of the four countries, resulting in convoluted and costly flight paths to avoid their airspace. The end of the blockade and the resumption of flights between Qatar and Bahrain is part of a broader effort to resolve regional disputes and improve relations.

The restoration of ties between Qatar and Bahrain was officially announced in April 2023, following a phone call between Bahrain's crown prince and the Qatari emir earlier in the year. The announcement was made by Bahrain's Civil Aviation Affairs and published by the country's state news agency. This development paves the way for Qatar Airways to once again offer direct flights between Doha and Bahrain, reducing travel time and providing more convenient options for passengers.

Initially, Qatar Airways offered one daily flight between Hamad International Airport in Doha and Bahrain International Airport. Two additional daily services were planned to commence from June 15, 2023, gradually increasing connectivity between the two countries. The resumption of flights between Qatar and Bahrain is expected to have a positive impact on travel in the region, offering passengers more efficient and cost-effective options for their journeys.

With the blockade lifted and flights resumed, Qatar Airways can now focus on expanding its operations and restoring global connectivity. The airline has also received new aircraft, including the Boeing 737-8, to enhance its capacity and drive growth, especially in short-haul markets. The summer 2023 schedule reflects this expansion, with a notable increase in weekly flights compared to the previous year.

The resumption of flights will significantly decrease flight times for many routes

On May 25, 2023, Qatar Airways resumed flights to Bahrain, marking a significant step in the normalisation of ties between the two Gulf countries. This resumption of flights holds immense benefits for travellers, particularly in terms of decreased flight times for numerous routes.

The Qatar blockade, imposed in 2017 by Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Egypt, had a profound impact on aviation in the region. The ban prevented Qatar Airways from utilising the airspace of these countries, resulting in convoluted and time-consuming detours. The blockade's end and the restoration of diplomatic relations with these nations, including Bahrain, are, therefore, highly advantageous for travellers.

The geography of the region played a crucial role in the lengthening of flight routes during the blockade. For instance, the Doha to Johannesburg flight, located southwest of Qatar, was forced to veer northeast towards Iran to circumvent Saudi Arabia. It then had to turn east to skirt around the tip of the Arabian Peninsula and avoid UAE airspace before finally heading towards its intended destination. This added significant time to the journey.

With the resumption of flights to Bahrain and the utilisation of Saudi Arabia's airspace, Qatar Airways can now offer more direct and efficient routes, reducing travel time for passengers. This is especially beneficial for those travelling between Doha and Johannesburg, as well as those flying to and from the UK, which was impacted by increased pressure on airways in the region.

Additionally, the shorter flight routes will result in considerable cost savings for the airline and a reduction in carbon emissions, which aligns with global sustainability efforts. While it may take time for the number of flights to return to pre-blockade levels, the resumption of services is a positive step towards restoring global connectivity and enhancing the travel experience for passengers.

Qatar Airways will operate one daily flight initially, with two more daily services starting from 15 June

Qatar Airways has resumed flights to Bahrain, with the first flight taking off on May 25, 2023. This resumption comes after a six-year absence due to the Qatar blockade, which began in June 2017. The blockade was imposed by Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Egypt, who accused Qatar of being too close to Iran and supporting hardline groups—allegations that Qatar firmly denied.

Initially, Qatar Airways will operate one daily flight between Doha and Bahrain. The flight, QR1108, will depart from Hamad International Airport at 8 pm and arrive at Bahrain International Airport at 8:50 pm. The return flight, QR1109, will leave Bahrain at 10:20 pm and land back in Doha at 11:15 pm.

Starting from June 15, two additional daily services will be introduced, bringing the total number of weekly flights to 14. This is still significantly lower than the pre-blockade number of 93 weekly flights operated by Qatar Airways and Gulf Air combined. However, it is a step towards restoring connectivity and normalizing ties between Qatar and Bahrain.

The resumption of flights between the two countries is a positive development for travellers, offering more convenient and cost-effective options. It also opens up opportunities for changing planes en route, with Emirates likely to start offering competitive connections between the UK and Doha via Dubai, and Qatar Airways expected to do the same for UK-Dubai services.

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