Manama: Bahrain has officially reopened its airspace, allowing flight operations to resume at Bahrain International Airport following a multi-day suspension caused by escalating regional tensions.
The closure, implemented as a precaution amid missile and drone threats across the Gulf, had temporarily halted commercial aviation and disrupted key regional and international travel corridors.
The reopening was confirmed by Civil Aviation Affairs Bahrain under the Ministry of Transportation and Telecommunications, after a comprehensive security review conducted in coordination with regional air traffic authorities.
Phased Resumption of Operations
Airport operator Bahrain Airport Company stated that operations are being restored in a phased and controlled manner, with safety remaining the top priority.
Gulf Air Begins Flight Recovery
Gulf Air has resumed limited scheduled services, reconnecting Bahrain to over 15 key destinations in the initial phase.
Priority routes include:
- Regional: Dubai, Jeddah, Riyadh
- Long-haul: London Heathrow
- South Asia: Mumbai, Delhi, Kochi, Hyderabad, Thiruvananthapuram, Dhaka
- Others: Islamabad, Lahore, Nairobi
Flight frequencies remain restricted, with gradual expansion planned based on operational readiness and airspace stability.
Impact of Regional Disruptions
The temporary shutdown was part of a broader aviation disruption across the Gulf region. During the peak crisis:
- Commercial flights were fully suspended in Bahrain
- Aircraft were repositioned to safer locations
- Thousands of passengers faced cancellations and delays
The disruption significantly affected transit passengers travelling between Europe, the Gulf, and South Asia.
Passenger Advisory
Authorities have advised travellers to:
- Check flight status before departure
- Expect delays or schedule changes
- Arrive early due to enhanced security procedures
Gulf Air is actively contacting affected passengers and will continue restoring services in phases.
Outlook
While the reopening marks a crucial step towards normalcy, officials emphasise that operations are still in a gradual recovery phase, with full restoration dependent on regional stability.
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