British Airways Reverses Bahrain Flight Suspension
British Airways has reversed its earlier decision to suspend flights between London and Bahrain, ensuring continued connectivity for the historic route throughout 2025. This change comes after significant backlash from government officials, Bahraini authorities, and the UK expatriate community in Bahrain.
Initially announced in early November 2024, British Airways had planned to cease operations on the London-Heathrow Airport (LHR) to Bahrain International Airport (BAH) route after March 2025. This suspension was part of a broader strategy to address ongoing maintenance issues with the Rolls-Royce Trent 1000 engines that power the airline’s Boeing 787 Dreamliner fleet. Alongside Bahrain, routes to Kuwait City, Kuala Lumpur (KUL), Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW), Miami (MIA), and New York-JFK (JFK) were also slated for suspension due to similar engine problems.
The abrupt decision to cut the Bahrain route was particularly surprising given the long-standing relationship between British Airways and Bahrain. The airline has served the Kingdom for 92 years, with Imperial Airways, its predecessor, launching the route in October 1932. Bahrain has been a key ally of the United Kingdom, both diplomatically and commercially, and was a British protectorate for over a century before gaining independence in 1971.
Kuwait City (KWI), another important destination, remains under review for potential suspension. British Airways has maintained that its direct flights to Bahrain and Kuwait are no longer commercially viable, citing financial constraints and the inability to sustain operations amid ongoing engine issues. This decision has put employees at risk of job losses, adding to the controversy surrounding the route suspensions.
Senior UK Government officials have criticized the initial decision to suspend the Bahrain route, arguing that it undermines Britain’s diplomatic intentions and could harm UK business interests in the region. Bahraini officials have also expressed their displeasure, stating that they were not consulted before the announcement. This has led to significant dissatisfaction among the British expatriate community in Bahrain, with thousands signing a petition demanding the reinstatement of the flights.
In response to the backlash, British Airways issued a statement on November 20, 2024, confirming that flights between London Heathrow and Bahrain International Airport will continue throughout 2025. The airline announced that the service will operate three times a week on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays starting March 31, 2025, and will increase to daily flights from the summer to winter 2025 seasons. Additionally, services to Kuwait City will also continue, with the airline keeping the suspension decision under review.
Mohamed Yousif Al Binfalah, Head of the Bahrain Airport Company, welcomed the decision, highlighting the enduring partnership between British Airways and Bahrain. “As the oldest airline operating out of Bahrain for over 92 years, the enduring partnership with British Airways is a testament to our shared commitment to excellence,” Al Binfalah stated. He emphasized Bahrain’s strategic importance to the UK, not only in trade and commerce but also in defense, hosting a vital Royal Navy base.
The initial suspension plan was driven by persistent issues with the Rolls-Royce Trent 1000 engines, which have affected multiple routes and led to significant operational disruptions. British Airways has been in discussions with Rolls-Royce to find a reliable solution, but the problems have proven more complex than initially anticipated. Other airlines using Trent 1000 engines, such as Virgin Atlantic, have also faced similar challenges, resulting in postponed flights to destinations like Tel Aviv and Accra until late 2025.
British Airways’ decision to continue flights to Bahrain marks a significant shift in its strategy, aiming to maintain crucial international relationships and support its long-term business interests despite ongoing technical difficulties. The airline remains committed to resolving the engine issues to ensure the reliability and safety of its fleet moving forward.
For more updates on British Airways’ flight schedules and service changes, passengers are encouraged to visit the airline’s official website or contact their customer service representatives.
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