British Airways Reverses Decision to Cancel London-Bahrain Route

LONDON—British Airways (BA) has reversed its earlier decision to discontinue its long-standing flight route between London Heathrow Airport (LHR) and Bahrain International Airport (BAH). Initially slated for cancellation at the end of the winter 2024-25 season, the route will now continue, following productive discussions with partners and stakeholders.

Earlier this month, British Airways announced plans to suspend flights from London Heathrow to Bahrain and Kuwait, citing ongoing issues with Rolls-Royce Trent 1000 engines that power its Boeing 787 fleet. These mechanical challenges necessitated the redeployment of aircraft and subsequent network adjustments, leading to the proposed route cancellations.

However, in a significant policy shift, BA has decided to maintain its service to Bahrain International Airport. A spokesperson for British Airways confirmed, “We can confirm we will operate a service between London Heathrow and Bahrain International Airport three times a week from the start of the summer 2025 season. This will increase to a daily service from the start of the winter 2025 season.” Currently, BA operates daily flights between LHR and BAH using Boeing 777 aircraft, according to OAG Schedules Analyser data. Competing carrier Gulf Air also serves the 3,163-mile (2,749 nautical mile) route twice daily with Boeing 787-9s.

The decision to retain the London-Bahrain route has been warmly received by Bahrain Airport Company (BAC), which oversees BAH. “The London-Bahrain route has long been a cornerstone of connectivity between the UK and Bahrain, fostering deep bonds of friendship, economic exchange, and cultural enrichment,” BAC stated. “This route, which marked British Airways’ Concorde maiden voyage in 1976, has been a vital bridge for businesses, tourists, students, and families alike.” BAC added that the continuation of the route “underscores the enduring strength of the bilateral relationship between the two nations.”

Despite maintaining the Bahrain route, British Airways will proceed with suspending its service to Kuwait. Additionally, BA plans to temporarily halt daily operations between London Heathrow and Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport for the summer 2025 season and reduce some flights to Miami. Other network adjustments resulting from Trent 1000 engine issues include decreased capacity on flights to Doha, a delayed launch of the new Kuala Lumpur service, and the suspension of flights between London Gatwick and New York John F. Kennedy from December 12, 2024, to March 25, 2025.

John Murray, Chief Executive Officer of the Canaveral Port Authority, emphasized the importance of maintaining strong international routes. “Cruise continues to be a significant segment of our business portfolio with some of the newest and largest ships in the world based at Port Canaveral,” Murray said. “This speaks volumes to the confidence our cruise partners have in our ability to consistently deliver exceptional results for their guests.”

The reversal of the cancellation plan highlights British Airways’ commitment to sustaining vital international connections and responding to stakeholder feedback. By continuing its operations to Bahrain, BA ensures that passengers and businesses benefit from uninterrupted travel and commerce between the UK and Bahrain.

For travelers and businesses relying on the London-Bahrain route, British Airways’ decision provides reassurance of continued service and stability in international travel plans. As BA navigates the challenges posed by engine maintenance issues, the airline remains dedicated to optimizing its fleet and network to meet passenger needs and uphold its reputation for reliability and excellence.

For more information about British Airways’ flight schedules and network changes, passengers are encouraged to visit the official British Airways website or contact their customer service representatives.

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British Airways Reinstates London to Bahrain Flights for 2025 Season

LONDON—British Airways (BA) has scrapped plans to cancel its longstanding route between London and Bahrain.

The airline announced earlier this month that flights from London Heathrow Airport (LHR) to Bahrain and Kuwait would be suspended at the end of the current winter 2024-25 season, citing continuing problems with Rolls-Royce Trent 1000 engines that power its Boeing 787 fleet which require it to redeploy aircraft and make network adjustments.

However, the Oneworld alliance member has backtracked on the proposals to end service to Bahrain International Airport (BAH) from March 29, 2025, following discussions with “partners and stakeholders.” Service will instead be maintained next summer and beyond.

“We can confirm we will operate a service between London Heathrow and Bahrain International Airport three times a week from the start of the summer 2025 season,” a spokesperson from BA said. “This will increase to a daily service from the start of the winter 2025 season.”

BA currently flies daily between LHR and Bahrain using 777 equipment, according to OAG Schedules Analyser data. Gulf Air also operates the 3,163-mi. (2,749-nm) route twice a day using 787-9s.

Bahrain Airport Company (BAC), which operates BAH, welcomed BA’s decision, saying it reinforces “a partnership that spanned for over 90 years of distinguished aviation history.”

“The London-Bahrain route has long been a cornerstone of connectivity between the UK and Bahrain, fostering deep bonds of friendship, economic exchange, and cultural enrichment,” a statement said. “This route, which marked British Airways’ Concorde maiden voyage in 1976, has been a vital bridge for businesses, tourists, students, and families alike.”

BAC added that the continuation of the route “underscores the enduring strength of the bilateral relationship between the two nations.”

While British Airways plans to maintain its Bahrain flights, the suspension of service to Kuwait looks set to remain in place. As previously reported, the carrier is also temporarily halting its daily operations between LHR and Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport for the summer 2025 season, as well as cutting some flights to Miami.

Other network adjustments due to Trent 1000 engine issues include reduced capacity on flights to Doha, a delayed launch of the new Kuala Lumpur service, and the suspension of flights between London Gatwick and New York John F. Kennedy from Dec. 12 to March 25, 2025.

British Airways’ reversal of the cancellation plan highlights the airline’s commitment to maintaining vital international connections and responding to the needs of its passengers and partners. By continuing its operations to Bahrain, BA ensures that travelers and businesses benefit from uninterrupted travel and commerce between the UK and Bahrain.

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