LONDON- UK’s flag carrier British Airways (BA) has reversed its decision to cancel direct flights between London (LHR) and Bahrain (BAH) after facing significant international backlash.
The airline confirmed that it would maintain the route, highlighting Bahrain’s importance as a key Middle East ally to the UK.
British Airways London to Bahrain Flight
However, flights to Kuwait will still be suspended in late March, as previously planned. British Airways stated this decision remains under review, signaling the possibility of future reconsideration.
The reversal comes after British Airways’ initial plan to discontinue these routes, ending nearly a century of service. The airline cited a lack of commercial viability, raising concerns about job losses for staff dedicated to these routes.
The announcement provoked sharp criticism, with Dr. Liam Fox, a former defense secretary, warning that the move could damage Britain’s diplomatic relations and undermine business interests in the Gulf.
Bahraini officials expressed frustration at not being consulted before the initial decision. Thousands of residents with strong ties to the UK signed a petition urging BA to maintain the connection, emphasizing the route’s cultural and economic significance.
Critics also argued that scrapping the flights could weaken Britain’s global influence and strain strategic partnerships, particularly given Bahrain’s role as home to the UK’s Royal Navy base at Mina Salman Port, reported DailyMail UK.
Kuwait Flight Under Review
The London-based carrier confirmed that it will no longer cancel its Bahrain route. The airline announced plans to operate flights between London Heathrow and Bahrain International Airport three times a week starting in the Summer 2025 season. This service will expand to daily flights by Winter 2025.
In a statement, British Airways emphasized its decision followed discussions with stakeholders, although flights to Kuwait remain under review.
Mohamed Yousif Al Binfalah, CEO of the Bahrain Airport Company, expressed approval of the move, noting the long-standing relationship between the airline 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.
British Airways’ presence in Bahrain dates back to 1932, when its predecessor, Imperial Airways, launched the company’s first service to the Middle East. Bahrain itself, a British protectorate until 1971, shares a rich history of diplomatic and business ties with the UK. Similarly, Kuwait, under British protection from 1899 to 1961, has maintained strong connections with Britain.
The ties extend to commerce, with London-based Standard Chartered Bank establishing Bahrain as a financial hub in 1920.
Significance of Bahrain to the UK
Bahrain hosts both the US Navy’s Fifth Fleet and a Royal Navy base, underscoring its strategic importance. It is the only Gulf nation formally part of the US-UK coalition safeguarding Red Sea shipping routes, which face threats from Iranian-backed Houthi rebels amid the Israel-Hamas conflict in Gaza.
In the UK, Bahrain’s sovereign wealth fund, Mumtalakat, owns McLaren, a racing car manufacturer based in Woking. Earlier this year, The Mail reported that Mumtalakat plans to expand its British investments, including projects in northern England.
Britain is currently negotiating a free trade agreement with the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), a bloc comprising Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE. This deal, estimated to be worth £23.5 billion annually, would solidify the GCC as the UK’s fourth-largest export market, following the US, EU, and China.
British Airways’ initial plan to terminate routes comes amid challenges related to Rolls-Royce Trent 1000 jet engines used in its Boeing 787 Dreamliner fleet. Supply chain disruptions, exacerbated by the pandemic, have caused difficulties in sourcing spare parts, forcing airlines, including BA and Virgin Atlantic, to cancel or delay flights.
Virgin Atlantic has postponed its Tel Aviv service to March 2025 and the launch of a new Accra, Ghana route to late October 2025. Rolls-Royce attributed these delays to the pandemic’s ongoing impact on the aerospace sector, affecting carriers globally.
Petition Helped Changed Decision?
British Airways’ plan to end flights to Bahrain and Kuwait by early 2025 has sparked backlash from UK politicians and Bahraini citizens. In Bahrain, residents have launched a petition aimed at reversing the decision.
The airline cited ongoing problems with Rolls-Royce Trent 1000 engines on its Boeing 787 Dreamliner fleet as the primary reason, deeming the routes no longer commercially viable. The issues have disrupted operations, forcing BA to reassess its schedule.
In a statement to The National, British Airways expressed disappointment but defended the decision, stating it acted to provide customers with reliable travel options. “We do not believe the issue will be resolved quickly, and we want to offer our customers the certainty they deserve,” the airline said.
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