Flight operations remained temporarily suspended yesterday following the closure of Bahrain’s airspace, implemented as a safety measure to protect passengers and staff in the aftermath of the Iranian attacks on the kingdom.
The Bahrain Civil Aviation Affairs confirmed that flights at Bahrain International Airport were grounded for the sixth consecutive day.
The suspension follows Iran’s strikes on the US Navy’s Fifth Fleet base and subsequent attacks on additional locations within the country since Saturday.
Bahrain’s national carrier Gulf Air stated yesterday that despite the challenging circumstances, it successfully repatriated more than 400 transit passengers. The airline noted that it supported passengers affected by the temporary closure of airspaces with accommodation, meals and alternate travel arrangements.
“Working in close co-ordination with the relevant authorities, Gulf Air activated contingency measures,” the airline noted, in a statement.
“During this period, affected passengers received on-ground assistance including accommodation, meals, and regular travel updates, while alternative travel arrangements were implemented to enable them to safely continue their journeys as soon as conditions allowed.
“The safety and wellbeing of passengers and crew remain Gulf Air’s highest priority at all times.”
The airline also noted that normal operations would resume once airspaces are opened up and it is monitoring developments closely.
They also stated that passengers holding Gulf Air tickets with original travel dates up to March 10 may rebook free charge onto flights operated by the airline. Passengers on all flights until that date may additionally request a refund.
Passengers booked directly through Gulf Air may make their flight changes by calling the contact centre at 17373737 or request a refund via ‘Manage My Booking’ or on the airline’s website (gulfair.com) or through the mobile application.
The airline has urged customers to remain patient when contacting its call centre, noting that due to the high volume of calls, it may take longer to reach an agent. Passengers booked through a travel agent should contact them directly. Those who have booked journeys with Gulf Air are being encouraged to check their flight status on the website and ensure their contact details are accurate and up to date in their bookings.
Gulf Air’s next update is expected to be provided today at 11am.
Meanwhile, the US Embassy issued a security alert for its citizens in Bahrain, noting that the US government is prepared to assist Americans wishing to depart the Middle East. It advised people in the kingdom to complete US Department of State’s crisis intake form available at mytravel.state.gov/s/crisis-intake. The form is open to US citizens and their eligible family members.
The GDN recently reported that countries have updated their travel advisories not just for Bahrain, but the entire GCC.
While speaking to MPs on Monday, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer urged all British citizens in the region to register their presence on gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/bahrain so its government can provide ‘the best possible support’.
Thai foreign minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow stated that embassies across the region were co-ordinating with governments and preparing designated safe areas for residents while Thailand ‘continues to monitor the situation closely’.
Additionally, Philippines President Ferdinand Marcos Jr also said that 231 Filipinos in Bahrain had requested repatriation, and that the government was looking at options to safely take them back to their home country.
nader@gdnmedia.bh
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