The recent escalation in tensions between the US and Iran has triggered widespread disruption across the Middle East, significantly affecting civilian travel and daily life.
In Bahrain, where a large expatriate population relies heavily on international connectivity, the sudden suspension of flights and airspace restrictions have left many residents stranded, forcing them to cancel or postpone important personal and professional commitments.
From missed weddings to delayed medical procedures and stalled financial transactions, the consequences of the crisis have been deeply felt.
The crisis caused profound emotional distress for those dealing with personal loss. A 45-year-old Indian expatriate recounted the emotional turmoil of losing his mother during the crisis. Travel restrictions initially prevented him from returning home for her funeral. “I felt completely helpless and had to allow my family to proceed with the funeral without me,” he told GDN.
“However, relief came through co-ordinated evacuation efforts, as community groups in Bahrain assisted through chartered flights via Dammam. With their help, I managed to reach two days late and perform the final rites. It was an extremely difficult time – emotionally and mentally. At one point, I feared I would not be able to see her for the last time,” he added.
For 31-year-old Rukhsana Sayyed, an education professional based in Adliya, the disruption meant missing a significant personal milestone. “After my wedding in 2025, my husband, along with his sister, was planning to visit me here for the first time.
“This meeting was especially meaningful, as it would have been his first international trip, and that too to visit his wife,” she said. He was scheduled to depart from India on February 28, the day tensions started.
“I was continuously updating him over the phone about how rapidly the situation was deteriorating here, yet he went to Mumbai airport hoping conditions would remain manageable. Unfortunately, all flights to the Middle East were cancelled. We were extremely disappointed. I know things will be fine, but first experiences are always special, and this one was taken away from us. We now only hope that the situation de-escalates soon,” she added.
Pakistani national Asif Ali, a senior security manager working for a real estate company in Juffair, expressed concern over his inability to return home for his mother’s scheduled surgery. “My annual leave was planned for March, during which my mother’s knee operation was also scheduled. As the sole provider for my family, I assured her that I would be there and encouraged her to proceed with the hospital admission. However, she chose to wait. Now, I have no means of travelling home. I can only hope for her well-being until I am able to reach her,” he said.
Bahrain Keraleeya Samajam (BKS) president P V Radhakrishna Pillai highlighted the challenges faced by many individuals. “I received a request from a community member who was scheduled to get married in mid-March in his hometown in India. He was extremely anxious about how he would be able to attend his own wedding. Once we became aware of the availability of chartered flights, we prioritised his case and facilitated his travel. He was greatly relieved,” he told GDN.
Reflecting on the broader impact, he added, “I came across several cases of individuals who lost their family members and were unable to attend the final rites. The situation reminded me of the hardships experienced during the Covid period. While I wished to assist everyone, we were also bound with limitations. There may be many others whose situations remain unknown,” Mr Pillai added.
For a few travellers, the disruption has had serious financial implications. Samuel Verghese, working in the corporate sector and residing in Bahrain for the past two years, described how his property dealings have been impacted. “Recently, I sold one of my properties due to financial constraints, and the transaction process had already commenced. I was required to be physically present for the final registration. In anticipation, I had temporarily relocated my family to a relative’s residence, as I intended to bring them to Bahrain. However, the current situation has halted all plans.
“Managing official documentation remotely is proving to be extremely challenging, both financially and personally. I sincerely hope the situation stabilises soon,” he said.
Thrity-one-year-old data analyst Neha Chatterjee also shared the emotional impact of missing a major family event. “This conflict cost me attending in person the wedding of my only sister. This occasion was one of the most important days of my life. Despite all preparations, circumstances were not in my favour. I had to watch the ceremony via video call, all in tears. I have never felt such a sense of helplessness ever before,” she said.
Notably, Bahrain International Airport (BIA) remains temporarily closed with all scheduled commercial flights suspended due to the ongoing closure of Bahraini airspace.
Amid the ongoing crisis, limited relief has been provided through co-ordinated travel arrangements. Gulf Air, in collaboration with local authorities and community groups, facilitated chartered flight operations via Dammam to a number of Indian cities, including Kochi, Chennai and Mumbai.
Community organisations have also played a crucial role in assisting affected residents. Recently, NavBharat Bahrain successfully arranged four special flights to India for needy Indian residents in Bahrain.
“Priority on these flights was given strictly to those facing genuine and urgent circumstances particularly families with pregnant women and infants, families whose parents were in Bahrain on visit visas, students who had just completed their board examinations, and families with weddings scheduled towards the end of March and the first week of April. We ensured that seats were allocated primarily to such cases of genuine need,” Pradeep Kumar from NavBharat Bahrain said.
NavBharat Bahrain has, for the moment, paused further arrangements unless a genuine need arises again for similar support or evacuation.
Meanwhile, Indian community organisations like Kannada Sangha Bahrain (KSB) and Bahrain Keraleeya Samajam also facilitated the return of more than 500 passengers onboard chartered Gulf Air flights from Dammam.
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