Bahrain's airspace was closed yesterday following the Iranian strikes that led to delays and cancellation of flights.
Videos circulating online showed some passengers outside Bahrain International Airport with their luggage watching the Iranian missiles interception – some eager to record the action on their mobile phones.
“The Bahrain Airport Company urges all passengers to check the status of their flights with their respective airlines due to the closure of Bahrain’s airspace,” said a statement by the Bahrain International Airport.
National carrier Gulf Air yesterday announced it was ‘experiencing disruption to its flights to and from Bahrain’.
“This remains a dynamic situation, and further changes may occur at short notice,” said the airline advisory yesterday. “Gulf Air continues to monitor developments in co-ordination with the relevant authorities.
“Safety is always our highest priority, and we will only operate flights through approved airspace when it’s safe to do so.”
Among those affected was Bahrain-based business executive Olaf Brock who was stuck yesterday at an airport in his home country of Germany hoping to fly back.
“I am waiting at the Frankfurt Airport hoping for an update from Gulf Air and it’s been several hours now,” said Mr Brock, who is the managing director and chief executive of Hannover ReTakaful.
“With Bahrain’s airspace closed, several travellers like me have been urged to check their flight status directly with their airlines. All I can do is stay calm and wait for the announcement.”
Another passenger, Rafique Merchant, posted a video on his X account describing his ordeal of being stuck for 14 hours in the kingdom after landing from Mumbai, on his way to Europe.
He added that Gulf Air kindly arranged iftar meals and later arranged hotels for overnight stays for passengers. “My first time in Bahrain on this eventful day, but Gulf Air took great care of me,” he added.
British Airways also announced flights to Bahrain have been suspended until Tuesday. The airline said it was ‘closely monitoring the situation’ and would be contacting customers to ‘advise them of their travel options’.
Air India Express announced the suspension of all westbound international flights in light of the developing situation in the Gulf region. The airline added it would notify impacted guests on their registered contact details about any further adjustments in their operations.
Conflict zones are an increasing operational burden on airlines as aerial attacks raise worries about accidental or deliberate shoot-downs of commercial air traffic. Longer flight times also require more fuel, adding to their costs.
Airports in the Middle East are some of the busiest in the world, covering an area stretching from Iran and Iraq to the Mediterranean and serving as a connecting hub for flights between Europe and Asia.
Bahrainis were yesterday directed to leave Iran immediately by the Foreign Affairs Ministry.
The Ministry further called on religious and tourism tour operators to fully co-operate by compiling and registering the details of all Bahrainis under their supervision and co-ordinating their prompt departure.
Citizens were advised to immediately contact the Ministry’s Communication and Follow-up Centre at any time or in the event of an emergency via the hotline number +97317227555 and register via link: registration.mofaservices.gov.bh.
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