The U-Turn comes after the airline faced international backlash over its plan to cancel flights to the Gulf nation. British Airways‘ decision to discontinue the route would have ended nearly a century of service.
International Backlash
The plan to cancel flights to Bahrain prompted an international backlash, with many concerned the move would undermine both diplomatic relations and Britain’s business interests in the region. The tiny Arab nation, measuring just 760 square kilometres, also holds strategic importance, hosting both the US Navy’s Fifth Fleet and a Royal Navy base.
British Airways which originally cited a lack of commercial viability as a motivator for its decision to cancel flights to Bahrain, has now stated:
Following discussions with our partners and stakeholders, 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.
The news was welcomed in Bahrain, where officials expressed frustration at not being consulted before the initial decision was made.
Mohamed Yousif Al Binfalah, Head of the Bahrain Airport Company commented:
We are delighted to witness British Airways continue operations at Bahrain International Airport. 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.”
Thousands of Bahraini citizens also signed a petition urging the airline to reconsider its position.
British Airways’ plan to suspend flights to Kuwait by the end of March 2025 will go ahead as planned.
Ongoing problems with Rolls-Royce Trent 1000 engines
British Airways has been facing problems with the Rolls-Royce Trent 1000 engines on its Boeing 787 Dreamliner fleet. The issues have caused massive disruption, forcing the airline to ground 15% of its Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft because of problems sourcing engine parts.
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