British Airways (BA) has reversed its decision to cancel direct flights between London and Bahrain following significant international backlash and concerns over diplomatic relations.
The flag carrier announced last night that it will continue its service to the key Middle Eastern ally, despite previous plans to discontinue the route.
Initially, BA had cited commercial viability concerns for the planned cancellations, which also included flights to Kuwait. While the suspension of flights to Kuwait is still scheduled for late March, the airline stated that this decision remains under review.
The reversal comes after The Mail revealed earlier this month that BA intended to axe the routes, ending nearly a century of service and longstanding ties between the Gulf states and Britain. The announcement sparked an uproar among officials and the public alike.
Former Defence Secretary Dr Liam Fox criticized the move, stating it would send “totally the wrong message” about Britain’s diplomatic intentions and could harm UK business interests in the region. Bahraini officials expressed frustration over not being consulted prior to the decision, emphasizing the importance of the route in maintaining strong bilateral relations.
Thousands of residents with close ties to Britain signed a petition demanding the continuation of the service. Concerns were raised that cancelling the flights could diminish Britain’s global influence and strain relations with regional allies. Bahrain is notably home to a Royal Navy base at the Mina Salman Port, underscoring the strategic significance of the connection.
Last night, BA, owned by the Anglo-Spanish airline conglomerate International Airlines Group (IAG), confirmed that the planned cancellation of the Bahrain route had been called off. The airline emphasized its commitment to maintaining connectivity between the UK and Bahrain, acknowledging both the historical significance and the demand for the service.
A spokesperson for British Airways said: “We have listened to our customers and stakeholders and have decided to continue operating our direct flights between London and Bahrain. We remain committed to serving our customers in the region and strengthening our ties.”
The decision to suspend flights to Kuwait remains under consideration. BA noted that it continually reviews its route network based on commercial viability and customer demand.