Gulf Air Shifts Operations to Dammam Following Bahrain Airspace Closure​​​​​​​

According to Gulf Air, the airline has introduced significant operational changes following the temporary closure of Bahrain’s airspace, as escalating tensions across the Middle East continue to disrupt regional aviation. The closure has directly impacted Gulf Air’s hub operations in Manama, forcing the airline to suspend several short- and medium-haul routes while rapidly restructuring its network to maintain essential connectivity for international travellers.

In response to the disruption, Gulf Air has strategically relocated part of its operations to King Fahd International Airport in Dammam, Saudi Arabia. Positioned just across the King Fahd Causeway from Bahrain, Dammam has become a temporary but crucial operational base for the airline. This move has allowed Gulf Air to resume a reduced yet stable flight schedule, ensuring that key global connections remain active despite ongoing regional restrictions.​​​​​​​

From Dammam, Gulf Air is currently operating flights to a range of major international destinations, including London Heathrow, Paris Charles de Gaulle, Frankfurt, Mumbai, Bangkok, Nairobi, and Manila. These services are available not only to passengers connecting from Bahrain but also to travellers choosing to originate their journey directly from Dammam, offering added flexibility and alternative routing options during a period of continued uncertainty.

The airline has confirmed that these adjusted operations are expected to continue until 30 April 2026, with specific routes such as London Heathrow currently scheduled to operate until 11 April 2026, although further extensions remain possible depending on how the situation evolves. Given the fluid nature of the crisis, passengers are advised to treat these timelines as indicative rather than final.

To support those affected by cancellations and schedule changes, Gulf Air has introduced a range of customer-friendly policies. These include free rebooking on available flights and full refunds for eligible tickets, allowing travellers to adjust their plans without additional financial burden. In addition, the airline is facilitating ground transfers between Bahrain and Dammam, helping passengers seamlessly connect to their flights. Assistance with Saudi transit visa arrangements is also being provided where required, reducing logistical challenges for those travelling via Dammam.

The wider aviation landscape across the Middle East remains highly dynamic. Several international carriers have reduced, suspended, or rerouted services across key regional hubs, contributing to increased congestion on alternative routes and limited seat availability. For UK travellers, this may translate into longer journey times, fewer direct options, and potential last-minute schedule changes.

At Crystal Travel, we are actively monitoring all developments and remain committed to supporting our customers throughout this period of disruption. If your travel plans involve Gulf Air or transit through the Middle East, our experienced travel specialists can assist with rebooking options, identifying alternative airline routes, or securing refunds where applicable, ensuring you receive the most practical and cost-effective solution.​​​​​​​