Talks are underway between Bahrain and UK officials in a bid to reverse a decision by British Airways to cease flights to the Gulf state.
The UK’s flag carrier announced earlier this month that it would be stopping direct flights to Bahrain and Kuwait as a result of supply chain pressures, which it is said has left the routes no longer commercially viable.
BA has enjoyed a 92-year relationship with Bahrain and currently operates a daily flight from London Heathrow to its capital Manama. Kuwait is also served by a daily flight from Heathrow.
Mohamed Yousif AlBinfalah, CEO of Bahrain Airport Company (BAC), told AGBI discussions were taking place “at various levels” in a bid to reverse the decision by the British carrier.
“I would say at our level we are doing our utmost best to put together a proposition that will be of value to British Airways and that can moderate, if you like, the position they find themselves in and to continue flying to the Kingdom beyond the announcement they made last week,” he said on Friday at the Bahrain International Airshow.
He added he is “optimistic” the decision will be overturned.
It is understood the problems for BA lie with its Boeing 787 aircraft, which are powered by Rolls Royce’s Trent 1000 engines. The carrier is also looking at its network as a result of capacity constraints.
“I fully understand the pressures that airlines are coming under in terms of supply chain. British Airways are no exception,” said AlBinfalah.
“In fact, even with our national carrier (Gulf Air), the pain is felt as far as supply chain issues, both on the delivery of aircraft as well as some engine challenges.”
BA was approached by AGBI for comment.
Bahrain and the UK enjoy strong trade relations. Total trade in goods and services (exports plus imports) between the two countries was £1.1 billion ($1.4 billion) in the four quarters to the end of the second quarter of 2024, a drop of 1.6 percent from the corresponding period last year.
Ali Al Mudaifa, chief of business development at Bahrain Economic Development Board, admitted to being “dismayed” by the BA news. “Hopefully there will be a reconsideration by British Airways,” he said.
