Report: British Airways to End Flights to Bahrain & Kuwait

British Airways (BA) has announced plans to permanently end all flights to Bahrain and Kuwait starting March 2025, citing ongoing problems with Rolls-Royce engines on its Boeing 787 Dreamliner fleet. These issues have forced the airline to reduce its global routes as it struggles with supply chain delays and technical setbacks.

Middle East Routes Affected

The decision impacts two long-standing routes—BA has operated flights to Bahrain for 92 years and to Kuwait for 63 years. British Airways says that following a review, the demand and costs associated with these routes are no longer viable. Cabin crew based in the Middle East may now face redundancy as the airline withdraws from these destinations.

Widespread Flight Cancellations

BA’s engine issues with Rolls-Royce’s Trent 1000 engines have led to significant disruptions across its schedule. The airline has already reduced flights to major destinations, including Dallas Fort Worth, Miami, and several Asian cities, and recently delayed its return to Kuala Lumpur. Cancellations and cuts have also hit flights to Beijing and Hong Kong, which are now partially suspended due to increased operational costs from Russian airspace restrictions.

Strained Partnership with Rolls-Royce

The airline has publicly expressed frustration with Rolls-Royce, stressing the impact on its schedule and customers. Despite reassurances, the engine manufacturer’s delays continue to impact BA’s ability to maintain routes and schedules, particularly on long-haul flights using the Boeing 787.

Long Term Effects on Service

British Airways initially anticipated only short-term cancellations due to engine repairs, but ongoing supply chain problems now suggest that BA’s challenges with Rolls-Royce may continue well into 2025.

This article was previously published on bahrainmoments. To see the original article, click here