Flight suspensions and elevated security risk in Bahrain

Timeline

1. September 8, 2026

   Bahrain was struck directly in the newest phase of the conflict: following US strikes on Iranian targets on 1 September, Iran's army said it hit the US-linked Sheikh Isa Air Base with Arash attack drones on 1-2 September, one of several retaliatory strikes across the region that also hit US bases in the UAE and targets in Kuwait. Civil aviation to Bahrain has been recovering unevenly since: by 5 September, Etihad's Abu Dhabi-Bahrain service and flydubai's Bahrain flights were operating close to normal, while Air Arabia continued cancelling some Sharjah/Abu Dhabi-Bahrain flights and Emirates schedules remained subject to short-notice change. The wider conflict escalated further on 6-7 September with US strikes on Iranian oil tankers, Iranian missile fire toward two US carriers, and Iran's announcement of a new "restricted zone" near the Strait of Hormuz. EASA's advisory against Bahraini airspace has been extended through 30 September 2026. Bahrain International Airport itself remains open; verify flights directly with your airline before travelling.

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2. August 29, 2026

   Bahrain-bound flight status remained mixed on 28 August: Etihad's Abu Dhabi-Bahrain service is now fully normalized (EY647 arrived, EY641 and EY645 operating on schedule), but Emirates cancelled two of its three daily Bahrain flights (EK835, EK837, with only EK839 operating) and Air Arabia cancelled its Sharjah-Bahrain service (G9107). Separately, US Central Command declared on 27 August that Strait of Hormuz shipping lanes had been cleared of Iranian mines, part of a broader regional de-escalation trend that allied governments still view with some skepticism; no new missile or drone activity affecting Bahrain has been reported since 19 August. Bahrain International Airport itself remains open; EASA's advisory to avoid Bahraini airspace entirely remains in force through 31 August. Verify flights directly with your airline before travelling.

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3. August 24, 2026

   Etihad's Bahrain flights are now fully 'operating as scheduled' after resuming 8 August, a full normalization from the suspension through 21 August noted previously. Emirates, however, still cancelled four Bahrain services (EK835-838) on 24 August, with only EK839 (4pm) operating - showing disruption remains intermittent carrier-by-carrier even as the EASA advisory (through 31 August) is unchanged. Bahrain International Airport itself remains open. Verify individual flight status before travelling.

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4. August 19, 2026

   Gulf tensions escalated sharply: UAE air defences detected two ballistic missiles launched from Iran toward Strait of Hormuz maritime navigation routes on 19 August, and Iran rejected a proposed ceasefire, demanding an end to hostilities. EASA escalated its advisory to recommend operators avoid Bahrain's airspace entirely ('at all levels'), alongside Kuwait, Qatar, the UAE and the Gulf of Oman west of 58°E, through 31 August. Flight impact: Emirates has resumed one daily Bahrain service (others remain cancelled); Etihad continues operating selected Bahrain/Kuwait services but has cancelled three pairs of Bahrain flights until 21 August; Air Arabia has cancelled several UAE-Bahrain flights. Bahrain International Airport itself remains open; verify flights directly with your airline before travelling.

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5. August 18, 2026

   Emirates is preparing to resume flights to Bahrain, while its Kuwait services remain suspended. Qatar Airways has resumed daily service to Bahrain. Etihad's Abu Dhabi-Bahrain route specifically remains cancelled through 21 August. A ceasefire announced in April and later extended broke down again in mid-August amid violations around the Strait of Hormuz, keeping the wider region on edge, but Bahrain International Airport itself remains open.

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6. August 13, 2026

   Etihad cancelled its Abu Dhabi-Bahrain service specifically for 13 August citing operational reasons. Qatar Airways, flydubai and Air Arabia continued operating services to Bahrain, though some flights remain subject to change. Bahrain International Airport remains open overall; verify flights directly with your airline before travelling.

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7. August 9, 2026

   Emirates flights to Bahrain and Kuwait remain suspended, while Etihad and Qatar Airways have resumed limited daily services since 8 August after weeks of suspension. flydubai and Air Arabia continue operating services to Bahrain, though some flights remain subject to cancellation.

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8. August 6, 2026

   Etihad and Qatar Airways announced plans to resume one daily flight each to Bahrain and Kuwait from 8 August, ending weeks of suspension that began 16 July after an Etihad aircraft was forced to turn back to Abu Dhabi mid-flight.

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9. August 1, 2026

   Governments including Australia continue to advise reconsidering travel to Bahrain given the deteriorating regional security situation, with military strikes and reprisal attacks intensifying across the region and a risk of further escalation, including possible attacks on infrastructure.

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