Home » AIRLINE NEWS » Gulf Air Shifts Operations to Dammam, Adding Cairo, Casablanca, Chennai to Temporary Flight Network as Bahrain Airport Closure Continues
Published on
March 18, 2026
By: Paramita Sarkar
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As of March 17, 2026, Gulf Air has temporarily shifted its operations to King Fahad International Airport in Dammam, Saudi Arabia, due to the ongoing closure of Bahrain International Airport. The airline has expanded its flight network, adding new destinations such as Cairo, Casablanca, and Chennai. This change affects flights to and from Bahrain, with services now operating from Dammam, Saudi Arabia, until at least March 28, 2026.
Gulf Air, based in Bahrain, is taking swift action in response to the continued closure of Bahrain International Airport (BIA), which has been suspended due to regional security concerns since March 1, 2026. In light of the uncertainty surrounding the reopening of BIA, the airline has set up a temporary hub in Dammam, ensuring minimal disruption to its passengers while maintaining a strong international presence. As the situation remains fluid, the airline continues to monitor the developments, coordinating with aviation authorities to provide up-to-date flight information and alternative travel arrangements.
For the period between March 17 and March 28, Gulf Air has expanded its network to include new routes departing from Dammam. These additions include Cairo, Casablanca, and Chennai. The airline has also maintained its major international connections to London, Mumbai, Bangkok, Frankfurt, and Nairobi. Gulf Air has also taken proactive steps to assist passengers impacted by the suspension of flights from Bahrain by offering a range of logistical support, including bus services and visa facilitation.
Flight Network Expansion
The newly added destinations—Cairo, Casablanca, and Chennai—are now part of Gulf Air’s extended operations from Dammam. These locations are crucial for the airline to maintain its regional and international connectivity, as travelers previously reliant on flights from Bahrain now have access to these destinations through Dammam. These routes will remain operational until March 28, 2026.
In addition to the new additions, Gulf Air has maintained its established routes, which continue to operate on a daily schedule. These routes include flights to major cities such as London Heathrow, Mumbai, Bangkok, Frankfurt, and Nairobi. Each of these destinations is integral to Gulf Air’s global connectivity, and the airline aims to ensure a smooth transition for its passengers during the closure of Bahrain International Airport.
Daily Flight Schedule (March 17–20, 2026)
As part of its ongoing operational adjustments, Gulf Air has set up a consistent daily flight schedule from King Fahad International Airport, Dammam. For the period from March 17 to March 20, 2026, passengers can expect the following daily flights:
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RouteDeparture TimeFrequencyDammam — London Heathrow10:25DailyLondon Heathrow — Dammam21:50DailyDammam — Mumbai09:30DailyMumbai — Dammam17:40DailyDammam — Bangkok10:25DailyBangkok — Dammam05:00Daily
These flights ensure that Gulf Air passengers can continue traveling on essential routes despite the challenges posed by the closure of Bahrain International Airport.
Passenger Logistics & Visa Support
For passengers whose journeys are impacted by the closure of Bahrain International Airport, Gulf Air has outlined several key support measures. The airline is providing complimentary bus transportation between Bahrain and King Fahad International Airport in Dammam for those with confirmed bookings. This land transport service ensures a smooth transfer for passengers who may have originally planned to fly from Bahrain.
In addition to transport arrangements, Gulf Air is coordinating with Saudi authorities to assist passengers with transit visas. These transit visas are essential for those traveling through Saudi Arabia on their way to international destinations. Passengers transiting via Dammam on Gulf Air-arranged buses will have their transit visas facilitated by the airline. However, it is important to note that passengers who intend to enter Saudi Arabia (rather than simply transit) must make independent arrangements for entry visas.
Gulf Air is also offering full refunds for any tickets booked for travel between March 1 and March 28, 2026, for those who no longer wish to travel under the new arrangements. Passengers whose travel dates extend beyond March 28, 2026, are eligible to rebook their flights for travel up to June 15, 2026, free of charge. This flexibility is a crucial part of Gulf Air’s efforts to minimize passenger disruption and ensure customer satisfaction during this challenging period.
Saudi Arabia Visa and Entry Requirements
As Gulf Air has established its temporary operations in Dammam, passengers traveling from Bahrain to Dammam must be mindful of the visa requirements set forth by Saudi authorities. For those using Gulf Air’s bus services between Bahrain and Dammam, the airline is facilitating the issuance of Saudi transit visas. However, passengers whose final destination is Saudi Arabia (rather than continuing on an international flight) will need to independently secure valid Saudi entry visas. These visas can be obtained through the official Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs portal.
Travelers connecting to international destinations via Dammam must also ensure they have valid visas for their final destinations. Gulf Air has emphasized that strict checks will be enforced at the Dammam hub, and only passengers with the proper documentation will be allowed to board international flights.
Airspace Status and Reopening Updates
The closure of Bahrain’s airspace (OBBB FIR) remains in effect, with no confirmed reopening date. This decision follows regional security developments that have led to the temporary suspension of all commercial flights in and out of Bahrain International Airport. The Bahrain Ministry of Transportation and Telecommunications, along with the Bahrain Civil Aviation Affairs (CAA), is working closely with regional and international authorities to assess the situation and determine when it will be safe for operations to resume.
Currently, international aviation authorities, including those in France and the UK, are advising airlines to avoid the Bahrain FIR, routing their flights through alternative air corridors in the Southern Gulf or over Saudi Arabian airspace. Gulf Air’s shift to Dammam is part of the airline’s strategy to mitigate the impact of the airspace closure and continue providing its services to passengers.
Official Travel Advisory
The Bahrain government has issued several key advisories for passengers traveling during this period. These include:
Verify Bookings: Passengers should ensure they have a confirmed booking before traveling to Dammam. Only those with confirmed reservations will be allowed to board flights.Monitor Official Channels: Travelers are urged to follow the official accounts of Bahrain Airport (@BahrainAirport) and Gulf Air (@GulfAir) on social media for real-time updates on flight schedules and operational changes.Entry Requirements for Saudi Arabia: Those intending to enter Saudi Arabia must ensure they have valid visas, as the airline does not provide visas for entry into the country.Conclusion
In response to the ongoing closure of Bahrain International Airport, Gulf Air has successfully established a temporary operations hub in Dammam, Saudi Arabia, ensuring continued connectivity for its passengers. With the addition of new routes to Cairo, Casablanca, and Chennai, as well as maintaining its established services to major cities like London and Mumbai, Gulf Air is committed to minimizing disruptions for its customers. Despite the challenges posed by the closure of Bahrain’s airspace, the airline is taking extensive measures to assist affected passengers, providing logistical support, flexible booking options, and visa facilitation.
As the situation evolves, passengers are encouraged to remain informed by checking official airline and government channels for the latest updates on flight schedules, visa requirements, and travel advisories. Gulf Air’s dedication to customer service and its ability to adapt in difficult circumstances continue to be key aspects of its response to the temporary disruption in its operations.
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