Gulf Air Launches Special Flights from Dammam Amid Bahrain Airspace Closure
In response to the ongoing temporary closure of Bahrain's airspace, Gulf Air has initiated passenger registration for a limited number of special flights operating from King Fahad International Airport in Dammam, Saudi Arabia. The Bahraini national carrier announced that these services will commence on March 11, 2026, providing daily return connections to London, Mumbai, and Bangkok to assist travelers stranded by the airspace restrictions.
Flight Operations and Registration Process
Gulf Air emphasized that these special flights are part of concerted efforts to support passengers affected by the disruption. Instead of operating from its usual hub in Bahrain, the airline has temporarily relocated these services to nearby Dammam, enabling continued limited international connectivity during this challenging period.
Passengers must complete a mandatory registration process through the airline's official passenger registration form before any booking can be confirmed. Following successful registration, Gulf Air sales agents will contact eligible travelers to finalize booking details. The airline has strongly advised against proceeding to the airport without confirmed bookings, as seats are strictly limited and prioritized for those with urgent travel needs.
Detailed Flight Schedules and Fares
London Route: Gulf Air will operate flight GF2003 from Dammam to London Heathrow, departing at 10:20. The return service, flight GF2006, will depart London Heathrow at 22:30, arriving in Dammam. Economy class fares for the Dammam-London route are priced at BHD 345, while Falcon Gold (business class) tickets cost BHD 1,245. For bookings originating from the United Kingdom, fares start at GBP 587 in economy and GBP 2,022 in Falcon Gold.
Mumbai Route: For travelers heading to India, Gulf Air will operate flight GF2056 from Dammam to Mumbai, departing at 09:30. The return flight GF2057 will depart Mumbai at 17:40. Economy fares on this route begin at BHD 245, with Falcon Gold tickets priced at BHD 515. Tickets booked from Mumbai start at INR 61,315 in economy and INR 111,038 in Falcon Gold.
Bangkok Route: The airline will also operate services to Thailand, with flight GF2152 departing Dammam at 09:30 for Bangkok, and return flight GF2153 departing Bangkok at 05:00. Economy tickets for this route start at BHD 295, while Falcon Gold fares are BHD 1,045. Passengers departing from Bangkok can expect fares of THB 22,865 in economy and THB 66,095 in Falcon Gold.
Regional Context and Passenger Advisory
The special flight services come as airlines across the Middle East region continue adjusting operations due to Bahrain's temporary airspace closure. This situation has forced numerous carriers to reroute or relocate certain flights while authorities monitor the evolving regional developments.
In a message to passengers, Gulf Air stated: "We appreciate your patience during this time and remain committed to getting you home to your families." The airline reiterated that these flights are exclusively available for passengers who meet specific eligibility requirements and have successfully completed the registration process.
Travelers are encouraged to monitor official Gulf Air communications for updates and ensure they have confirmed bookings before making any travel arrangements to the airport. The airline's proactive measures demonstrate its commitment to maintaining essential air connectivity despite the operational challenges posed by the ongoing airspace restrictions.
