British Airways Faces Backlash After Cancelling Direct Flights to Bahrain and Kuwait, Prompting Concerns Over Diplomatic Ties and Business Interests in the Gulf Region

British Airways (BA) is facing a strong backlash following its decision to cancel flights to two of the UK’s most important allies in the Middle East, Bahrain and Kuwait.

This move, described as “madness” by local officials, has raised concerns about the potential impact on diplomatic and business relations with these Gulf states.

Diplomatic and Business Repercussions

Former Defence Secretary Dr. Liam Fox criticized the airline’s decision, stating that it sends the wrong message about Britain’s diplomatic intentions.

Fox warned that scrapping these long-standing routes could damage UK business interests in the Gulf, particularly at a time when the region is becoming increasingly significant geopolitically.

“The Gulf is becoming much more important, and we are negotiating new trade agreements,” Fox explained, adding that this was “the worst possible decision at the worst possible time.”

Former Conservative Party leader Sir Iain Duncan Smith echoed these concerns, urging the UK government to intervene.

While acknowledging BA’s autonomy as a private company, Smith stressed the need for a solution that would prevent further diplomatic fallout.

BA’s Financial Struggles and Job Loss Concerns

BA has justified the cancellation of these routes by citing financial challenges, particularly the ongoing issues with Rolls-Royce jet engines that power its Boeing 787 Dreamliner fleet.

The airline has stated that the routes to Bahrain and Kuwait are no longer commercially viable, which means employees serving these routes could face job losses.

Strained Relations with Bahrain

The decision to end the flights has sparked frustration in Bahrain, where British officials are stationed at a key Royal Navy base.

A Bahraini source criticized the move as “madness,” given the strength of the relationship between the two countries.

The decision also comes just weeks before the Bahrain Grand Prix, an important event that brings thousands of visitors to the country.

Bahrain Airport Company, which operates the nation’s international airport, expressed disappointment over BA’s choice, stating there had been no consultation about the route cancellations.

The company has expressed hope that BA might reconsider its stance, and it is looking into options to increase flight capacity between Bahrain and the UK.

A Long-Standing History of Service

British Airways’ connection with Bahrain dates back to 1932, when Imperial Airways first launched flights to the region.

The airline has operated direct services to Bahrain and Kuwait for nearly a century, playing a significant role in connecting the UK with these key Gulf states.

Bahrain, once a British protectorate, remains a crucial partner for the UK, hosting a British Royal Navy base and a US Navy fleet.

Kuwait, also a former British protectorate, shares deep ties with the UK, especially in business and finance.

Potential Impacts on UK-Gulf Relations

This decision is coming at a sensitive time for UK-Gulf relations, as Britain is negotiating a free trade deal with the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC).

The trade deal, potentially worth £23.5 billion annually, includes Bahrain, Kuwait, and several other Gulf states.

This bloc is the UK’s fourth-largest export market, making the cancellation of these routes particularly significant for trade relations.

As the situation develops, the decision by British Airways will likely have broader implications for the UK’s influence and future relations in the Middle East.

This article was published on TDPel Media. Thanks for reading!

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