Airspace over Bahrain, Kuwait remains closed for 39 days

The airspace over Bahrain and Kuwait has remained closed for 39 consecutive days, according to a source within Middle Eastern air traffic control services.

The source told TASS that the flight ban has been extended once again, this time for at least an additional 12 hours, with restrictions expected to remain in place until approximately 4:00 p.m. UTC. The timeline was described as tentative and subject to change.

Despite the broad restrictions, Bahrain has permitted a limited number of flights departing from Manama under special authorization. These flights are only allowed to operate along the shortest routes toward neighboring Saudi Arabia.

The prolonged closure follows the escalation of regional tensions linked to a military operation conducted by the United States and Israel against Iran, which began on February 28.

Airspace restrictions have extended beyond Bahrain and Kuwait, with flights over Iran and Iraq currently suspended. Meanwhile, the airspace of the United Arab Emirates and Qatar remains partially open.

In Israel, commercial flights have been temporarily suspended, although limited flights to Syria are being allowed under special authorisation.

By Sabina Mammadli