British Airways has made a surprising decision to continue their flights between London and Bahrain throughout 2025, despite initially planning to suspend the route due to ongoing issues with Rolls-Royce Trent 1000 engines. The maintenance problems with these engines have been causing disruptions to the airline’s Boeing 787 Dreamliner fleet, leading to cuts in services to various destinations including Kuwait City, Kuala Lumpur, Dallas-Fort Worth, and more.

The announcement of the suspension of flights between London-Heathrow and Bahrain came as a shock, especially considering the long-standing history British Airways has with the Kingdom of Bahrain, serving the country for an impressive 92 years. Bahrain has been an important ally to the United Kingdom, both diplomatically and in terms of international trade, with the country having been a British protectorate for over a century before gaining independence in 1971.

Kuwait is another destination affected by the airline's troubles, with the suspension of flights to Kuwait City also looming. British Airways cited commercial viability as a reason for these cuts, putting the jobs of staff at risk. However, the decision faced criticism from senior UK Government officials who argued that it could harm diplomatic relations and UK business interests in the region. Bahraini officials and residents alike expressed disappointment with the decision, prompting a petition to reverse it.

In response to the backlash, British Airways has confirmed that flights between London Heathrow and Bahrain International Airport will continue three times a week starting in the Summer 2025 season and increase to a daily service in Winter 2025. Mohamed Yousif Al Binfalah, Head of the Bahrain Airport Company, expressed delight at the airline's decision to maintain operations in Bahrain, highlighting the enduring partnership between the two entities.

The ongoing issues with Rolls-Royce Trent 1000 engines have led to further disruptions, affecting flights well into 2025. British Airways and other operators of Trent 1000-powered aircraft, like Virgin Atlantic, are facing challenges in sourcing spare parts, causing delays in flights to various destinations. Despite these setbacks, British Airways remains committed to providing reliable services to its customers, ensuring that operations run smoothly in the coming year.