Saudi airports providing vital service for Gulf carriers

Saudi Arabia’s King Fahd International Airport in Dammam is emerging as a vital fallback for Gulf carriers disrupted by regional airspace closures linked to the conflict with Iran.

Kuwait Airways has begun operating flights from Dammam to Cairo, after more than 97 percent of departures from Kuwait International Airport were cancelled following the outbreak of hostilities on February 28, according to Cirium data. 

The airport was also targeted by drones that struck its radar system earlier this month, state news agency Kuna reported.

The carrier joins Jazeera Airways, which has shifted part of its operations to Saudi Arabia, relaunching services to six Indian cities via Qaisumah-Hafar Al-Batin International Airport. Jazeera has suspended more than 93 percent of its flights since the conflict began.

In Bahrain, disruption has been even more acute. Drone strikes on Bahrain International Airport have forced Gulf Air to cancel more than 98 percent of its schedule, prompting a temporary relocation of services to Dammam.

Operator Dammam Airports Company said Gulf Air will run flights from the city to destinations including London, Mumbai, Bangkok, Manila, Paris, Nairobi, Chennai, Casablanca and Frankfurt, with bookings opened from Sunday.

Further reading:

• Jazeera Airways restarts flights to six Indian cities
• Supply squeeze lifts jet fuel prices to 10‑year high
• Rivals add Europe-Asia seats while Gulf airlines focus on recovery