FlyerTalk Forums - View Single Post - Why is QR still not flying to Bahrain?
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Old Jan 14, 2023 | 3:53 am
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SullyofDoha
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Originally Posted by baflyer2
Ever since Qatar restored relations with neighboring GCC countries, QR resumed flying to Saudi/Egyptian/UAE destinations -- but has still not resumed flying to Bahrain, which is puzzling because Bahrain had at least 11-12 daily flights to Doha on QR alone (5-6 on GF, if I remember correctly) prior to the diplomatic rift. Does anyone have the inside scoop of why? I would have thought QR would have at least restored service in time for the World Cup, but that didn't happen either.
Qatar and Bahrain have not engaged in direct talks since the climb down of the Quartet. Qatar is on much better terms with Saudi Arabia and Egypt and they have even reopened embassies and sent ambassadors to resume their respective posts. The embassies have still not been reopened in the UAE nor Bahrain. However, the UAE has resumed direct flights. What is interesting is that Emirates does NOT currently fly between the two countries which has allowed Qatar Airways to keep prices jacked up on the DOH-DXB route.
As for Bahrain, there is a fair amount of bad blood between the two governments which has yet to be addressed in any meaningful way (Hawar Island grievance was once again raised on several occasions in addition to Bahrain once again claiming Al Zubarah Fort, which lies near the northwest coast of Qatar and is internationally recognised as Qatari land.). Since Bahrain is the poorest and smallest of the aggrieved parties, it almost looks like Qatar is giving Bahrain the cold shoulder and essentially saying 'go pound sand' until they are ready to engage.
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