Bahrain: Air, land, and sea travel to Qatar suspended June 5

Event

Bahrain has announced the severance of all diplomatic ties with Qatar on Monday, June 5, as part of a Saudi-led initiative to isolate the country. The Bahraini government has also stated that all travel to Qatar would be suspended indefinitely.  An immediate ban on Qatari planes landing in Bahrain has been implemented, and the country has stated that Qatari planes will no longer be allowed to fly in Bahraini airspace starting on Tuesday, June 6. Emirates, Etihad, Air Arabia, and FlyDubai, have all announced the indefinite suspension of flights to Qatar from June 6.

Qatari residents and visitors in Bahrain have been given two weeks to leave the country.

Context

Gulf Arab states have long resented Qatar's alleged support for groups such as the Egyptian-based Muslim Brotherhood and the Islamic State (IS), among others. Saudi Arabia has repeatedly accused the country of broadcasting militant ideology, a reference to Qatar's state-owned media network, Al Jazeera. Qatar has also been heavily criticized for forging a relationship with Iran, considered by many Arab countries as a dangerous enemy.

Advice

Travelers flying to, from, or through Qatar from Bahrain are advised to confirm their flights and to contact their airlines for more information.