Bahrain sets regional Repatriation standard
TDT| Manama
Email : editor@newsofbahrain.com
Flights and buses used jointly
Bahrain’s recent evacuation of citizens from crisis-hit countries has emerged as a regional benchmark in coordinated repatriation, combining air and land operations to bring home 2,586 nationals amid shifting airspace closures.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed that the final Gulf Air flights arrived from Turkmenistan on Wednesday, carrying 203 citizens returning from the Islamic Republic of Iran. This marked the culmination of a large-scale operation initiated under the directives of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and implemented on the order of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Prime Minister.
Multi-route mobilisation
The repatriation effort used a blend of nine Gulf Air aircraft and 37 overland buses to reach citizens stranded in countries affected by the recent closure of airspace due to regional tensions. Alongside Iran, repatriations were carried out from Iraq, Jordan, Russia, Azerbaijan, and Armenia.
In one of the most logistically com- plex stages of the operation, citizens in Iran were flown to Turkmenistan, from where Bahraini diplomatic teams coordinated with local authorities to finalise onward travel. Similar arrangements were made through border crossings in Iraq, where buses carried returning citizens from transit points.
Diplomatic coordination
The Foreign Ministry extended thanks to the diplomatic missions of GCC states for their cooperation and to both Iraq and Turkmenistan for facilitating safe passage. The ministry also praised the support of concerned host nations for easing bureaucratic and logistical hurdles during a volatile period of restricted travel.
Officials noted that preparations for the repatriation had begun as soon as regional airspace closures were announced, with Bahrain activating a contingency plan that mobilised resources across embassies, aviation, and road transport sectors.
Operational legacy
The experience, officials said, will serve as a blueprint for future crises requiring rapid civilian evacuation. Bahrain’s dual-path evacuation - by air and land - demonstrated flexibility, diplomatic agility, and rapid response capability under pressure. With operations now complete, the Foreign Ministry has reiterated its continued readiness to support Bahrainis abroad, especially in times of regional instability
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