Bahrain to open airspace to Qatari aircraft on Monday

Bahrain will open its airspace to aircraft from Qatar on Monday, transport authorities said.

"The Civil Aviation Affairs at the Ministry of Transportation and Telecommunications has announced that Bahrain’s airspace is open for Qatar-registered aircraft, in accordance with established procedures," Bahrain News Agency reported.

"The relevant notices have been amended regarding Qatar-registered aircraft commencing Monday morning, January 11, 2021, at 00.01 GMT," the CAA said.

The return of flights comes after Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Bahrain and Egypt agreed to fully restore ties with Doha at a GCC summit in Al Ula last week.

The agreement ended a dispute that began in mid-2017 when the Arab nations accused Qatar of supporting extremist groups, severing diplomatic, trade and travel ties with Doha.

Saudi Arabian Airlines and Qatar Airways said they will resume flights to Doha and Riyadh from Monday.