UK-Bahrain sign Air Services Agreement

Manama, The Gulf Observer: Bahrain’s Transportation and Telecommunications Minister Mohammed bin Thamer Al Kaabi and UK Ambassador to Bahrain Roddy Drummond signed the UK-Bahrain Air Services Agreement at the Bahrain International Airshow.

The agreement supports tourism, trade and investment between the two countries and the signing is an important step in the ratification process of the Air Services Agreement.

It provides greater connectivity by removing restrictions on third and fourth freedoms. The removal of the restrictions allows unlimited direct passenger services between the UK and Bahrain for airlines designated under the agreement. The agreement also liberalises cargo traffic rights.

The minister said they were pleased to see the long-standing relationship with the UK further strengthened through the signing of such agreements, providing increased connectivity between our two countries.”This signing at the Bahrain International Airshow is especially significant as we continue to welcome UK companies wishing to do business in Bahrain and the greater region,” he said.

Ambassador Drummond said the new Air Services Agreement provides a more liberal approach to carrying cargo and greater flexibility for designated passenger airlines flying to the UK.”This promotes greater trade and closer ties between our two countries. I salute Gulf Air’s opening of flights to Manchester this summer and I am pleased that route is doing well, given the close economic and people ties to the North West of England. And the recent improvements we have made to our visa process make it even easier for Bahrainis to come and go to the UK.”