The Istanbul–Bahrain–Istanbul flights, which take just over four hours, will be operated using Boeing 737 and Airbus A321 aircraft under services such as TK776 and TK778. Passengers will once again gain seamless access to Istanbul, one of the world’s leading aviation hubs. The route also creates easier connections to destinations across Europe, Asia, and beyond. Booking platforms have already begun showing availability as Turkish Airlines gradually releases its seat inventory. Travellers are advised to book through official channels for the latest updates.

The resumption of this route strengthens Bahrain’s position as a gateway for international travel and commerce. Improved connectivity often leads to greater tourism, cultural exchange, and economic opportunities. As global travel continues to recover, Bahrain is rebuilding stronger links with the world. For many passengers, this marks the return of a familiar and important journey. It also signals that Bahrain and Istanbul are ready to reconnect once again.

Travelling to Sri Lanka just became easier for citizens of Bahrain and 39 other countries after the Sri Lankan government introduced a fee-free tourist visa initiative aimed at boosting tourism and encouraging international visitors.

Under the updated policy, eligible travellers no longer need to pay the usual USD 50 Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) fee for short tourist visits. However, travellers are still required to apply online for an ETA before departure.

What the New Sri Lanka Visa Policy Includes

Eligible travellers can now receive:

• A free tourist ETA with no visa processing fee
• A stay of up to 30 days
• Double-entry access during the validity period
• Faster and simpler travel preparation for short-term tourism

The policy applies to citizens of Bahrain, as well as to travellers from 39 other approved countries.

Important Things Travellers Should Know

Although the visa fee has been removed, the ETA application itself is still mandatory.

Travellers cannot simply arrive without approval. Airlines may also request proof of ETA approval before boarding.

Key reminders:

• Apply only through the official Sri Lankan government ETA platform
• Avoid unofficial third-party websites charging extra service fees
• Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months from your arrival date
• Double-check all personal and passport information before submission
• ETA approval is usually sent by email after processing

How Bahraini Travellers Can Apply for the Free Sri Lanka ETA

Step 1: Visit the Official ETA Website

Please use the official Sri Lankan ETA portal.

Sri Lanka ETA Official Website

Avoid clicking sponsored or unofficial websites that may charge unnecessary fees.

Step 2: Select Tourist ETA Application

Choose the tourist visa/ETA option for short visits.

Applicants should confirm they are applying under the fee-free tourist category if shown during the process.

Step 3: Fill In Personal Details

Travellers will need to provide the following:

• Full name
• Passport information
• Nationality
• Travel dates
• Accommodation details
• Contact information

All details must exactly match the passport being used for travel.

Step 4: Review the Application Carefully

Before submitting:

• Check passport number accuracy
• Confirm spelling of names
• Verify email address carefully

Incorrect information can delay approval or cause travel issues at immigration.

Step 5: Submit the Application

Once submitted, travellers should receive a confirmation of their application.

Most approvals are later sent directly via email.

Step 6: Save a Copy of the ETA Approval

Travellers are advised to:

• Print a copy of the ETA approval
• Save a digital copy on their phone
• Keep passport and travel documents accessible upon arrival

Why Sri Lanka Introduced the Fee-Free Scheme

The initiative is part of Sri Lanka’s broader tourism recovery and international visitor growth strategy. The country continues positioning itself as one of the region’s leading travel destinations, known for:

• Tropical beaches
• Tea plantations
• Wildlife parks
• Historical landmarks
• Luxury resorts
• Cultural heritage experiences

The fee waiver is expected to make travel more accessible while encouraging longer visitor stays and increased tourism activity.

Final Reminder Before Travelling

Even though the ETA fee has been waived, approval is still required before flying to Sri Lanka.

Travellers should apply early, use only official government platforms, and carefully verify all submitted information to avoid delays during their trip preparations.

Gulf Air has officially restored 75% of its global flight network, marking a major milestone in the airline’s ongoing recovery and expansion efforts. The Bahraini national carrier currently operates flights to 40 destinations across 24 countries and plans to fully restore its network by June 1, 2026, while continuing to gradually add more routes and frequencies in the coming weeks.

The latest development highlights the growing momentum within the regional and international aviation sector as travel demand continues rising ahead of the busy summer season. Increased tourism activity, business travel, and international connectivity have pushed airlines worldwide to rebuild operations and expand schedules after years of disruption across the global travel industry.

Gulf Air’s expanding network is also expected to further strengthen Bahrain’s position as a key regional travel and transit hub. Industry observers say the airline’s accelerated recovery supports the Kingdom’s wider tourism and economic growth ambitions, particularly as Bahrain continues investing heavily in hospitality, infrastructure, and international events.

The continued restoration of routes and flight frequencies will provide travelers with greater accessibility, more destination choices, and improved connectivity between Bahrain and major global markets.

Travel momentum is officially taking off again.

More destinations are officially back on the map as Gulf Air continues expanding its international network with another wave of resumed flights across Europe and Asia.

The national carrier has announced the third phase of its scheduled flight resumptions, with services returning to Manchester, Rome, Guangzhou, and Singapore starting from mid-May. The latest rollout pushes Gulf Air’s operational network to 40 active destinations worldwide, representing approximately 74% of the airline’s full global route map.

The expansion marks another major milestone in the airline’s ongoing recovery strategy as international travel demand continues rising across multiple markets. The resumed routes reconnect Bahrain with key business, tourism, and transit hubs, while also giving travelers more direct flight options and smoother regional and international connections.

The return of Manchester and Rome strengthens Gulf Air’s European footprint, while Guangzhou and Singapore reinforce links to major Asian destinations known for business, trade, tourism, and aviation connectivity. The move also reflects wider momentum across the regional aviation sector, with airlines steadily restoring suspended routes and rebuilding pre-expansion travel capacity.

For Bahrain, the growing route network further boosts international accessibility and supports the Kingdom’s position as a regional travel and transit hub. Increased connectivity is also expected to benefit tourism, commerce, and outbound travel demand as summer travel activity begins accelerating across the Gulf region.

As more destinations continue returning to operation, Gulf Air’s latest expansion signals a faster-paced recovery phase for Bahrain’s national carrier and a broader return of global travel movement across international markets.

Bahrain Pass Airport Services is officially expanding beyond the Kingdom with the launch of Pass Saudi Arabia, marking a major regional milestone for the Bahrain-based aviation company.

The newly launched regional arm will be headquartered in Saudi Arabia’s Eastern Province and will focus on aircraft ground handling services. The expansion builds on years of operational experience gained at Bahrain International Airport, where the company has strengthened its expertise in aviation support operations and airport services.

The move comes as Saudi Arabia continues rapidly expanding its aviation and tourism sectors under large-scale national development plans, creating growing demand for airport operations, aircraft handling, and technical aviation services across the Kingdom.

In addition to Saudi Arabia, Bahrain Pass Airport Services is also exploring future opportunities in Oman. Current studies include possible investments in aircraft maintenance and technical inspection services, alongside plans connected to operating rights across several Saudi airports.

The regional expansion highlights the increasing role of Bahrain-based companies within the Gulf aviation industry as countries across the region continue investing heavily in air transport infrastructure, airport development, and international connectivity.

With operations now extending beyond Bahrain, Pass Saudi Arabia signals the company’s next step toward becoming a wider Gulf aviation services player.

The Kanoo Museum has officially announced the signing of a memorandum of understanding with the Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities in a move aimed at strengthening cooperation in Bahrain’s cultural and museum sectors while supporting the continued revitalisation of historic Manama.

The agreement represents a new strategic partnership between the public and private sectors focused on enhancing cultural initiatives, preserving Bahrain’s heritage, and expanding artistic and museum-related activities across the Kingdom. The memorandum also highlights ongoing national efforts to transform historic Manama into a vibrant cultural and artistic hub that attracts residents, visitors, creatives, and tourists alike.

According to the announcement, the partnership will encourage collaboration on projects connected to museums, exhibitions, cultural events, heritage preservation, and educational initiatives that celebrate Bahrain’s identity and history. Both parties are expected to work closely on developing programs that increase public engagement with art, culture, and historical storytelling while creating more opportunities for cultural investment and creative growth.

Historic Manama has remained a central focus of Bahrain’s cultural development plans in recent years. Several restoration and preservation projects have already been launched throughout the capital’s historic districts to protect traditional architecture, heritage sites, and important cultural landmarks. Through this new agreement, Kanoo Museum and the Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities aim to further contribute to these efforts by helping activate the area through cultural programming and museum cooperation.

The partnership also reflects Bahrain’s wider strategy of using culture and heritage as drivers for tourism, economic activity, and community engagement. By combining the expertise and resources of both the government and private sector, the agreement is expected to create sustainable opportunities that support artists, historians, researchers, and cultural institutions while strengthening Bahrain’s position as a regional destination for arts and heritage.

The Kanoo Museum has continued to play an important role in preserving and showcasing Bahrain’s historical identity through exhibitions and collections that document the Kingdom’s past and cultural development. Meanwhile, the Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities remains the leading national institution responsible for preserving Bahrain’s archaeological sites, museums, historical landmarks, and cultural initiatives.

Officials view the memorandum as an important step toward building stronger partnerships that encourage innovation within the cultural sector while maintaining Bahrain’s historical character and identity. The collaboration is also expected to support future cultural events and projects that will bring more activity into the heart of Manama’s historic districts.

As Bahrain continues investing in cultural infrastructure and heritage preservation, partnerships such as this are becoming increasingly important in creating long-term development opportunities within the Kingdom’s creative economy. The agreement between Kanoo Museum and the Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities reflects a shared vision of preserving Bahrain’s rich history while ensuring that historic Manama continues evolving as a living cultural destination for future generations.

The engines are set to roar back into the desert as the Kingdom of Bahrain prepares to welcome Formula 1 once again in 2026, continuing a partnership that has helped place the country at the center of global motorsport for more than two decades.

Since first hosting a Grand Prix in 2004, Bahrain has transformed from a newcomer on the Formula 1 calendar into one of the sport’s most recognizable destinations. The Bahrain International Circuit in Sakhir has become known for its night-race atmosphere, dramatic wheel-to-wheel battles, and season-opening energy that regularly draws fans, teams, celebrities, and international media from around the world.

The return of Formula 1 in 2026 is expected to bring another major boost to Bahrain’s tourism, hospitality, entertainment, and retail sectors. Hotels, restaurants, malls, transport services, and local businesses typically experience a sharp rise in activity during race week, with thousands of international visitors arriving in the Kingdom for the event. Beyond the race itself, Formula 1 weekend has evolved into a full-scale national event featuring concerts, fan festivals, brand activations, luxury experiences, and family entertainment across the country.

For Bahraini fans, the 2026 race represents more than just motorsport. It is a moment that puts Bahrain on television screens across the globe, showcasing the Kingdom’s infrastructure, culture, and ability to host world-class international events. The Grand Prix has consistently strengthened Bahrain’s image as a regional hub for sports, tourism, and entertainment, while also opening opportunities for local talent, businesses, and youth involvement in motorsport-related industries.

The 2026 season is also expected to attract significant attention due to Formula 1’s upcoming technical era, with new regulations and evolving team lineups likely to reshape the competition. Fans can expect renewed rivalries, fresh storylines, and another packed weekend at the Bahrain International Circuit as the sport enters a new chapter.

Over the years, Bahrain has built a strong identity within Formula 1 culture. From unforgettable last-lap battles to sold-out grandstands and iconic desert visuals under the floodlights, the Bahrain Grand Prix has become one of the calendar’s defining races. Its strategic location in the Gulf region has also helped Formula 1 expand its presence in the Middle East, with Bahrain often setting the benchmark for race organization and fan experience.

As anticipation builds for 2026, excitement is already growing among motorsport fans across the Kingdom and beyond. With Formula 1 possibly returning to Sakhir once again, Bahrain is preparing for another high-speed week where sport, entertainment, tourism, and global attention collide on one of racing’s biggest stages.

His Royal Highness Prince Salman arrived in Jordan yesterday to a ceremonial royal welcome, with a squadron of the Royal Jordanian Air Force escorting his aircraft as it entered Jordanian airspace 🇧🇭🇯🇴

The aerial escort marked a symbolic moment during the official visit, reflecting the strong diplomatic relationship between Bahrain and Jordan and the high level of respect shared between the two kingdoms. The military formation accompanying the aircraft added a powerful visual display to the arrival, a tradition often reserved for senior royal figures and major state visits.

The visit comes as Bahrain and Jordan continue to maintain close coordination across political, economic, security, and regional matters. Over the years, both countries have developed a partnership built on shared interests, regional stability, and long-standing royal relations. Official visits like this are often more than ceremonial appearances. They serve as opportunities for leadership discussions, future agreements, and deeper cooperation that can directly benefit citizens in both nations.

For Bahrainis, high-level visits involving His Royal Highness Prince Salman can contribute to strengthening economic opportunities and regional partnerships that support the Kingdom’s long-term development plans. Bahrain and Jordan have continued exploring cooperation in sectors such as tourism, trade, investment, education, logistics, healthcare, and technology. Stronger diplomatic ties can help create more business opportunities for Bahraini companies looking to expand regionally while also attracting investment and partnerships back into Bahrain.

Tourism is also one of the sectors that could benefit from stronger Bahrain-Jordan relations. Increased cooperation between both countries can encourage more travel movement, tourism campaigns, airline connectivity, and hospitality partnerships. Bahrainis visiting Jordan and Jordanians visiting Bahrain both contribute to economic activity across airlines, hotels, restaurants, retail, and entertainment sectors.

The visit also carries importance from a regional and political perspective. Bahrain and Jordan are both key Arab allies that often align on issues concerning regional security, economic stability, and cooperation among Arab nations. Continued dialogue between leaders helps strengthen coordination during rapidly changing developments across the Middle East. For Bahraini citizens, stable regional partnerships can support economic confidence, security cooperation, and long-term national interests.

Beyond diplomacy and economics, moments like the royal escort often resonate strongly with the public because they symbolize Bahrain’s international relationships and standing on the regional stage. The images of Royal Jordanian Air Force jets accompanying HRH Prince Salman’s aircraft quickly drew attention online, with many viewing the gesture as a reflection of Bahrain’s respected ties with neighboring nations.

Royal visits also help maintain cultural and people-to-people connections between countries. Bahrain and Jordan share deep Arab cultural ties, and continued exchanges between leaderships often open doors for collaborations in sports, youth initiatives, education programs, cultural events, and innovation projects that can eventually benefit younger generations in both countries.

As HRH Prince Salman’s visit continues, attention remains on the discussions and partnerships that may emerge from the trip. While the fighter jet escort created one of the most talked-about visuals of the arrival, the broader significance of the visit lies in the continued strengthening of Bahrain’s regional relationships and the opportunities those connections can bring to the Kingdom and its people.