Swine flu and the financial crisis have been blamed for a massive drop in the number of people flying out of Bahrain this summer.

The total number of passengers departing Bahrain International Airport is currently 20 to 25 per cent down from last year, airport director Mohammed Tamer Al Kaabi told our sister publication, the Gulf Daily News yesterday (June 29).

However, he revealed there had been a slump of up to 50 per cent in the number of people flying to the US, Canada and Europe.

"Several discussions that we have had with representatives of airlines and travel agents have come to the same conclusion - that while passenger departures are 20 to 25 per cent down overall, those to the US, Canada and Europe are down by at least 50 per cent over the same time in 2008," he revealed.

"The summer is the peak time for travel outside Bahrain, but there are not enough people travelling and many airlines are reporting fewer loads."

Al Kaabi added this would in turn affect the number of arrivals, because less people departing meant there would be fewer holidaymakers returning.

He said swine flu epidemic was thought to be the main cause of the fall in numbers, but suggested money worries could also be responsible.

"Feedback we have had from airlines and travel agencies suggests that people are reluctant to spend on holidays they can do without," he said. "They would rather save some money."

Meanwhile, a travel agents spokesman said holiday bookings were down by 35 to 40 per cent overall, but added the industry was bracing itself for a further drop in business.

"This is not a good sign," said the Association of Bahrain Tour and Travel Agents spokesman, who asked to remain anonymous.

"Business is affected and it will only get worse. Blame it on the swine flu or the global downturn - we are suffering."

He said several airlines had drastically reduced fares, but were still reporting minimal loads.

"Normally, this is the time for peak fares and high loads, but now we have very low fares - but still not enough people are travelling," he said. "Clearly, this is a sign of the bad times the industry is going through." – TradeArabia News Service