Gulf Air suspends flights to Lebanon after Hezbollah row

Flights to and from Lebanon have been suspended by Gulf Air until March 31, a day after the kingdom warned its nationals not to travel there following declarations of support by Hezbollah for protests in the kingdom.

"This decision was taken after the irresponsible comments and stances from Lebanon against Bahrain, its people and leaders," Bahrain's Civil Aviation Affairs department said in a statement.

Five Lebanese nationals were detained by Bahraini authorities for alleged contacts with Lebanese Shiite armed group Hezbollah earlier in the week when they were arrested at a restaurant where they were working as waiters.

Bahrain has warned its citizens from travelling to Lebanon citing threat to their lives by outlawed groups.

"Due to threats and blatant interference in Bahrain's internal affairs from terror parties, citizens are warned and advised against travelling to Lebanon, as their safety would be endangered, " Bahrain's Foreign Ministry said in a statement.