Saturday, September 14, 2024 Bahrain’s national carrier, Gulf Air, is preparing for a potential U.S. market debut, with plans to launch flights by mid-2025, according to Gulf Air Group CEO Jeffrey Goh.
The airline, which has been absent from the U.S. since the 1990s, is looking to expand its network and capitalize on synergies within its group, including Bahrain’s national airport.
Although specific U.S. destinations have yet to be announced, New York is believed to be a primary target.
Gulf Air previously operated flights to New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport from 1994 to 1997, offering both nonstop and one-stop services through hubs like Abu Dhabi, Doha, and Larnaca. The airline is now exploring a return as part of its broader strategy to rebalance its network, focusing on both transfer traffic and inbound tourism.
Goh emphasized the operational synergies between Gulf Air and Bahrain Airport Company, both under the Gulf Air Group umbrella, as key factors in the expansion plans. The airline is also bolstering its fleet with 10 new Airbus A320-family aircraft and two Boeing 787-9s expected by 2027, though Goh noted the need for caution due to ongoing global supply chain issues. Gulf Air’s potential U.
S. entry coincides with Bahrain’s upcoming hosting of Routes World 2024, an international aviation event aimed at showcasing the country’s connectivity..