Gulf Air Set to Launch New US Flights After Permit Approval

Gulf Air Set to Resume Services to the United States in 2025

Gulf Air, Bahrain’s esteemed national carrier, is on the verge of a significant announcement: the resumption of flights to the United States. This exciting development comes after the U.S. Department of Transportation granted Gulf Air an operating license, paving the way for the airline’s return to American skies after a decades-long absence. The airline previously offered flights to Houston and New York from 1994 until 1997, when operational challenges halted services.

The prospect of Gulf Air’s return to the U.S. has been a topic of speculation for years. In September 2024, Gulf Air’s CEO, Jeffrey Goh, indicated that services could commence "by mid-2025." This ambitious timeline follows substantial advancements by the Bahrain Civil Aviation Authority in meeting FAA safety standards, which are crucial for the airline’s re-entry into the U.S. market.

Gulf Air’s Journey Back to U.S. Operations

The road to resuming flights to the U.S. has been long and complex. Gulf Air has been vocal about its intentions to re-establish transatlantic services, with previous CEO Kresimir Kucko expressing hope in 2010 for a return within three years. However, the COVID-19 pandemic temporarily derailed these plans.

• Key Milestones in Gulf Air’s Resumption:
  • 2024: CEO Jeffrey Goh announces potential service launch by mid-2025.
  • FAA Compliance: Bahrain Civil Aviation Authority meets safety standards.
  • Operating Permit: U.S. Department of Transportation awards Gulf Air the necessary license.

Jeffrey Goh, who has experience with Star Alliance, confirmed that if all goes according to plan, Gulf Air could initiate flights to the U.S. in mid-2025, pending aircraft availability.

Expanded Fleet and Routes

Gulf Air is not just planning to return; it is also modernizing its fleet. The airline boasts a contemporary lineup of 32 Airbus narrowbodies and ten Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners, with an average fleet age of just six years. Currently, Gulf Air operates 56 routes to 52 destinations across 31 countries, showcasing its extensive network that reaches from London Heathrow to Manila.

Anticipated Flights to New York

According to travel sources, Gulf Air is expected to announce its resumption of services on the 6,613-mile route between Bahrain International Airport (BAH) and New York-JFK Airport (JFK) by early September 2025. Initial plans indicate flights will operate three times weekly. The Gulf Air Boeing 787 is slated to depart Bahrain in the early morning, arriving in New York late the same morning, with return flights scheduled for mid-afternoon.

A Transformed Home Base

In tandem with Gulf Air’s modernization, Bahrain International Airport has also undergone significant upgrades. The new $1.1 billion terminal, which opened in mid-2022, enhances the travel experience for passengers and supports the airline’s ambitious expansion plans.

As Gulf Air positions itself for a triumphant return to the U.S. market, travelers can look forward to exciting new opportunities for transatlantic travel.

Call to Action: What are your thoughts on Gulf Air’s return to the U.S.? Share your opinions in the comments below, and check out our other articles for the latest updates on airline news and travel trends. For more information on Gulf Air’s fleet, visit ch-aviation.