Gulf Air is all set to start non-stop flight between Bahrain and US for the first time since 1997. The US Transportation Department (DOT) recently received an application requesting a foreign air carrier permit and exemption authority to operate scheduled and charter services.
In its application, Gulf Air said it anticipates launching nonstop service from Bahrain to the US upon receiving government approvals. It further added that the plans were in the public interest as they will provide additional shipping and transport options between the countries.
Gulf Air previously served New York John F Kennedy (JFK) from July 1994 to February 1997. According to data provided by DOT, various routes to the US city were offered during that time, including nonstop flights from Bahrain as well as one-stop options via Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates, Doha in Qatar, and Larnaca in Cyprus.
Speaking in 2019, Kresimir Kucko, CEO said: “A return to the US was on the cards and the carrier hoped to begin flights on its own metal within three years. The airline currently holds exemption authority from the DOT, authorizing it to market service via codeshares with American Airlines and Etihad Airways.”
Gulf Air was established in 1950 and currently serves markets in 28 countries across Europe, the Middle East, Southeast Asia, and Africa with a fleet of 33 aircraft, including seven Boeing 787-9s.
Gulf Air plans to operate passenger, freight, and mail flights between the countries under the full extent of the US-Bahrain air transport agreement of May 1999.