Gulf Air is set to soar to new heights as it unveils direct flights linking Bahrain International Airport to London-Gatwick, further cementing its robust presence in the UK market. Starting March 30, 2025, as the IATA summer season kicks off, the carrier will launch three weekly flights operated by its sleek fleet of Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners—a move that not only caters to rising travel demand but also rekindles historic ties with the British Isles.
Operating on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays, these new services promise convenience and comfort for passengers. Travelers will embark on a seven-hour flight from Bahrain at 01:45, arriving in London at 06:55 local time. The return journey is equally appealing with a departure from Gatwick at 11:25, ensuring arrivals in Bahrain by 20:00. Each Dreamliner, designed to seat 282 passengers in a sophisticated two-class layout, underscores Gulf Air’s commitment to luxury and efficiency.
This expansion is more than just an increase in flight frequency—it is a testament to Gulf Air’s strategic vision. Already operating a double-daily service to London-Heathrow, the airline is doubling down on its UK presence, offering passengers enhanced connectivity not only between Bahrain and London but also to a broader array of destinations across the United Kingdom and beyond.
The historical bond between Bahrain and Britain adds an extra layer of allure to this announcement. Long before the advent of modern aviation, Bahrain was intricately linked with the British Empire, serving as a strategic outpost and trading hub. In fact, Gulf Air’s origins are steeped in this legacy; established in 1950 as Gulf Aviation, the carrier’s early days were marked by collaboration with BOAC of the UK. In 1973, a consortium of Gulf governments—including Bahrain’s—assumed control of the airline, symbolizing the deep-rooted ties that have evolved over decades.
Today, Gulf Air is ready to capture the growing appetite for travel in the region with its diversified fleet, which includes Airbus A320s, A321s, and 787-9s. The new Bahrain-Gatwick route is a bold stride in boosting trade, tourism, and cultural exchange—a fitting continuation of the longstanding connection between Bahrain and the United Kingdom.
This exciting development not only shows Gulf Air’s creative way of growing its network, but it also echoes a long history of strong partnerships and progress between two important regions.