Bahrain’s national airline, Gulf Air, has re-established a long-standing route to New York City, resuming non-stop flights for the first time in 28 years.
The service began on Wednesday, coinciding with the airline’s 75th anniversary celebrations.
Owned fully by the Bahrain government through its Sovereign Wealth Fund, Gulf Air will operate flights three times a week from Bahrain International Airport to JFK Terminal 1.
This comes after Gulf Air finalized a deal with Boeing in July, purchasing 12 Dreamliner 787-9 aircraft, with options for six additional planes as part of its growth strategy.
The aircraft on the Bahrain-New York route features a “Falcon Gold” cabin, along with 256 economy seats and 26 business-class seats.
Bahrain itself is a set of approximately 33 islands located between Saudi Arabia and Qatar.
Gulf Air executives are optimistic that American travelers will be lured to the small island nation, with attractions like the Al Fathe Grand Mosque and events such as the Formula One Grand Prix.
In September 2020, Bahrain signed the Abraham Agreement to recognize Israel, and there are discussions about possibly reinstating direct flights to Tel Aviv if President Trump’s peace agreement is implemented in Gaza.
They aim to enhance cultural and economic ties with the US, which could help them compete with larger airlines like Qatar Airways and Emirates.
According to Gulf Air’s website, JFK’s connected destinations include Delhi and Doha.
The airline had last serviced New York in 1997 as part of a broader network that included Houston.
Financial struggles, including significant losses, had delayed the airline’s return until it became profitable.
Regulatory approval was granted in April 2025, with ticket sales starting immediately. This announcement also timed with a visit from the Bahraini Crown Prince and Prime Minister to the US in July.
A codeshare partnership adds further appeal to the new route, with agreements established with American Airlines, KLM, Turkish Airlines, and others to increase passenger options.
If Bahrain succeeds in positioning itself as a gateway, it’s possible that this route could lead to further expansions in cities like Chicago and Los Angeles in the coming years.
