Gulf Air Plans U.S. Launch by Mid-2025

Gulf Air is making significant strides toward entering the U.S. market, with a potential service launch projected for mid-2025. According to Jeffrey Goh, CEO of Gulf Air Group, the airline is advancing its plans as it navigates regulatory requirements and prepares for an expanded network.

The anticipated U.S. entry is part of Gulf Air’s broader strategy to enhance its global reach while leveraging operational synergies within the Gulf Air Group, which includes Bahrain International Airport (BAH). “We are seeing the light shining through the tunnel,” Goh told Aviation Week, referring to the progress made with the Bahrain Civil Aviation Authority and the U.S. FAA’s safety review. The launch timeline hinges on finalizing aircraft availability.

Although specific U.S. destinations have yet to be disclosed, New York is considered a likely candidate. Gulf Air previously operated flights to New York John F. Kennedy International Airport from July 1994 to February 1997. Since then, U.S. destinations have not been part of the airline’s network. During its previous U.S. operations, Gulf Air offered both nonstop flights from Bahrain and one-stop options via Abu Dhabi, Doha, and Larnaca.

This U.S. expansion aligns with Gulf Air’s ongoing network recalibration, which aims to balance traditional transfer traffic with a growing focus on inbound tourism. Goh emphasizes that the network adjustments support Bahrain’s national tourism strategy and enhance connectivity to key markets in China, Europe, and potentially Africa. “Our network is being adjusted to support Bahrain’s national tourism strategy,” Goh said.

An essential component of Gulf Air’s expansion strategy is the operational synergy between the airline and BAH, both managed under the Gulf Air Group umbrella. “Having the airline and the airport within the same group allows us to extract multiple layers of synergies, from capital investments to operational seamlessness,” Goh explained. This alignment facilitates smoother business operations and strategic coordination.

Fleet modernization is another crucial aspect of Gulf Air’s expansion plans. The airline is set to receive 10 Airbus A320-family aircraft and two Boeing 787-9s by 2027, although global supply chain challenges are prompting a cautious approach. “We are revising our fleet requirements in line with our network recalibration,” Goh noted.

Despite these challenges, Goh remains optimistic about Gulf Air’s future. “We are well positioned to capture a significant share of the global aviation market, even with the intense competition in the region,” he said. The airline’s commitment to connectivity and customer service excellence is expected to drive its success.

In addition to its U.S. expansion plans, Gulf Air is preparing to showcase Bahrain’s connectivity capabilities at Routes World 2024. This event will offer a platform for the airline to demonstrate Bahrain’s potential and opportunities for enhanced global connectivity. “This is a chance for us to demonstrate Bahrain’s capabilities and opportunities for connectivity,” Goh added.