Gulf Air to launch first-ever transatlantic service

Gulf Air, the national carrier of Bahrain, is set to launch a direct Bahrain-New York service, marking the airline’s first-ever transatlantic route and a significant milestone in its international expansion strategy. 

 

With this landmark launch, Bahrain joins a select group of GCC hubs offering direct flights to New York, including Dubai-based Emirates, Doha-based Qatar Airways and Saudia, which made headlines last year when it launched direct Riyadh-New York flights.

 

Starting 1 October 2025, the new Gulf Air service will operate three times a week, departing Bahrain International Airport (BAH) every Wednesday, Friday and Sunday aboard the airline’s state-of-the-art Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner. 

 

With 282 seats, including 26 in business class, the aircraft will transport passengers directly to New York’s JFK International Airport, utilising Terminal 1 for initial operations. 

 

Once Bahrain’s new Terminal One is completed in June 2026, Gulf Air plans to move its operation there, offering an even more enhanced passenger experience.

 

Gulf Air flight GF001 will leave BAH at 04:00, arriving in JFK at 10:55 local time, while the return leg will depart JFK as GF002 at 15:00, touching down at BAH at 10:35 the following day. 

 

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This launch comes amid growing commercial and diplomatic links between Bahrain and the US, and reflects Gulf Air’s commitment to expanding its footprint in key markets. 

 

Following a passenger increase of 5.4% to 6.2 million in 2024, Gulf Air has this year launched a direct route to London Gatwick, its second London service after Heathrow, as well as seasonal services to several key European destinations. 

 

Commenting on the launch, Gulf Air CEO Jeffrey Goh said: “This service aligns with Gulf Air’s strategy of calibrated expansion and serving strategic markets, providing passengers with greater choice and convenience for travel, through Bahrain International Airport, between Bahrain and North America, and beyond, supporting the connectivity strategy of the kingdom.”

 

In the last 18 months, the airline has also launched six new routes including to two destinations in Greece and two in China, added flights to key destinations including Manchester in the UK, Milan and Rome in Italy and Singapore, taken delivery of two new A321NEO aircraft, bringing the total fleet size to 42, agreed 23 partnership agreements with other carriers and expanded its codeshare network to 20 partners.

 

For more information, visit www.gulfair.com