WASHINGTON— Gulf Air (GF), the national airline of the Kingdom of Bahrain, has announced the launch of direct flights to New York John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK). The announcement coincided with the official visit of HRH Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, to Washington D.C. (IAD).
The new Bahrain International Airport (BAH) to New York (JFK) route will commence on October 1, 2025, with three weekly services operated by the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner. This marks Gulf Air’s strategic return to the North American market.
Photo: By Anna Zvereva from Tallinn, Estonia – Gulf Air (Retro Livery), A9C-FG, Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, CC BY-SA 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=87549465Gulf Air New York Flights
The newly announced service between Bahrain and New York positions Gulf Air (GF) within a highly competitive transatlantic market.
With the addition of JFK (New York), Gulf Air strengthens Bahrain’s connectivity to a major global economic and cultural hub, enhancing opportunities for both business and leisure travelers.
Initially, Gulf Air flights will operate from Terminal One at JFK Airport, with plans to shift to the newly developed New Terminal One in June 2026.
This move aims to align with Gulf Air’s commitment to premium service standards, offering travelers a modern and seamless airport experience.
Jeffrey Goh, CEO of Gulf Air Group, emphasized the strategic importance of this launch:
We are excited to announce direct flights to New York JFK, supporting our calibrated growth strategy. This move enhances passenger choices and supports the Kingdom of Bahrain’s broader connectivity ambitions.”
Jeffrey Goh, CEO of Gulf Air Group
The decision to re-enter the North American market reflects Gulf Air’s objective of expanding in strategic markets with strong commercial relevance.
The choice of the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner ensures passengers enjoy advanced in-flight comfort, improved cabin environments, and state-of-the-art amenities.
Photo: Anna Zvereva | FlickrFlight Schedule, Booking, and Passenger Convenience
Starting October 1, 2025, Gulf Air’s Bahrain to New York service will operate thrice weekly, catering to growing demand for direct connectivity between the Middle East and the U.S. East Coast.
Passengers can book tickets through the Gulf Air mobile app, the official website (gulfair.com), or through accredited travel agents. Flight timings and operational updates are also available via these platforms, ensuring passengers remain well-informed about schedules and services.
The transition to JFK’s New Terminal One in mid-2026 is expected to further elevate the passenger experience, featuring upgraded facilities, improved lounge access, and efficient transit options.
Photo: By Anna Zvereva from Tallinn, Estonia – Gulf Air, A9C-TD, Airbus A320-251N, CC BY-SA 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=87337872Strong Comeback
The airline, once a dominant force in the Gulf region, is now seeking to re-establish itself amid fierce competition from regional giants like Emirates (EK) and Qatar Airways (QR).
CEO Jeffrey Goh has outlined the carrier’s transformation strategy, centered on a modernized fleet and an expanded route network.
Gulf Air’s comeback is anchored by a comprehensive fleet renewal plan. The airline currently operates 10 Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners configured with the luxurious Apex Suites in business class, with two additional Dreamliners on order.
These long-haul aircraft form the backbone of Gulf Air’s intercontinental ambitions, setting the stage for new destinations such as New York and potentially Houston.
In parallel, Gulf Air is bolstering its regional presence with 16 Airbus A321neos, including long-range (LR) variants. These aircraft are tailored for medium-haul services and feature lie-flat beds in business class, elevating the experience for regional travelers.
The upgraded fleet enhances efficiency and passenger comfort, both critical to competing with the Gulf’s top-tier airlines.
The carrier’s current route map spans from London in the west to Manila in the east, offering extensive connectivity across Europe, the Middle East, and Asia.
Intense Competition
Adding U.S. cities—particularly New York, a high-profile global hub, and Houston, with its strategic oil industry connections—would significantly elevate Gulf Air’s status on the world stage. This expansion aligns with Bahrain’s broader geopolitical and economic interests, especially in strengthening ties with the United States.
However, Gulf Air faces considerable challenges in capturing premium market share, where customer loyalty is often tied to established products like Emirates’ iconic A380 business class or Qatar Airways’ acclaimed Qsuite.
To succeed, Gulf Air must not only showcase its upgraded cabins and services but also effectively market its unique blend of Bahraini hospitality and personalized service to a discerning international clientele.
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