Bahrain’s national airline, Gulf Air, plans to increase its London flights by 30%. The airline is focusing on expanding its presence in the UK after reviewing its network. London tops the list for expansion as Gulf Air aims to grow its international reach.

Currently, Gulf Air operates two daily flights to London Heathrow from Bahrain. The airline also services Manchester. The 30% increase in capacity to London shows Gulf Air’s commitment to expanding its global network.

Expanding to London brings challenges. One major hurdle is slot availability at Heathrow, one of the world’s busiest airports. Gulf Air faces fierce competition for these slots, making this task difficult. If Heathrow remains unavailable, Gulf Air will explore Gatwick as an alternative.

Another obstacle is securing the aircraft to support this growth. Gulf Air, like many airlines, has faced disruptions due to grounded planes. Global supply chain delays have affected aircraft manufacturers and, consequently, airlines worldwide.

While London remains a priority, Gulf Air also targets other international markets. The airline plans to expand to India and the Maldives. Gulf Air has already added routes to Shanghai and Munich, broadening its network.

Gulf Air’s strategy involves evaluating its network based on demand and market potential. The airline aims for disciplined growth and plans to introduce new destinations up to 2028.

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