Gulf Air will operate three weekly flights to JFK

Gulf Air, the national carrier of the Kingdom of Bahrain, celebrated the relaunch of its direct flights from Bahrain International Airport to New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), marking a milestone in the deep-rooted friendship and strategic partnership between Bahrain and the United States.

The resumption of this route underscores the commitment of both nations to strengthen cooperation and open new horizons in trade, culture, and tourism. Gulf Air’s direct link to New York also highlights the airline’s pivotal role in connecting Bahrain to global markets, supporting economic growth, and expanding opportunities for commercial and cultural exchange, cementing the kingdom’s position as a key hub on the international aviation map.

A formal reception was held at JFK Airport to mark the occasion, attended by His Excellency Sheikh Abdullah bin Rashid Al Khalifa, Bahrain’s Ambassador to the United States; Ambassador Jamal Faris Al-Ruwaie, Permanent Representative of Bahrain to the United Nations in New York; Sarah Ahmed Buhiji, CEO of the Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority; alongside Gulf Air’s official delegation and senior airport officials. The high-profile attendance reflected the event’s significance and its role in advancing bilateral relations.

During the ceremony, Ambassador Sheikh Abdullah highlighted the strategic importance of reinstating direct flights between Bahrain and New York, describing it as a landmark moment in the historical partnership between the two nations.

Sarah Ahmed Buhiji emphasized that the launch of this direct route signifies a transformative step for Bahrain’s growing presence on the global tourism map, opening wider opportunities to engage with the U.S. market, in line with the objectives of the Tourism Strategy 2022–2026.

Simultaneously, Bahrain International Airport hosted a celebration for the inaugural direct flight to New York, attended by Khalid Hussein Tuqi, Chairman of Gulf Air Group; Elizabeth Leitchfield, U.S. Deputy Ambassador to Bahrain; Hussein Ahmed Shuaile, Undersecretary for Civil Aviation Affairs at the Ministry of Transportation and Telecommunications; along with senior Gulf Air and airport officials.

Gulf Air will operate three weekly flights to JFK, offering travelers seamless access to New York and onward connections across the Americas. As Gulf Air continues to expand its network, the airline reaffirms its commitment to providing exceptional service and bridging the East and West, further enhancing Bahrain’s status as a dynamic international travel hub.