Gulf Air Schedules U.S. Return After Nearly Three Decades

gulf air 787-9
Credit: Rob Finlayson

Gulf Air is returning to the U.S. market for the first time in nearly 30 years with the launch of nonstop flights between Bahrain and New York John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK).

Beginning Oct. 1, the airline plans to operate three weekly flights using Boeing 787-9 aircraft, initially serving JFK’s current Terminal One before transitioning to the under-construction New Terminal One in June 2026.

“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,” Gulf Air CEO Jeffrey Goh says.

The launch comes after a prolonged effort by Bahrain’s Civil Aviation Authority to obtain Category 1 safety status from the U.S. FAA. The designation, granted in late 2024, allows Bahraini airlines to establish direct air service to the U.S. under codeshare or their own operations.

Gulf Air previously served JFK between 1994 and 1997, operating a mix of nonstop and one-stop routes via cities such as Abu Dhabi, Doha and Larnaca, Cyprus. The airline has since concentrated on its role as a regional connector—although a shift toward point-to-point growth and support for Bahrain’s tourism strategy has brought the U.S. back into focus.

The carrier operates a fleet of 10 787-9s and 33 Airbus A320-family aircraft, with two more 787-9s set for delivery by early 2027. Gulf Air has also signed a lease deal for five more A320neos and three A321neos.

Despite recent reliability issues with Rolls-Royce Trent 1000-powered 787s, Goh in June said that performance has improved, enabling greater operational stability ahead of the U.S. relaunch. The New York service is expected to be the first step in a broader network expansion, with Gulf Air planning to add up to 25 new destinations and increase its fleet to around 50 aircraft over the next five years.

David Casey

David Casey is Editor in Chief of Routes, the global route development community's trusted source for news and information.