Manama, April 7, 2026:
Bahrain’s national carrier, Gulf Air, has announced a significant expansion of its international network by introducing new routes connecting key cities across South Asia and the Middle East. The airline will now operate services to Kochi in India, Lahore and Islamabad in Pakistan, and Dhaka in Bangladesh, strengthening regional connectivity.
The move is part of Gulf Air’s broader strategy to enhance its presence in high-demand travel corridors, particularly among expatriate communities and business travellers. These destinations are expected to witness strong passenger traffic due to the large number of South Asian expatriates living and working in the Gulf region.
According to the airline, the addition of Kochi is particularly significant, as Kerala has a substantial expatriate population in Bahrain and other Gulf countries. The new service is expected to provide greater convenience for travellers, reducing travel time and offering more direct connectivity between the regions.
Flights to Lahore and Islamabad will cater to the growing demand from Pakistani expatriates, while the Dhaka route aims to serve Bangladeshi workers and business travellers in the Gulf. The expansion reflects Gulf Air’s focus on connecting key labour and trade markets with Bahrain.
Officials stated that the new routes will also support economic and tourism ties between Bahrain and South Asian countries. By improving accessibility, the airline aims to boost passenger traffic and strengthen bilateral relations through increased travel and commerce.
Gulf Air has been actively working on expanding its route network and modernizing its fleet as part of its long-term growth strategy. The latest additions are expected to further enhance the airline’s competitiveness in the region.
