This new service is part of Gulf Air's ongoing efforts to offer passengers more options when travelling to the British capital. London Gatwick becomes the airline’s second London destination, joining its existing operations at Heathrow Airport. Gulf Air has been flying to London Heathrow for decades, and the addition of Gatwick is seen as a timely and strategic move in response to increasing demand for air travel and a desire to provide more flexibility for travellers.
The inaugural flight, which took off from Bahrain on March 31, 2025, was met with positive reception both from passengers and aviation industry professionals. Gulf Air’s CEO, Captain Waleed Al-Alawi, expressed enthusiasm about the new service, highlighting the airline's commitment to expanding its route network and providing high-quality services to its growing international clientele. "This new route to Gatwick is a testament to Gulf Air's dedication to enhancing its connectivity between Bahrain and the UK, a key market for both business and leisure travellers," he remarked.
Gatwick's location, just 30 minutes south of Central London, offers strategic advantages for Gulf Air passengers. It is the UK’s second-largest airport in terms of passenger numbers and is a hub for various international airlines. The addition of this route enhances Gulf Air’s accessibility to London’s broader transportation network, catering to a wider range of passengers who may prefer Gatwick’s more convenient location, which serves many low-cost and charter airlines.
For Gulf Air, the move is also a step towards diversifying its European network. The airline has traditionally focused on providing services to major Middle Eastern and European cities. However, with a recovery in travel post-pandemic and an increasing number of connections between the Middle East and Europe, Gulf Air is broadening its scope to include more direct options for its passengers.
This flight route also supports Bahrain’s broader goals of boosting its tourism and business sectors. The Kingdom has been striving to position itself as a gateway to the Gulf region, and stronger connectivity with major international airports like Gatwick plays a pivotal role in achieving this. The new route is expected to bolster both inbound and outbound tourism, facilitating easier travel for people looking to explore Bahrain’s rich culture or do business in the region.
The new service also comes at a time of increasing competition in the aviation industry, particularly between Gulf-based carriers. Gulf Air’s expansion into Gatwick places it in direct competition with airlines like Emirates, Qatar Airways, and Etihad Airways, all of which operate heavily in the UK market. By adding a second London airport to its roster, Gulf Air not only diversifies its offerings but also strengthens its competitive edge in the region.
Gulf Air's operations at Gatwick will be served by its fleet of Airbus A321neo aircraft, which offer enhanced fuel efficiency and environmental sustainability compared to older models. The A321neo’s cutting-edge technology ensures a more comfortable and environmentally-friendly flying experience for passengers, while also supporting the airline’s commitment to reducing its carbon footprint.
The introduction of this new route also comes at a time of recovery in international air travel, with many airlines looking to regain their pre-pandemic networks and passenger numbers. Gulf Air’s expansion plans include additional routes to key destinations across Europe, Asia, and Africa, making this latest launch a part of a larger trend in the aviation sector.
The strategic importance of this expansion for Gulf Air extends beyond just the new route itself. It signifies the airline’s broader goals for growth in both regional and global markets. As the world slowly emerges from the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, aviation experts believe that Gulf Air’s new route to Gatwick positions the airline well for the future. With its growing network, Gulf Air is poised to strengthen its role as one of the key players in the Middle Eastern aviation market.
Despite the challenges that the airline industry continues to face, including fluctuating fuel prices and changing travel regulations, Gulf Air’s expansion demonstrates resilience and a forward-thinking approach. The company’s leadership has made it clear that it plans to continue pursuing its expansion goals, ensuring that passengers have access to a more diverse range of destinations while maintaining high standards of service and comfort.
Gulf Air’s new service to Gatwick also opens the door for future partnerships with other airlines operating from the airport. By establishing a stronger presence at Gatwick, Gulf Air could form new codeshare agreements and interline partnerships, enhancing its network even further. These collaborations could provide additional benefits for passengers, offering seamless travel options with other major airlines flying into and out of Gatwick.
Topics
Live News