Gulf Air, the national carrier of Bahrain, has officially resumed flights to Nairobi after a 13-year hiatus, with the inaugural flight landing at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) today. This marks a significant return for the airline, which had previously served this route until November 2012.

The newly established route will operate five flights each week, specifically on Mondays, Wednesdays, Sundays, and two flights on Fridays. This schedule is tailored to offer flexibility for both leisure and business travelers, potentially providing competitive fares and a greater variety of travel options.

The airline will utilize the Airbus A320neo aircraft for these flights, known for their efficiency and modern amenities that appeal to a wide range of passengers. The resumption of flights reflects Gulf Air’s strategic decision to re-enter the East African market, driven by rising demand for travel connections between South Asia, East Africa, and the Gulf region.

Nairobi serves as a crucial hub in East Africa, which will benefit from improved access to the Gulf. This enhanced connectivity is expected to draw more visitors interested in Kenya’s safari adventures and cultural experiences. Additionally, business travelers may find improved opportunities for trade and investment as a result of the new flight services.

Kenya Airports Authority expressed their enthusiasm for the inaugural flight, stating, “Today, we proudly receive the Gulf Air inaugural flight to JKIA, marking a new chapter in connectivity between Nairobi and Bahrain. Here’s to new journeys, more choices, and exciting opportunities for business and leisure. Karibu Nairobi, Gulf Air!”

The airline is considering increasing the frequency of flights to daily services if demand rises, depending on passenger numbers and market response over the coming months. Gulf Air has already started promoting Nairobi as a prime safari destination and plans to enhance marketing efforts targeting specific traveler segments, including luxury tourists and business professionals attending regional conferences.