Exciting news is on the horizon for Gulf Air, the national carrier of Bahrain in the Middle East, as speculations swirl about the airline's plans to resume services between Bahrain and the United States. The US Department of Transportation has granted Gulf Air an operating license, allowing the carrier to resume flights to destinations in the US after a long absence, particularly to Houston and New York. This news comes after years of anticipation from Gulf Air executives, hinting at a possible return to transatlantic flights.

Bahrain's Civil Aviation Authority has recently made significant strides in meeting FAA safety standards, setting the stage for Gulf Air's comeback in the US. The airline's CEO, Jeffrey Goh, expressed eagerness to restart US flights as soon as suitable aircraft become available. This follows the former CEO, Kresimir Kucko's earlier aspirations to resume US operations, which were temporarily disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Gulf Air, once overshadowed by Gulf 'Big Three' players like Emirates, Etihad, and Qatar Airways, is now re-establishing its international presence. With a modern fleet that includes Airbus narrowbodies and Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner widebodies, Gulf Air operates on numerous routes spanning over 31 countries, from Europe to the Far East.

Industry insiders suggest that Gulf Air is gearing up to launch three weekly flights covering the 6,613-mile route between Bahrain International Airport and New York-JFK Airport by early September 2025. These flights are expected to offer travelers convenient timings, departing from Bahrain in the morning and arriving in New York by midday, with return flights departing in the afternoon.

Not only has Gulf Air undergone a significant transformation in recent years, but its home base airport in Bahrain has also seen a major makeover, with a new $1.1 billion terminal opening in mid-2022. Stay tuned as Gulf Air spreads its wings once again, aiming for a successful resurgence in the international aviation scene.