Gulf Air

Gulf Air, the national airline of Bahrain, began operations on March 24, 1950, as Gulf Aviation, a joint venture between the United Kingdom and the Gulf emirates of Bahrain, Qatar, and the Trucial States. Its initial fleet of five Avro Ansons linked Bahrain, Doha, Sharjah, and Dubai. British Overseas Airways Corporation (BOAC) held a co-ownership stake until 1973, when the Gulf states acquired full control. In 1974, the airline was renamed Gulf Air, with ownership split equally among Bahrain, Oman, Qatar, and the UAE. That partnership dissolved in the early 2000s: Qatar withdrew in 2002 to form Qatar Airways, the UAE left in 2003, and Oman exited in 2007, leaving Bahrain as the sole owner.

Headquartered in Muharraq, adjacent to Bahrain International Airport, Gulf Air now serves 65 destinations across 38 countries. Its busiest route is to Dubai International, with over 95 weekly flights. The airline operates a mixed fleet of Airbus A320, A321, and A320neo family jets alongside Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners. Its product lineup includes Falcon Gold Class (premium lie-flat seats), Business Class on select regional routes, Economy Class, and the recently introduced Flying Grand Class, a premium economy option available on certain Dreamliner routes. The FalconFlyer loyalty program and SkyVisions in-flight entertainment round out the passenger experience. Gulf Air Cargo handles freight services.

The airline positions itself as a boutique flag carrier, emphasizing connectivity and Bahraini hospitality rather than scale. It sponsors the Bahrain Grand Prix and the Bahrain International Airshow. In 2022, revenue rose 35% year-on-year as passenger traffic rebounded, and the airline aims to return to profitability by 2025 with government support. Codeshare agreements with American Airlines, British Airways, and Singapore Airlines extend its global reach.[edit]