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Gulf Air seeks approval for direct flights between Bahrain and US

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Gulf Air seeks approval for direct flights between Bahrain and US
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Simple Flying | Simple Flying

Gulf Air has taken a significant step towards launching direct flights between Bahrain and the United States. The airline recently submitted an application to the United States Department of Transportation (DOT) seeking permission to operate these flights using its own aircraft.

Currently, Gulf Air is limited to marketing flights to the US through codeshare arrangements or wet leases. However, on December 4, the airline filed for an exemption and amendment of its foreign air carrier permit. This request aims to enable Gulf Air to conduct operations with its own fleet, likely involving their Boeing 787-9 aircraft. This model is currently the only long-haul capable jet in Gulf Air's fleet, which includes ten such planes.

In a statement included in their application, Gulf Air expressed a desire for "the Department [to] remove the condition limiting Gulf Air’s operations to the U.S. to codeshare service or wetlease flights operated by a duly authorized and properly supervised U.S. or foreign air carrier and allow Gulf Air to operate using its own aircraft and crews."

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Jeffrey Goh, CEO of Gulf Air, highlighted during an event in October that while there are plans for US flights, several challenges have been encountered. He suggested that operations might commence when conditions are favorable, possibly indicating a return in 2025.

Historically, Gulf Air operated routes from Bahrain to New York's JFK Airport via various international stops due to refueling needs with older aircraft models like the Airbus A340-300. The market demand was limited; as noted by Simple Flying's James Pearson, only about 7,000 passengers traveled this route up until July of this year.

The application submitted by Gulf Air did not disclose financial details or government contributions publicly as they were filed under confidentiality requests.

The backdrop of this move involves past disputes where major US carriers accused Middle Eastern airlines of receiving unfair subsidies. This issue was resolved in 2018 with agreements on financial transparency under Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP).

While direct services are yet to be realized, Gulf Air maintains a robust codeshare network with American Airlines covering multiple US destinations and collaborates with Etihad Airways for routes connecting Bahrain and Washington Dulles International Airport via Abu Dhabi.

Additionally, Bahrain's recent achievement of a Category 1 rating from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) confirms compliance with international safety standards. This milestone allows Bahraini airlines more freedom in establishing direct services or codeshare agreements with US carriers.

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