Gulf Air Eyes September 2025 Launch for Bahrain–New York JFK Flights
ID 301091355 | Air 787 © Evren Kalinbacak | Dreamstime.com
Gulf Air is preparing to make a long-awaited return to the United States with new service planned between Bahrain International Airport (BAH) and New York John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK). The route would mark the carrier’s first flight to the U.S. in over 25 years and represents a significant milestone in its ongoing transformation strategy.
Gulf Air’s Evolution and Modernization
Founded in 1974 as a joint venture between Bahrain, Qatar, Abu Dhabi, and Oman, Gulf Air was once the region’s dominant carrier. However, the rise of Emirates, Qatar Airways, Etihad, and Oman Air shifted the balance of power in the Gulf. Over the past decade, Gulf Air has undergone a substantial overhaul to reposition itself as a boutique premium airline.
Key developments include:
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Modernization of the long-haul fleet with Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners (10 in fleet, 2 more on order)
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Introduction of Airbus A321neo and A321neo LR aircraft, some with lie-flat business class seats
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Expansion of Bahrain’s passenger terminal to support international growth
The airline currently operates to destinations across Europe, Asia, and Africa, with London (LHR) and Manila (MNL) marking the westernmost and easternmost points of its present network.
New York Flights Approved and Imminent
In April 2025, the U.S. Department of Transportation issued Gulf Air a Foreign Air Carrier Permit, clearing the way for the airline to operate flights to the United States. While no official start date has been published, sources indicate that 3x weekly service between Bahrain (BAH) and New York (JFK) is expected to begin in early September 2025.
Preliminary routing plans suggest:
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Eastbound: Departure from BAH in the early morning; arrival at JFK late morning (local time)
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Westbound: Departure from JFK mid-afternoon; arrival in BAH midday the following day
The 6,613-mile route will be operated by Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners, which feature Apex Suites in business class, known for direct aisle access and enhanced privacy.
One notable consideration is the aircraft configuration—Gulf Air’s 787s are not believed to be equipped with crew rest bunks, which raises operational questions for the long-haul routing.
Strategic Motivations Behind the U.S. Relaunch
Gulf Air’s decision to re-enter the U.S. market is likely more symbolic and strategic than commercial. The airline will face steep competition from larger Gulf rivals:
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Emirates (multiple daily flights to JFK and other U.S. gateways)
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Qatar Airways (Qsuite-equipped aircraft from Doha)
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Etihad Airways (expanding U.S. presence and alliance partnerships)
Gulf Air’s CEO has acknowledged that the carrier cannot compete on scale or frequency and instead will differentiate through product quality and Arabian hospitality.
“You can only compete in quality. I can compete with any airline, no matter the size, with the quality of my product,” the former CEO noted.
While point-to-point demand between New York and Bahrain remains limited, Gulf Air may leverage connectivity through its Bahrain hub and its partnership with Air Canada to attract connecting passengers between North America, the Middle East, and South Asia.
Bottom Line
Gulf Air is expected to return to the U.S. market with new nonstop service between Bahrain (BAH) and New York (JFK) beginning in September 2025, operated 3x weekly with Boeing 787-9s. With modern aircraft, an upgraded hub, and a focus on service, Gulf Air is positioning itself as a boutique premium player in an intensely competitive transatlantic market. Whether the route proves commercially viable remains to be seen, but it certainly signals the airline’s global ambitions and continued resurgence.
