Gulf Air introduces direct flights between Bahrain and Nairobi
The service will run five times weekly on Mondays, Wednesdays, Sundays, and twice on Fridays travelers with increased scheduling flexibility.
Bahrain’s national airline, Gulf Air, has officially resumed flights to Nairobi following a 13-year break, with the first plane touching down at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) today.
The service will run five times weekly on Mondays, Wednesdays, Sundays, and twice on Fridays travelers with increased scheduling flexibility.
This schedule aims to serve both leisure and business travelers, offering competitive pricing and more travel choices.
As part of Gulf Air’s 2025 growth plan, this initiative also features new European destinations.
It is anticipated to boost economic and cultural connections between Kenya and Bahrain, fostering greater tourism and trade opportunities.
These flights will be operated using the Airbus A320neo, chosen for its fuel efficiency and contemporary features that attract a wide variety of travelers.
The airline previously operated flights to Nairobi until November 2012, during which time it announced both route suspensions and promotional offers.
After a 13-year hiatus, the decision to resume services signals a strategic move to re-establish a presence in the East African market, responding to increased demand for travel connections between South Asia, East Africa, and the Gulf.
This move aligns with recent trends, such as IndiGo Airlines launching flights from India to Bahrain starting JunGulf Gulf Air,e 15, 2025, highlighting a regional push towards greater connectivity.
Nairobi, as a major East African hub, stands to gain from improved access to the Gulf, potentially attracting more tourists eager to experience Kenya’s renowned safaris and cultural heritage.
The enhanced link will also benefit business travelers by fostering trade and investment opportunities through better connectivity.
As the service rolls out, more information on flight schedules and fares is expected to be announced, helping travelers plan their trips with greater ease.
"Today, we warmly welcome Gulf Air’s inaugural flight to JKIA, ushering in a new era of connectivity between Nairobi and Bahrain. Here’s to fresh journeys, expanded options, and exciting opportunities for both business and leisure travelers. Karibu Nairobi, Gulf Air!" shared Kenya Airports Authority on their official X account.
Should demand increase, Gulf Air may consider boosting flight frequency to Nairobi, potentially offering daily services depending on passenger trends and market response in the months ahead.
Gulf Air has already highlighted Nairobi as a premier safari destination, with plans to further tailor marketing efforts toward specific traveler groups, including luxury tourists and business professionals attending regional events.
