Bahrain: The Latest, TRAVEL - April 7, 2026

Gulf Air Adds 4 New South Asian Routes to Its Flight Network

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Gulf Air has added four new South Asian destinations to its temporary flight operations from the King Fahd International Airport in Dammam. Lahore, Islamabad, Kochi, and Dhaka are now part of this network, bringing the total number of routes to 17.

The expansion strengthens connections to Pakistan, Bangladesh, and southern India, three corridors with significant demand from Bahrain’s resident community.

All 17 Destinations Now Available From Dammam

Gulf Air’s temporary network from Dammam now covers 17 international destinations across four continents:

Europe: London Heathrow, Paris Charles de Gaulle, Frankfurt, Istanbul, and Athens

South and Southeast Asia: Mumbai, Chennai, Thiruvananthapuram, Kochi, Lahore, Islamabad, Dhaka, Bangkok, and Manila

Middle East and Africa: Cairo, Casablanca, and Nairobi

With Kochi joining Mumbai, Chennai, and Thiruvananthapuram, Gulf Air is now operating four routes into India from Dammam. The two Pakistan routes and the Dhaka service fill gaps for communities with limited alternative options as the airspace in Bahrain continues to remain closed.

Getting to King Fahd International Airport

Passengers need to cross the King Fahd Causeway into Saudi Arabia and travel to King Fahd International Airport (DMM) in Dammam.

Gulf Air continues to run an organised bus service from Bahrain directly to the airport. Passengers using the bus benefit from facilitated transit visas for Saudi Arabia, so the border crossing is handled as part of the journey. There is no need to apply for a transit visa separately if you are using this service.

If you are making your own way to the airport, the facilitated transit visa does not apply. If Saudi Arabia is your final destination, you will need to arrange your own entry visa independently.

Allow extra time for the causeway crossing, particularly during peak hours and weekends.

How to Book Your Flights?

Flights can be booked through the usual channels:

  • The Gulf Air website (gulfair.com)
  • The Gulf Air mobile app
  • Any authorised travel agent

Schedules and availability are updated regularly. Check the website or app for confirmed timings before making plans, as frequencies for the newer routes may still be subject to change.

When Will Bahrain Airport Reopen?

There is no confirmed date yet. Gulf Air has stated that regular services from Bahrain International Airport will resume once the Civil Aviation Affairs declares it safe to reopen the Kingdom’s airspace.

In the meantime, the Dammam operation continues to grow. What launched as a 10-route emergency network has now expanded to 17 destinations covering the major travel corridors Bahrain residents depend on. For the latest updates, visit gulfair.com or check the Gulf Air app.

READ MORE: Crossing King Fahd Causeway – A List of Prohibited Items

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