Gulf Air Debuts Nonstop Bahrain-Nairobi Route
Expanding African Footprint
Gulf Air, the national carrier of the Kingdom of Bahrain, has officially launched direct flights between Bahrain International Airport (BAH) and Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) in Nairobi, Kenya. The new route marks a significant step in the airline's strategic expansion across the African continent and strengthens bilateral ties between Bahrain and Kenya.
The inaugural flight, which departed from Bahrain on June 5, 2025, was welcomed with a traditional water cannon salute at Nairobi’s airport and a formal reception attended by Gulf Air executives, aviation authorities, and Kenyan dignitaries. The move highlights growing economic and tourism links between the two regions, and Nairobi becomes Gulf Air’s first gateway into East Africa.
فيديو ذات صلة
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Flight Schedule and Aircraft Details
Gulf Air will operate the new Bahrain-Nairobi route with four weekly flights using its modern Airbus A321neo aircraft. This next-generation aircraft offers improved fuel efficiency and features the airline’s latest cabin products across both Falcon Gold (business class) and economy class.
Flight GF 104 departs Bahrain at 9:50 PM and lands in Nairobi at 2:15 AM the next day. The return leg, GF 105, departs Nairobi at 3:15 AM and arrives in Bahrain at 8:35 AM, ensuring convenient connections to Europe, the Middle East, and Asia through Gulf Air’s central hub in Bahrain.
Boosting Business and Leisure Travel
The launch of this route is expected to significantly enhance travel and trade opportunities between Bahrain and Kenya. Nairobi, a major business and technology hub in Africa, is home to several multinational companies, NGOs, and startups, making it an attractive destination for Bahraini and GCC investors. Likewise, the new route opens up Bahrain and the Gulf region to Kenyan business travelers and tourists.
Gulf Air CEO Capt. Waleed Al Alawi stated, "The introduction of Nairobi to our network reflects our commitment to expanding our presence in Africa and providing more travel choices for our customers. We look forward to facilitating stronger economic, cultural, and tourism exchanges between our two countries."
Strengthening Gulf Air's Global Network
This new addition brings Gulf Air’s destination network to over 55 cities across Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and now East Africa. The Nairobi service is part of a broader strategy to grow Gulf Air’s international reach while focusing on high-demand and under-served routes.
The airline recently received Skytrax’s 4-Star Airline rating and has consistently invested in fleet modernization and service enhancements to meet evolving passenger expectations.
Travel Requirements and Connectivity
Passengers traveling from Nairobi to Bahrain or beyond are encouraged to check visa and health requirements in advance. Gulf Air offers seamless transit services at Bahrain International Airport, known for its efficiency and luxury amenities. The Nairobi route is now open for bookings on Gulf Air’s official website, mobile app, and through travel agents.