Gulf Air Adds Three New Routes in April 2026, Expanding Middle East Connectivity

Bahrain's national carrier adds Athens, Istanbul, and Thiruvananthapuram to its growing Dammam network.

Gulf Air, the national carrier of Bahrain, has strengthened its temporary flight network this April by introducing three new international routes, enhancing travel options across the Middle East. The expansion comes at a crucial time, offering improved connectivity to key regions such as South Asia and Southern Europe. With ongoing operational adjustments in the Gulf, these additional routes provide greater flexibility and alternative journey options, making it easier for passengers to navigate through the region with minimal disruption.

Bahrain's airspace has been closed since late February 2026 following a sharp escalation of regional tensions in the Gulf. The Bahrain Civil Aviation Affairs authority, acting alongside the country's Ministry of Transportation and Telecommunications, suspended all flights from Bahrain International Airport as an emergency measure.

In response, Gulf Air swiftly relocated its operations to King Fahd International Airport in Dammam, Saudi Arabia — approximately 85 kilometres from Bahrain's capital, Manama. What began as an emergency pivot has grown into a 13-route international network, connecting passengers to destinations across Europe, South Asia, Southeast Asia, and Africa. The London Heathrow service continues to operate from Dammam, keeping that vital link between Britain and the Gulf firmly in place.

For passengers originating from Bahrain, Gulf Air has arranged a dedicated ground shuttle service across the King Fahd Causeway — the well-established road link connecting the two countries. The airline is also assisting travellers with Saudi transit visas, so those using the ground transfer need not worry about sorting the paperwork independently. Passengers whose final destination is Saudi Arabia, however, will still need a valid Saudi entry visa arranged separately beforehand.

Gulf Air's Dammam operations are confirmed through to at least 30 April 2026, after which the situation will be reviewed based on developments surrounding Bahrain's airspace. A return to normal services from Bahrain International Airport will only happen once authorities formally declare the airspace safe and open — no fixed date has been confirmed as yet.

Anyone with an existing Gulf Air booking should verify their departure airport immediately, as flights now operate from Dammam (DMM) rather than Bahrain (BAH). Affected passengers can rebook free of charge onto alternative flights up to 30 June 2026, or request a full refund. Checking that your travel insurance covers regional airspace disruption is also strongly advisable.

At Crystal Travel, our team is on hand to help you review your booking, explore your options, and travel with complete peace of mind. Get in touch with us today for tailored advice and support.