Gulf Air, the national carrier of the Kingdom of Bahrain, is a full-service airline operating throughout the Middle East with key connections to Europe and Asia. While it can’t match the extensive networks and mega-hub airports of neighbours like Emirates or Qatar Airways, Gulf Air has carved out its own niche with competitive fares and convenient connectivity (the airline offers service to over 40 destinations across Africa, Asia, and Europe from its main base at Bahrain International Airport).
This guide will help you make the most of your next trip with this Bahraini carrier, from understanding its route sweet spots to taking advantage of unique perks like the Sky Nanny service.
The airline’s route map
Gulf Air operates throughout the Middle East with connections to Europe and Asia, focusing on what it does best: linking travellers between these regions via its Bahrain hub. The airline’s sweet spot is the Indian subcontinent and western Asia, where it carries significant connecting traffic from Europe to destinations in India and Pakistan.
While Gulf Air has scaled back from distant points like Hong Kong, Melbourne and Sydney (it can’t match the extensive networks of Emirates or Qatar Airways), it maintains key long-haul routes to Bangkok, Manila, Shanghai and Singapore. These Asian destinations often come at more attractive prices than the competition, making Gulf Air a smart choice for price-conscious travellers heading east from Europe.
The carrier operates to multiple GCC and Middle Eastern countries and continues growing its presence in the regions where it’s found success as a transfer airline.
Aircraft fleet
Gulf Air operates Airbus A320-200, A320neo, A321neo and A321ER aircraft on short and medium-haul routes, with Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners handling longer sectors. Here’s what makes the fleet noteworthy: Gulf Air has installed flat-bed seats in its A321s, which it often deploys on longer European routes. You don’t typically see lie-flat business class on a narrowbody plane, and it’s especially valuable on shorter overnight flights.
The A320s feature traditional recliner seats in business class (2-2 layout) and standard economy seating (3-3 configuration). The Dreamliners step things up with staggered 2-2-2 business class seats that give every passenger direct aisle access, even at the window. Economy class uses a 3-3-3 layout with decent legroom.
Inflight amenities
Gulf Air is a full-service airline offering all the expected perks on the ground and in the air. These are some of the inflight services you will find when flying Gulf Air.
Onboard entertainment
Gulf Air provides entertainment on all aircraft, though the delivery method varies by plane type. Dreamliners (B787-9s) have seatback entertainment touch screens at every seat loaded with movies, TV shows, music and games. Narrowbody aircraft use streaming entertainment instead, letting you watch the same content library on your own device. Every seat includes a power outlet, which is particularly handy when you’re streaming to your phone or tablet.
Inflight Wi-Fi
The airline recently introduced ‘Falcon Wi-Fi’ on its Boeing 787-9 and Airbus A321neo aircraft, and Gulf Air is rolling out complimentary Starlink high-speed Wi-Fi across its entire fleet, beginning with its Airbus A320 aircraft. Check the Gulf Air website to see if your plane has this amenity.
Meal service
Gulf Air serves meals in both cabins on every flight, though the shortest routes skip hot options. Business class gets the full treatment: courses served on linen-covered tables with dine-on-demand timing, so you control when and what you eat. Economy class typically offers two hot meal choices.
Both cabins can order from a full bar menu (wine, beer, spirits) at no charge, except on flights to dry countries like Saudi Arabia and Kuwait. You can pre-select your meal up to 24 hours before departure, and special dietary options can be requested in advance.
Nanny service
This is a neat feature for Gulf Air passengers on its long-haul Dreamliner aircraft. Parents with children can request the Sky Nanny to help them entertain their children or rock them to sleep so that they can get their own rest during the flight.
They can help change diapers, feed kids, and play with them. Gulf Air offers a range of supplies from baby wipes and diapers to toys and bibs for kids. It’s available for passengers under the age of 12.
The airline also offers the Sky Nanny service on the ground in its Bahrain business class lounge. It’s available between 8 am and 2 pm daily. If you do not have lounge access, the airport has a playground for kids.
Business class extras
On longer flights, passengers receive a substantial amenity kit, pyjamas, and slippers to take home with them. Before take-off, the airline offers traditional drinks like water or champagne, but also Arabic coffee and dates. I like all of the local touches from the Gulf region.
When you are ready to sleep on overnight flights, flight attendants offer turndown service on request on the Boeing 787-9.
Before landing, the crew comes to each passenger with a spritz of rose water for a nice aromatherapy refreshment.
A new terminal
Bahrain has a new airport terminal filled with natural light that competes with some of the best airports around the world. It’s about four times the size of the one it replaced, and all airlines now operate from here.
The terminal features 24 departure contact gates (jet bridges), which is a significant upgrade from the old terminal, as well as 6 Bus Remote Areas and 10 remote stands that require taking a bus to reach the aircraft.
Duty-free shopping, multiple dining outlets, and the Bahrain Airport Hotel are all available for passengers. Connecting between gates is easy because this is not a mega terminal like what you might find in Dubai or Doha.
Falcon Gold Lounges
Black, Gold, and Silver Falconflyer cardholders can access Falcon Gold Lounges, with the flagship location in Bahrain being the standout. Economy passengers may also purchase access. The menu here is excellent, with international cuisine that changes regularly but maintains a strong focus on Arabic and Indian recipes. You’ll also find space to relax, showers, prayer rooms, and a quiet zone, plus excellent runway views for plane watching.
Gulf Air operates Falcon Gold lounges in Dubai and London Heathrow as well, though neither matches the quality of the home-airport location. Bahrain’s airport also has several other exceptional lounges, including some accessible via Priority Pass.
Loyalty programme
The Falconflyer programme’s the frequent flyer programme for the carrier. You earn miles based on the distance flown and the fare class of your ticket (discount economy earns as low as 25% of miles flown, while first class can earn up to 300%). And the more you travel, the higher your elite status tier, which comes with bonuses like accelerated mileage earning, lounge access, and extra baggage privileges.
The airline doesn’t belong to an airline alliance, but it does have partners with which you can earn and redeem miles. My preference is to use Air Canada Aeroplan miles to redeem for a Gulf Air flight.
There is also a unique family membership option. You can nominate family members to join the programme, and they can earn up to 70% of their Blue-tier mileage award on your behalf when they fly on Gulf Air (even if you are not travelling together).
Bahrain stopover
To encourage tourism, Gulf Air offers a stopover holiday programme that allows travellers to spend some extra time in the country between flights without increasing the overall airfare. Stopover packages include hotel, airport transfer, and activity components.
If you have a stopover in Bahrain between 7 and 24 hours, Gulf Air offers a complimentary hotel stay and transit visa. Travellers can also enjoy a free 3-hour “Hello Bahrain” city tour if they have between 5 and 24 hours between flights—the tour includes visits to the Souq, historical landmarks, and museums, though advance booking is required. It’s nice to get a little fresh air and experience some of the local culture. You can book this online before your flight.
Another interesting perk that not everyone may be aware of is that if you have a long stopover, but do not want to leave the airport, Gulf Air offers meal vouchers to passengers to use in the airport. Ask when you check in to see if your ticket is eligible for this money-saving benefit.
This KAYAK-commissioned article is presented as-is, for general informational purposes only, and may not be up to date. The opinions contained in the article are original to the author and reflect their authentic experience, which may vary significantly from the experience of others. Find more perspectives in our user reviews below.
