This fall, travelers in the United States will have access to a brand new airline for flights to the Middle East.
Bahrain-based carrier Gulf Air is relaunching flights to New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) for the first time in almost three decades.
Starting October 1, 2025, the airline will operate three weekly flights to JFK from Bahrain International Airport (BAH) using its Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft. Gulf Air’s Dreamliners are outfitted with an economy cabin and the carrier’s plush Falcon Gold business class, which offers lie-flat seats, turndown service with bedding and pajamas, and a 22-inch entertainment screen with noise-canceling headphones.
"We are excited to announce the launch of our direct flights to New York’s JFK and our return to the North American market,” said Gulf Air Group CEO Jeffrey Goh. “This service aligns with Gulf Air's strategy of calibrated expansion and serving strategic markets, providing passengers with greater choice and convenience for travel, through Bahrain International Airport, between Bahrain and North America, and beyond, supporting the connectivity strategy of the Kingdom.”
Nicknamed the "Island of Peals," Bahrain is known for its many islands, water sports, beautiful desert landscapes, and events like the Formula 1 Bahrain Grand Prix. Beyond Bahrain, Gulf Air flies to popular destinations in the region, including Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Cairo, and Amman. It also flies to Europe and Asia, including destinations like Athens, Frankfurt, and Bangkok. In March, the carrier launched a new route to London Gatwick Airport.
The route relaunch follows an effort from Bahrain’s civil aviation authority to obtain a Category 1 safety rating from the FAA. Only airlines with this top rating, which means they meet international safety standards, are allowed to operate flights to the U.S. The FAA awarded Bahrain the Category 1 rating in November 2024.
The airline had previously served the U.S. market in the 1990s, according to Aviation Week, operating service into JFK from 1994 to 1997.
Tickets for the JFK flights are now on sale on Gulf Air’s website, with roundtrip fares in economy clocking in at about $930 USD for travel in October.
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