Gulf Air Makes a Comeback to Nairobi with Direct Flights After 13 Years

In a significant move for African travel connections, Gulf Air is set to resume its direct flights to Nairobi, Kenya, after a 13-year absence. Starting June 2, 2025, the Bahraini national carrier will operate five weekly flights between Bahrain and Nairobi using its modern Airbus A320neo aircraft. This development not only re-establishes Gulf Air’s presence in East Africa but also positions Nairobi as the airline’s third African destination, following Cairo in Egypt and Casablanca in Morocco.

The return of Gulf Air to Nairobi underscores the growing demand for enhanced connectivity between the Middle East and East Africa. Nairobi, a pivotal hub for business and tourism in the region, is already served by major players such as Emirates, Qatar Airways, Ethiopian Airlines, Flydubai, and Kenya Airways. Gulf Air’s re-entry into this competitive market will further diversify travel options for passengers and intensify the competition on this busy corridor.

For African travel agents, Gulf Air’s renewed operations offer fresh opportunities to tap into the robust travel demand between Africa and the Gulf region. The airline’s choice of the efficient and passenger-friendly Airbus A320neo for this route highlights its commitment to delivering a high-quality travel experience. With features like reduced fuel consumption and enhanced comfort, this aircraft is well-suited to cater to both business and leisure travelers.

Gulf Air’s decision to expand its footprint in Africa aligns with its broader strategy to connect key global regions. Nairobi’s strategic location as a gateway to East Africa, coupled with its thriving economy and renowned wildlife tourism, makes it an attractive addition to the airline’s network. For the African travel trade, this translates into new possibilities for collaborations and an enriched travel ecosystem that can drive more inbound and outbound traffic.

As the competition intensifies, Gulf Air’s re-launch to Nairobi could also stimulate competitive pricing and improved service offerings across the market. This is good news for both travel agents and end consumers, who stand to benefit from the increased choices and flexibility. Additionally, the airline’s presence could encourage more Middle Eastern tourists and business travelers to explore Kenya’s diverse attractions, boosting the local tourism and hospitality sector.

The resumption of direct flights to Nairobi is part of Gulf Air’s broader efforts to expand its global connectivity while meeting the demands of emerging markets. For travel agents in Africa, partnering with Gulf Air presents a chance to strengthen links with the Middle East and offer clients seamless travel experiences. Nairobi’s inclusion in Gulf Air’s network reflects the growing importance of African destinations in the global travel landscape, further emphasizing the continent’s rising prominence as a key player in international tourism.

With just a few months left until the inaugural flight, African travel agents and stakeholders can start preparing to leverage this new route. By promoting Gulf Air’s services, they can cater to the increasing demand for efficient and reliable connections between East Africa and the Gulf region. As Nairobi welcomes Gulf Air back to its skies, the travel industry can look forward to a more vibrant and interconnected future.