Gulf Air, the National Carrier of Bahrain plans to operate flights from Manama, Bahrain to Tel Aviv in Israel as relations between Israel and many Gulf countries are warming up.  The airline has announced that flights are now open for booking on its direct flights to Tel Aviv from June 3rd, 2021. 

“We are delighted to announce the launch of our Bahrain – Tel Aviv route as part of the historic initiation of Bahraini – Israeli relations. As the national carrier of the Kingdom of Bahrain; we take great pride in supporting our leadership and Kingdom in their role of preserving peace and prosperity in the region.

“We hope this is merely the beginning of developing further aviation opportunities and look forward to work with our friends and colleagues at EL AL and support each other to achieve bigger goals.” -H.E. Mr. Zayed R. Alzayani, Chairman of Gulf Air’s Board of Directors

Gulf air will operate the route using the Airbus 320 with two flights per week.

 The Bahrain to Tel Aviv: Flight GF972 schedule

Departure Bahrain (BAH) at 09:00 arrival Tel Aviv (TLV) at 11:50 with a duration of  two hours and 50 minutes

Tel Aviv to Bahrain: Flight GF973 schedule 

Departure Tel Aviv at 15:20, arrival Bahrain at 17:55 with a  duration of two hours and 35 minutes.

*All times listed above are local.

The seat configuration will be as follows: –

16 Falcon Gold (business class) seats in a layout of 2 – in each row with a seat pitch of 46 inches 

120 standard economy seats with a seat pitch of 30 inches in a 3-3 layout

So far Flydubai airline of the UAE and ISRAIR AIRLINES operate between Dubai and Tel Aviv and Etihad & Israel’s El Al operate between Abu Dhabi and Tel Aviv.

Saudi Arabia airlines has refrained from operating on the route but has given the green light to overflights from the Jewish state.

With these new service agreements with El Al , Gulf air hopes to promote traffic providing commercial and social gains for both countries.