Gulf Air Restores Full Flight Network and Reports Double-Digit Revenue Growth Following Operational Disruptions

CEO Martin Gauss reveals 40 days of temporary operations from Dammam before restoring Bahrain-based services, with passenger load factors reaching 85%.

Gulf Air, the national carrier of the Kingdom of Bahrain, has restored its full flight network and reported double-digit revenue growth compared with 2025, following operational disruptions earlier this year that temporarily forced the airline to relocate its operations to King Fahd International Airport in Dammam, Saudi Arabia.

Speaking at the Gateway Gulf 2026 Forum in Manama, Gulf Air CEO Martin Gauss revealed that the airline maintained its international services from Dammam for 40 days while Bahrain's airspace remained closed.

During this period, passengers were transported by road from Bahrain across the King Fahd Causeway to Dammam, allowing the airline to maintain flight operations despite the suspension of services from its main hub.

Gauss confirmed that Gulf Air had fully restored its route network following the resumption of operations from Bahrain, with the recovery process taking approximately three months.

He also reported passenger load factors of around 85% and double-digit revenue growth year-on-year, despite rising fuel costs and challenges facing the aviation industry.

The airline is also considering expanding its Boeing 787 aircraft orders as part of its long-term strategy to strengthen direct connectivity between Bahrain and international markets. No final decision on additional orders has been announced.

Gulf Air's experience highlights the importance of maintaining air connectivity during crises, particularly for destinations heavily dependent on international aviation.

Restoring a flight network goes beyond resuming scheduled services. It also helps rebuild travel options and confidence among passengers and tourism partners.

However, revenue growth alone does not establish a complete financial recovery. Profitability, operating costs and actual passenger traffic remain essential indicators for assessing the airline's performance.

· 40 days: the duration of exceptional operations from Dammam.

· 100%: the percentage of route network recovery.

· 85%: the announced seat occupancy rate.

· Double-digit growth: the announced annual increase in revenues.