Manama, Kingdom of Bahrain – 19 January 2017 

The Kingdom of Bahrain’s national carrier, Gulf Air, today commenced its highly anticipated direct operations to Bandaranaike International Airport, in the Sri Lankan capital Colombo, with 5 flights per week.

Gulf Air Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Maher Salman Al Musallam commented at a ribbon-cutting ceremony held at Bahrain International Airport and attended by airport officials, local and regional media representatives and members of the airline’s executive management team: “We are delighted to strengthen our Asia network with the launch of direct flights to the Colombo. We expect our newest destination to further enhance Gulf Air’s network, in line with our business strategy to provide strong business and tourism links to the Kingdom of Bahrain and the region while simultaneously appealing to our passengers’ travel requirement.”

Gulf Air’s 5 weekly flights to/from Colombo will operate as per the below schedule:

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Boasting one of the Middle East’s largest networks, with double daily flights or more to 10 regional cities, Gulf Air is well-positioned to connect passengers travelling to/from Colombo to several key destinations in the Middle East and Europe via its efficient Bahrain International Airport hub. The airline’s network currently serves 41 cities in 24 countries spanning three continents.

Gulf Air flights can be booked online at gulfair.com, the airline’s one-stop-shop website, where customers can also find a suite of additional online services offering hotel bookings, car rental, travel insurance and the Gulf Air Tours service that gives passengers access to a variety of travel add-ons such as sightseeing tours, museum passes, tours, excursions, local activities and airport transfers at their final destination. Fare / booking queries can also be directed to the airline’s 24-hour Worldwide Contact Centre on (+973) 17373737, or any Gulf Air sales offices and approved travel agencies.

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About Gulf Air
Gulf Air, the national carrier of the Kingdom of Bahrain, commenced operations in 1950, becoming one of the first commercial airlines established in the Middle East. Today, Gulf Air is a major international carrier serving 41 cities in 24 countries spanning three continents. The airline operates one of the largest networks in the Middle East, with double daily flights or more to 10 regional cities, in addition to select destinations in the Indian Subcontinent and Europe, from its hub at Bahrain International Airport. Gulf Air serves all its destinations with a combination wide and narrow body fleet totalling 28 modern aircraft. Renowned for its traditional Arabian hospitality, evidenced by the airline’s signature family and business friendly products, Gulf Air is committed to being an industry leader and developing products and services that reflect the evolving needs and aspirations of its passengers.

Gulf Air connects Bahrain to the world and, as such, is a key national infrastructure asset, serving as a powerful driver for the economy and supporting the Kingdom’s on-going economic growth.

Gulf Air has been the Title Sponsor of the FORMULA 1 GULF AIR BAHRAIN GRAND PRIX ever since it made history as the first Formula 1 Grand Prix to be held in the Middle East in 2004. In addition, the airline has been Official Carrier of the biennial Bahrain International Airshow since it was first held in 2010.

For media enquiries, please contact:
Azza Mubarak Matar
Senior Manager Communications
Gulf Air Tel: +973 17338765 / +973 39652012
Email: Azza.Matar@gulfair.com

© Press Release 2017