Middle Eastern carrier Gulf Air is to boost its UK network by introducing flights between London Gatwick and its Bahrain hub.
Gulf Air, which currently operates services from London Heathrow and Manchester airports, will begin Gatwick-Bahrain services on 30 March.
The airline will operate the Gatwick route three times per week on Wednesday, Friday and Sunday using Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft, which will be fitted with business (26 seats) and economy (252 seats) cabins.
“This new route to London Gatwick is a significant step in Gulf Air’s wider vision to expand the carrier’s network and further strengthen the vital links between the Kingdom of Bahrain and the United Kingdom,” said an airline spokesperson.
“We are confident this service will not only provide greater travel options for Gulf Air’s passengers but also boost trade and tourism opportunities between the two countries.”
The airline already operates twice-daily services from Heathrow and five weekly flights from Manchester.
Gulf Air has also been building up its European network in recent years – it flies to Paris Charles de Gaulle, Frankfurt, Milan, Rome, Athens, Istanbul and Larnaca in Cyprus.