Gulf Airlines will land in New York in October and return to the United States in nearly thirty years later.
The Bahrain-based airline will fly to New York’s John Kennedy International Airport (JFK International Airport) three times a week to take the Boeing 787-9 from Bahrain International Airport (BAH) from October 1.
Gulf Airlines will initially operate at Kennedy International Airport Terminal 1 and then open the new terminal around June 2026.
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The airline last provided the United States with flights to Kennedy International Airport (AUH) and Kennedy International Airport at BAH, data displayed by aviation analytics company Cirium.
Gulf Airlines CEO Jeffrey Goh returned to the United States at the Routing World Conference last October. While he declined to say when or where, he said the airline plans to start flights after meeting all Federal Aviation Administration and Department of Homeland Security requirements.
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Goh said at the time that the airline planned to grow to about 75 destinations by the end of the decade.
According to Cirium, Gulf Airlines today serves 65 destinations, including seasonal markets.
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In addition to the new route, Gulf Airlines announced orders for as many as 18 Boeing 787 on Thursday. The deal is allocated between 12 company orders and six options, which will increase the airline’s long-haul fleet to up to 30,787 upon delivery.
Gulf Airlines runs 10 787-9 ahead of the latest order, with two aircraft showing by order, Boeing order and delivery data.
Gulf Airlines is not one of three major airline alliances (Oneworld, Skyteam and Star Alliance) and has little to do with American Airlines. According to the U.S. website, under a limited codesharing agreement from American Ameranials, it allows it to place its “GF” code on selected flights to the U.S., however, the relationship does not apply to frequent U.S. flyers that often travel on Gulf Airlines.
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