Search & book flights with Gulf Air
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Gulf Air brings Middle Eastern hospitality to the skies with connections across Africa, Asia, Europe and beyond. As Bahrain's national carrier since the 1970s, they've turned their Manama hub into your gateway to over 60 destinations spanning 30 countries.
Whether you're flying business to Dubai, visiting family in Cairo or heading to London for a city break, Gulf Air combines regional expertise with modern comforts. Their Falcon Gold business class features some of the world's longest flat-bed seats with direct aisle access.
Why book Gulf Air with Alternative Airlines ✨
- Pay later with 40+ payment methods including Tabby and Tamara
- Add flight protection and extras in one place
- 7-days-a week customer support throughout your journey
- Instant booking confirmation sent to your inbox
About Gulf Air
Gulf Air started in the 1940s as an air taxi service between Doha and Dhahran. Registered as Gulf Aviation Company Limited in 1950, the airline became a four-nation venture in 1974 when Bahrain, Qatar, Abu Dhabi and Oman each took 25% ownership.
In 2025, Gulf Air celebrates 75 years of connecting travellers and businesses across the world. Since taking off in 1950 as one of the Middle East’s first commercial airlines, Gulf Air has built a reputation for reliability, comfort and genuine regional know-how.
Flying from the UK is easy, with double daily flights from London Heathrow (Terminal 4), five weekly flights from Manchester and three weekly flights from London Gatwick. From Bahrain, you can connect to cities across Europe, the Middle East, Africa, the Indian Subcontinent and Asia — including newer routes like Singapore, the Maldives, Nairobi and China.
Onboard the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, business travellers can look forward to a premium experience with 26 Falcon Gold Business Class seats and 256 in Economy. Expect more comfort, upgraded entertainment and attentive service designed to make every journey smooth from take-off to landing.
Key milestones ✨
- 1950: Founded as Gulf Aviation Company Limited
- 1974: Rebranded to Gulf Air with four Gulf state shareholders
- 2002-2007: Partner nations withdrew to focus on their own carriers
- 2007-present: Bahrain takes full ownership
- 2022: Named "World's Most Improved Airline" at Skytrax World Airline Awards
- 2025: Gulf Air received the 2025 APEX Five-Star Global Airline Award, marking the fifth consecutive win.
Today, Gulf Air operates from Bahrain International Airport with a modern fleet of Airbus A320/A321 and Boeing 787-9 aircraft, serving over 50 destinations across 30 countries.
Where does Gulf Air fly?
Gulf Air's network spans four continents with strong Middle Eastern, Asian and European connections.
Middle East flights 🌍
Gulf Air dominates regional Gulf routes and secondary Middle Eastern cities:
- Bahrain to Dubai (multiple daily flights)
- Bahrain to Baghdad, Beirut, Amman
- Quick connections to Abu Dhabi, Kuwait, Riyadh
European destinations 🌍
Major cities and holiday spots across Europe:
- London Heathrow (double daily)
- Manchester (5 times per week)
- London Gatwick (3 times per week)
Asian routes 🌏
Strong South and Southeast Asian network:
- Bangkok, Manila, Singapore
- Mumbai, Delhi, Karachi, Islamabad
- Dhaka, Colombo, Goa
- Popular with families visiting relatives and business travellers
African connections 🌍
North and East African routes:
- Cairo (daily flights)
- Nairobi
- Business and family travel focus
Total network: 50+ destinations across 30 countries (accurate as of 2025)
Destinations that Gulf Air flies to
Gulf Air currently flies to over 60 destinations, as per the tables below (correct of October 2025):
Alternatives to Gulf Air
If Gulf Air doesn't fit your schedule or route, consider these Middle Eastern carriers:
More than 100,000 happy customers per year
This was my first booking and I used Alternative Airlines twice on this trip. I must say by far the best online booking experience ever.
Buy now, pay later
Buy your flights now and pay later
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How to book Gulf Air flights step-by-step
Booking Gulf Air through Alternative Airlines gives you payment flexibility standard booking sites can't match.
1. Search for flights 🔎
Enter your departure city, destination, travel dates and number of passengers. Choose return, one-way or multi-city.
2. Compare Gulf Air options ✈️
We'll show all available flights. Filter by departure time, journey length or price to find what works.
3. Choose how to pay 💸
Pick from 40+ payment methods:
- Pay later with Tamara, Klarna, Afterpay and more
- Split into instalments (weekly or monthly)
- Use Tabby if you're in Bahrain (4 interest-free payments over 3 months)
- Standard credit/debit card or PayPal
4. Add extras 💺
Select seats, add extra baggage, include flight protection - all in one transaction.
5. Confirm booking ✉️
Instant confirmation email with your booking reference and e-tickets.
When to book Gulf Air flights for the best prices
Flight prices fluctuate based on demand, route and season. Here's what affects Gulf Air pricing:
Advance booking windows 📅
- Regional routes (Gulf/Middle East): 2-3 weeks ahead
- European flights: 6-8 weeks minimum
- Peak travel periods: Book as early as possible (3-4 months)
Peak travel periods with higher prices 📈
- Ramadan and Eid holidays (dates vary yearly)
- Summer school holidays (June-August)
- Christmas and New Year (mid-December to early January)
- European summer breaks (July-August)
Money-saving tips 🤑
- Fly midweek (Tuesday/Wednesday) rather than weekends
- Choose red-eye flights for lower fares
- Book return flights together (usually cheaper than two one-ways)
Can't afford upfront costs? Use our Buy Now Pay Later options to secure today's price and spread payments over time.
Gulf Air check-in - airport, online and mobile options
When to check in 🕐
- International flights: 3 hours before departure
- Regional flights: 2 hours before departure
- Online check-in: Opens 24 hours before departure
Airport check-in process 🛫
- Arrive at recommended time (don't cut it close)
- Bring passport, visa documents and booking confirmation
- Use self-service kiosks at major airports for faster processing
- Falcon Gold passengers get priority check-in and fast-track security
Online and mobile check-in 📱
Save time by checking in online:
- Access through gulfair.com or Gulf Air mobile app
- Opens 24 hours before scheduled departure
- Select or change seats (preferred seats cost extra)
- Download boarding pass to your phone
- You still need to drop bags at dedicated counters
Gulf Air baggage allowance and fees
Carry-on baggage allowance 🎒
Economy class:
- 1 bag up to 6kg
- Maximum dimensions: 45 x 40 x 30 cm (17 x 15 x 12 inches)
- Plus one personal item (laptop, purse, book)
Falcon Gold class:
- 1 bag up to 9kg
- Maximum dimensions: 55 x 40 x 30 cm (22 x 15 x 12 inches)
- Plus one briefcase
Liquids: Maximum 100ml per container, stored in clear plastic bag for security screening.
Checked baggage allowance 🧳
Your checked baggage depends on cabin class and fare type:
Economy (deal/basic fare):
- 1 bag up to 23kg
Economy (friendly/freedom fare):
- 2 bags up to 23kg each
Falcon Gold (all fares):
- 2 bags up to 32kg each
Maximum dimensions per bag: 51 x 76 x 31 cm
Excess baggage fees 💰
- Additional bags: Varies by route (book in advance for better rates)
- Overweight items: Check Gulf Air website for current fees
- Sports equipment: May require special booking
Gulf Air cabin classes - Economy vs Falcon Gold
Economy class experience 💺
What's included:
- Standard seat pitch with adequate legroom
- Hot meals on international flights (breakfast and dinner)
- Falcon Entertainment system (movies, TV, music)
- In-flight magazines
- Complimentary beverages
Seating:
- Standard economy configuration
- Preferred seats available for fee (exit row, bulkhead)
- Advance seat selection through Alternative Airlines
- Subject to weight and balance restrictions
Best for: Budget-conscious travellers, short regional flights, families flying together.
Falcon Gold business class experience ✨
Gulf Air's business class delivers genuine luxury:
Seating highlights:
- Flat-bed seats among the longest available globally
- Direct aisle access from every seat
- Privacy screens that elevate for separation
- Built-in massage function
- 22-inch personal entertainment screens
- Noise-cancelling headphones included
Premium services:
- Priority check-in and boarding
- Fast-track security at select airports
- Increased baggage allowance (2 bags at 32kg each)
- Sky Nanny service (staff entertain children during flight)
- Access to Falcon Gold lounges (Bahrain, Dubai, London)
Fine dining experience:
- Five-star restaurant quality meals
- European and Middle Eastern inspired cuisine
- Contemporary mezze-style service
- Three-course meals (starter, main, dessert)
- Wine pairings and beverage recommendations
- Vintage champagne, spirits and fine wines
Best for: Long-haul comfort, business travel, special occasions, travellers who value sleep quality.
Gulf Air food, drinks and special meals
Standard meal service 🍴
Economy class:
- Hot breakfast with pastries, coffee and tea
- Hot dinner meals on international flights
- Soft drinks and standard beverages
- No meal service on short regional routes
Falcon Gold:
- Sky Chef fine dining experience
- Contemporary mezze-style European and Middle Eastern cuisine
- Starter, main course and dessert
- Complimentary alcoholic beverages (wine, spirits, champagne)
- Non-alcoholic options available
Special dietary meals (must order 24 hours ahead) ⚠️
Gulf Air accommodates various dietary requirements. Request special meals when booking through Alternative Airlines or contact Gulf Air at least 24 hours before departure.
In-flight entertainment and Wi-Fi on Gulf Air
Falcon Entertainment system 🎥
Movies and TV:
- Latest blockbuster films
- Classic movies
- Kids' entertainment
- International cinema
- TV show episodes
Audio entertainment:
- Music channels across genres
- Radio shows and podcasts
- Audio books
Reading material:
- In-flight magazines
- Digital publications on newer aircraft
Screen quality varies by:
- Aircraft type (Boeing 787-9 has newest systems)
- Cabin class (Falcon Gold gets 22-inch screens)
- Route and aircraft age
Falcon Wi-Fi connectivity 🛜
Stay connected on equipped Gulf Air aircraft:
Chat plan:
- Basic messaging apps
- WhatsApp, iMessage compatibility
- Email access
Smart plan:
- Full internet browsing
- Streaming capability
- Work-friendly connectivity
- Social media access
Pricing: Varies by flight length and plan type. Purchase through in-flight portal after take-off.
Not all aircraft equipped: Check your specific flight when booking.
Falconflyer frequent flyer programme
Gulf Air rewards regular travellers through their Falconflyer loyalty programme with four membership tiers.
Blue membership (entry level) 💙
Benefits:
- Earn miles on all Gulf Air flights
- Redeem miles for tickets and upgrades
- Basic member services
Tier upgrade: Reach Silver with 600 loyalty points
Silver membership 🩶
Benefits:
- 25% bonus miles on top of standard mileage
- Guaranteed economy seat on fully booked flights
- Falcon Gold check-in when flying economy
- Priority waitlist
Best for: Regular flyers building towards Gold status
Gold membership 💛
Benefits:
- 50% bonus miles on standard mileage
- Access to Falcon Gold lounges (regardless of cabin)
- Priority baggage handling
- Enhanced customer service
- Increased booking flexibility
Best for: Frequent business travellers, regular Gulf Air users
Black membership (elite tier) 🖤
Benefits:
- 75% bonus miles on all flights
- Fast-track security access
- One complimentary upgrade to Falcon Gold per year
- Highest priority for seat selection
- Dedicated customer service line
- Extended mileage expiration
Best for: Very frequent flyers, top-tier travellers
How to collect Falconflyer miles with Alternative Airlines 💡
Add your Falconflyer membership number when booking through Alternative Airlines. Miles are credited to your account after flight completion.
Special passenger services
Travelling with children
- Unaccompanied minors (ages 5-11) need advance booking for dedicated care service
- Staff escort children through airport, flight and to arrival hall
- Must be booked at least 48 hours before travel
Passengers with disabilities
- Request special assistance 48 hours in advance
- Medical clearance may be required (form available on Gulf Air website)
- Wheelchair assistance available at all airports
Pregnant passengers
- Up to 28 weeks: Travel freely (doctor's note recommended)
- 29-34 weeks: Requires pre-approval from Gulf Air doctor (48 hours notice)
- 35-36 weeks: Medical approval plus travel with medical escort
- 36+ weeks: Not permitted to travel
Why book Gulf Air flights with Alternative Airlines?
40+ ways to pay 💸
Split the cost with Klarna, Afterpay or Affirm. Pay weekly or monthly. Use Tabby if you're in Bahrain.
Add everything in one place 🛍️
Select seats, add baggage, include flight protection - all in one booking.
7-days-a-week customer support 📞
Real humans available around the clock. No disappearing after you've booked.
Instant confirmation ☑️
Booking reference and e-tickets sent straight to your inbox.
Price transparency ☺️
See exactly what you're paying with no hidden fees at checkout.
Book your Gulf Air flights today and fly now, pay later.