Gulf Air's return to Nairobi a boon trade, travel and regional connectivity

After 13 years, Gulf Air has returned to Nairobi, reigniting direct connectivity between Bahrain and Kenya. The airline’s decision to relaunch flights on 2 June 2025 signals more than just convenience. It marks a strategic move in the evolving aviation landscape of East Africa, unlocking economic, trade, and tourism opportunities between the Gulf region and Kenya.

The Bahraini national carrier will operate five weekly flights to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport using its Airbus A320neo fleet, an aircraft designed for efficiency and passenger comfort.

Gulf Air Group chief executive Jeffrey Goh, speaking at the launch event, emphasised the broader significance of this move. “This new Nairobi route strengthens ties between the Kingdom of Bahrain and the Republic of Kenya, fostering both business and leisure travel. We see this as an opportunity to enhance connectivity and position Bahrain as a key gateway for Africa-bound travellers,” he said.

Aviation analysts and industry experts say Gulf Air’s return aligns with Nairobi’s growing status as a major aviation hub. According to John Kamau, an aviation analyst, this move is not just about resuming a past service. It is part of a broader competition for market share in East African air travel.

Kenya has seen increased flight routes from airlines like Emirates, Qatar Airways, and Turkish Airlines. Gulf Air’s return injects new competition, potentially leading to lower fares and more diverse travel options for passengers.”

Kamau adds that Gulf Air’s decision reflects East Africa’s rising profile in global trade and tourism: “Nairobi is not just a destination, but a key transit point for travelers heading to African markets, and Gulf Air’s Middle Eastern hub makes it easier for business executives and leisure travellers to access Kenya and beyond,” explains the analyst.

Boosting business and trade links between Kenya and Bahrain
The direct flight strengthens existing trade ties between Kenya and Bahrain, particularly in exports, finance, and tourism. Kenya’s horticulture, tea, and agricultural exports already find markets in the Gulf region. With streamlined direct flights, business owners and exporters expect faster turnaround times and cost savings.

James Mwenda, a Nairobi-based logistics expert, explains, “Kenya’s fresh produce exports - flowers, avocados, and tea - thrive in Gulf markets. Faster flights mean fresher deliveries, stronger partnerships, and better trade volumes.”

Beyond exports, Nairobi’s position as a financial hub could see increased engagement with Bahrain’s growing financial sector. It is a win-win situation for the two countries. For example, tourism gains with the airlines growing their clientele, and Kenya gains from the influx of travellers.

“Kenya is a premier travel destination for Gulf-region tourists, particularly high-net-worth individuals drawn to safari experiences, beach resorts, and cultural heritage,” said 

Anwar Khalid, a Bahraini travel consultant, predicts an uptick in Gulf travellers to Kenya.

Kenya offers luxury safari tourism, breathtaking landscapes, and world-class resorts. With direct flights, travellers from Bahrain and beyond will find it easier to explore destinations like the Maasai Mara and Diani.”

The Kenya Tourism Board is expected to launch marketing campaigns targeting Gulf travellers, positioning Kenya as a must-visit destination for adventure seekers and cultural enthusiasts.

The timing is perfect - that season (May-October), when global travellers focus on Kenya’s seven wonders of the world - The Great Migration, dubbed: “The season of thundering hooves,” when more than three million wildebeest, accompanied by over 200,000 hervivous troop from Serengeti to Masai Mara in search of green pastures. 

Affordable, seamless travel

Frequent travellers, particularly business professionals, are thrilled by Gulf Air’s return.

Salome Maina, a Kenyan entrepreneur, shared her experience on the inaugural flight:

“I’m thrilled Gulf Air is back! My ticket was 15 per cent cheaper than other airlines, and I have seamless onward connections to China. This service simplifies travel logistics significantly for me,” she says.

Emotional homecomings: a personal story

For many Kenyans living and working in Bahrain, Gulf Air’s return is deeply personal.

Fatuma Hassan, a Gulf Air flight attendant and a Kenyan national, expressed overwhelming joy at touching down in Nairobi after 13 years.

“I am so delighted that Gulf Airlines is back on this route. This is more than a flight. It is a reconnection. I can finally visit my family more often, balancing my career in Bahrain with my home in Kenya,” she said.

Her story reflects the experience of hundreds of Kenyans working in Bahrain, who now have a direct path home, removing the complexities of multiple layovers and extended travel hours.

Gulf Air’s move adds pressure to airlines already competing for Nairobi-bound passengers.· 

Emirates, Qatar Airways, Turkish Airlines, and other Gulf-based carriers have dominated routes linking East Africa to the Middle East. Gulf Air’s entry signals more competitive pricing and choices for travellers.

Business hubs like Dubai, Doha, and Bahrain now offer expanded connections to Africa, fueling investment and trade relationships.

Captain Qassim Ismaeel, Gulf Air’s Chief Operating Officer, framed it as “a strategic addition, reinforcing Nairobi as an essential pillar in Gulf Air’s network expansion.”

A New chapter in Kenya’s aviation story

Gulf Air’s return is not just about flights. It is about competition, trade opportunities, tourism expansion, and personal connections.

For passengers, it offers affordability and choice. For business leaders, it strengthens Gulf-Kenya trade links, and for Kenyans abroad, it brings home just a little closer.

As Nairobi continues to establish itself as a leading aviation hub, the next few months will reveal just how impactful Gulf Air’s re-entry will be.

One thing is certain - Kenya’s skies just got a little busier.