Gulf Air Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Samer Majali led a delegation of senior Gulf Air executives and media representatives on the maiden voyage.

Prior to the departure in Bahrain a ceremony was held at the Bahrain International Airport, attended by government, business and diplomatic representatives from Saudi Arabia.

Speaking at the event about Gulf Air’s ties with Saudi Arabia that began nearly 60 years ago, Mr. Samer Majali said, “Gulf Air’s first ever flight was to Dhahran in the Eastern Province in 1950; in 1982 the airline was the first international airline permitted to land at Riyadh. The addition of Medina to our network is one more example of this long relationship with our neighbor.”

“I am glad we are now able to fulfill the long-felt need of our customers especially as we welcome the Holy month of Ramadan in a few weeks from now.”

“The opening of Medina will further support and increase Gulf Air’s position as the carrier with the largest Middle East network, while at the same time make it more convenient for our Muslim passengers to travel to Medina via Bahrain with the shortest possible connecting time” Mr. Majali concluded.

Saudi Arabia’s Ambassador to Bahrain His Excellency Dr. Abdul Mohsen Marek said, “We wholeheartedly welcome Gulf Air in expanding its network into the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. As the national carrier of the Kingdom of Bahrain, Gulf Air’s new service to the Holy City of Medina is a further demonstration of the historic, friendly relations between the two countries. With the Holy month of Ramadan just a few weeks away the new service will be a great advantage for thousands of Muslim brothers and sisters wanting to visit the holy city.”

As well as the Gulf Air delegation, over 60 Gulf Air customers were onboard the inaugural flight taking immediate advantage of the new direct services from Bahrain. Forward bookings for the service are looking very favourable and Gulf Air expects the service to be one of its most profitable routes with extensive traffic anticipated from VFR and pilgrimage traffic.

Gulf Air will be flying the recently acquired new Embraer E70 aircraft on this route. With luxuriously-appointed interiors, furnished with all-leather seats throughout the aircraft and no middle seats, the aircraft offers exceptional comfort in a two-class configuration and great value for money.

Gulf Air will fly four times a week between Medina and Bahrain– Mondays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays;