Gulf Air seeks to expand India network
03 Nov 2011
Bahrain's national carrier is planning to expand its network within India, a top airline official said yesterday. According to Gulf Air chief executive, Samer Majali, negotiations were already underway with the Indian government seeking permission to operate services to new destinations.
"We are looking at other destinations, in addition to the large airports we already fly to," Majali said.
The airline is hoping to introduce new services next year.
The carrier has announced the launch of services to three cities in Saudi Arabia - Gassim, Yanbu and Taif. Services to Taif will begin from 15 January, with four flights a week.
Majali said Taif was the fourth largest city in Saudi Arabia and also amongst the holy cities for Muslims worldwide because of its strategic location between Jeddah and Medina.
"With the Saudi government earmarking a new industrial zone in Taif and the presence of a vast workforce from the Indian sub-continent, the city presents potential opportunities for commercial and tourism growth," he said.