Gulf Air, Bahrain’s national carrier, is planning to expand its flight network in India, a top official confirmed yesterday.

Negotiations are already underway with the Indian government to seek the rights to operate services to several new destinations, said Gulf Air chief executive Samer Majali.

'We are looking at other destinations in addition to the large airports we already fly to,' he told the Gulf Daily News (GDN), our sister newspaper.

The airline is hoping to introduce the new services next year and the news comes only a day after it announced the launch of services to three cities in Saudi Arabia - Gassim, Yanbu and Taif. Gulf Air already flies to Dammam, Jeddah, Riyadh and Madinah.

Services to Taif will begin from January 15, with four flights per week, to Gassim on January 17, with three per week, and to Yanbu from February 15, also with three per week.

'The expansion into these three cities is in line with our strategy to invest heavily in the regional markets and come out strongly as a major regional player,' said Majali.

He said this also meant excellent connections for passengers from Saudi Arabia to Gulf Air's network in the Middle East and North Africa region and beyond.

'Initially, we will offer four flights every week to Taif and three each to Gassim and Yanbu but would like to expand to daily operations as demand grows,' said Majali. 'The three places are extremely important destinations in several ways.'

Majali said Bahrain shared a centuries-old historical relationship with Saudi Arabia.

'With nearly 700 flights per week within the region, our Saudi customers will be able to find a flight to their destination in the shortest possible connecting time via our efficient hub in Bahrain,' he said. – TradeArabia News Service