Published on
October 2, 2025
Turkish Airlines and Gulf Air, leading airlines of the Middle East and Europe, have entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to enhance their collaboration and increase travel opportunities for passengers from and around the Middle East, Europe, and internationally. This partnership targets enhancing regional connectivity between Istanbul and Manama, along with London, New York, and other major international gateway points.
With the added frequency of flights and new codeshared routes, the agreement will give passengers smoother travel options between Bahrain and Turkey, as well as easier travel for passengers traveling to Europe and the rest of the world. This strategic initiative is part of both carriers’ drive to increase international presence and capitalize on the increased business and tourism travel demand in the region.
New Routes and Increased Frequency: Expanding Travel Options
As part of the collaboration, Turkish Airlines and Gulf Air will introduce new direct routes and increase flight frequency on existing services, starting with the expansion of services between Istanbul and Manama. Additionally, both airlines will enhance connections to other major cities like Prague, Paris, Bucharest, and Naples. This expansion will not only increase access to these high-demand destinations but also provide greater flexibility for travelers.
With Turkish Airlines offering extensive connections across Europe and Asia, and Gulf Air serving Middle Eastern and Gulf destinations, the new routes will benefit both business travelers and tourists, enhancing the overall regional connectivity between Bahrain, Turkey, and Europe.
Tourism Growth: Boosting Tourism Flows Between Bahrain, Turkey, and Europe
The expanded network between Turkish Airlines and Gulf Air is set to drive tourism growth in both Turkey and Bahrain, as travelers will have better access to tourist destinations in both countries. Istanbul, one of the most popular tourism hubs globally, will now have more direct connections to Manama, Bahrain’s capital, a growing destination known for its rich culture, historical sites, and modern attractions.
The availability of more direct flights and increased frequency will make it easier for tourists to experience both countries’ rich heritage and natural beauty, such as Bahrain’s forts, turquoise beaches, Istanbul’s palaces, and the Bosphorus Strait. The enhanced connectivity will not only boost tourism inflows but also help expand cultural exchange and increase the visibility of both Bahrain and Turkey on the global tourism map.
Business Travel Expansion: Facilitating Greater Connectivity for Professionals
In addition to tourism, the new partnership will significantly enhance business travel between Bahrain and Turkey, both of which are important economic hubs in their respective regions. Istanbul serves as a key commercial gateway between Europe and Asia, and Manama is an emerging financial center in the Gulf. This increased flight connectivity will provide business professionals with easier and more efficient access to key markets, fostering more business partnerships and economic exchanges between the two regions.
With more direct flights and improved scheduling, business travelers can now attend meetings, conferences, and trade events in both countries without the hassle of long layovers or complicated travel itineraries. This will support the regional economy, encouraging more trade and investment opportunities, especially in technology, finance, and energy sectors.
Reciprocal Loyalty Programs: Enhancing the Travel Experience
One of the most significant aspects of this partnership is the introduction of reciprocal loyalty programs, which will allow passengers to earn and redeem miles across both Turkish Airlines and Gulf Air. This will provide a seamless experience for frequent travelers, allowing them to enjoy exclusive benefits, such as priority boarding, extra baggage allowances, and access to premium lounges in airports.
This loyalty program enhancement will not only improve the overall customer experience but also attract repeat travelers, as they can now enjoy the benefits of traveling with both airlines, making it easier for business and leisure travelers to navigate their journeys while enjoying the best services both airlines offer.
Sustainability in Aviation: Turkish Airlines and Gulf Air’s Commitment to Eco-Friendly Practices
Both Turkish Airlines and Gulf Air are committed to sustainable aviation practices, making eco-friendly operations a priority in their partnership. The introduction of fuel-efficient aircraft, including the Boeing 787 Dreamliner, will help reduce the carbon footprint of the airlines while providing a comfortable and efficient experience for passengers.
In addition, both airlines are working towards minimizing waste, improving energy efficiency, and reducing emissions, aligning with the growing demand for eco-conscious travel among modern travelers. As global aviation continues to focus on sustainability, this collaboration will ensure that both airlines remain competitive while adhering to environmental standards.
Expansion Plans: Future Routes and Increased Service Frequency
As part of the ongoing expansion, both Turkish Airlines and Gulf Air plan to continue growing their joint network to other key destinations in Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. The two carriers will likely explore the addition of new direct routes, further improving connectivity for tourists and business travelers across these regions.
The increased frequency on existing routes, including the Istanbul–Manama service, is a clear indication of both airlines’ commitment to meeting growing demand for international travel. Future expansions in flight services will allow seamless travel between Bahrain, Turkey, and other global hubs, making travel more convenient for passengers looking to connect with a wide array of destinations.
The Role of Innovation in Enhancing Connectivity
Innovation in aviation will continue to play a central role in the growth of this partnership. From smart ticketing to advanced aircraft technology, both Turkish Airlines and Gulf Air are focused on providing passengers with the latest innovations in air travel. The airlines’ joint venture will also explore digital solutions, such as real-time updates, personalized services, and seamless mobile experiences, ensuring that travelers enjoy a modern and efficient journey.
These technological advancements will further improve the passenger experience, aligning with the airlines’ broader commitment to innovation and service excellence.
Looking Ahead: Strengthening Regional and Global Travel Networks
The partnership between Turkish Airlines and Gulf Air is a strategic step toward enhancing connectivity between Bahrain, Turkey, and Europe. As both airlines continue to expand their global networks, they are set to play a key role in the growth of cross-regional travel, enhancing the tourist experience and business opportunities in the Middle East and Europe.
A Stronger Future for Turkey-Bahrain Air Travel and Tourism
The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Turkish Airlines and Gulf Air marks the start of a closer alliance that will deepen tourism, business travel, and regional connectivity. By enhancing flight convenience, frequency, and the introduction of joint loyalty programs, the alliance provides enhanced passenger travel convenience. With the two airlines increasing their network and drive towards sustainability, they are positioning themselves as major players in world aviation, increasing connectivity between Europe, Bahrain, and Turkey for years to come.
