Gulf Air pulls Dublin-Bahrain route

Gulf Air it is to cease operating its thrice-weekly Dublin to Bahrain route from July 1 this year, it was announced.

The route began in December 2005, but will be dropped as part of a global strategy by Gulf Air to consolidate the airlines routes to and from destinations where the airline can offer at least two flights per day.

“While we understand that this move is part of a global strategy by Gulf Air we are nonetheless very disappointed”, said Gulf Air’s Ireland manager James Harrison.

“The Gulf Air team in Dublin has worked hard to build this successful route and we are very grateful to our travel partners and our colleagues and friends at Dublin Airport for their support over the past 18 months.“

Gulf Air president and chief executive Andre Dose said: “At this critical juncture, the airline, which is currently making heavy operational losses, had looked at ways in which the fleet and resources can be used in the most effective way to ensure that customers are served effectively.”

“The decision has been made to close six routes effective July 1. These are Dublin, Johannesburg, Singapore, Sydney, Jakarta and Hong Kong.

“This move will allow us to re-allocate our assets more effectively, strengthening our network still further in key areas, either by increasing flight frequencies to other key destinations or by assigning the aircraft for service on high demand sectors.”

The withdrawal strategy is presently being finalised and details have already been discussed with personnel in all the countries concerned.