Bahrain’s Gulf Air increases Heathrow...

Bahrain’s national carrier will operate three daily services instead of two to accommodate the influx of visitors

Gulf Air has announced that it will operate an additional daily flight from London Heathrow to Bahrain on 16, 17, 21 and 22 March, altering its schedule from two to three daily services during the Formula One Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix weekend.

These additional flights will take off from London Heathrow at 15:10 local time and land in Bahrain at 00:50 local time. The return flight will depart from Bahrain at 08:30 and land at London Heathrow at 12:55.

This year’s event will take place from 18 to 20 March, and, as the opening race of the season, it’ll be the first opportunity for F1 fans to see the new cars in action

Gulf Air has launched Formula One Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix packages in coordination with Bahrain Tourism and Exhibition Authority and the Bahrain International Circuit for passengers visiting Bahrain. Packages include flights, accommodation and a three-day race pass, along with transport to and from the race.

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In addition, passengers with a valid Formula One ticket and flying on Gulf Air flights to Bahrain from London Heathrow during this period will receive free lounge access at both London Heathrow and at Bahrain International Airport.

Commenting on the announcement, Gulf Air’s acting chief executive officer, Captain Waleed Abdulhameed AlAlawi, said: “The demand for attendance to the season opener has been significant and we are excited to welcome our global visitors to the Kingdom of Bahrain to witness the Formula One Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix race.

“The race has always been an important global event for the Kingdom of Bahrain, Gulf Air and the Bahrain International Circuit, and we’re adding an extra flight with our Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner to match the demand for the race as spectators prepare to attend.”

Speaking about the expected increase in visitors, Bahrain Tourism & Exhibition Authority chief executive officer Dr Nasser Qaedi said: “It’s proving to be an exciting year for tourism in Bahrain and the great reception we have been receiving from international travellers who are travelling to Bahrain to watch the season opener of the Formula One race is a testament to that.”

Qaedi added, “We’re excited to welcome more tourists from the UK to enjoy both the race and the other activities and attractions happening on our island in March”

Bahrain International Circuit chief executive Shaikh Salman bin Isa AlKhalifa said: “In recent weeks we have seen great demand for tickets and travel packages from international fans, including from the UK. We are thankful to our partners at Gulf Air for adding to their capacity and we look forward to fans joining us from all over the world to celebrate the beginning of this great new era for the sport.”

For more information, visit www.gulfair.com