Travel Flash Report

TRAVEL FLASH - July 17, 2025

Breaking: Gulf Air Returns to U.S. Market with New Bahrain–New York Service After 28 Years

TOP 3 STORIES:
1. Gulf Air will resume flights between Bahrain and New York-JFK starting October 1, 2025, marking its first U.S. service since 1997. This move strengthens Gulf Air’s global network and offers new one-stop options for travelers between North America, the Middle East, and beyond, with Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner service and future operations at JFK’s new Terminal One[5].
2. Air Mediterranean launches new European routes from Athens, including weekly flights to Berlin, Cologne, and Vienna using Boeing 737-400 aircraft. These additions expand connectivity for both leisure and business travelers in the region, providing more direct options from Greece to key European cities[2].
3. American Airlines is set to join the competitive Chicago O’Hare–Mexico City route, becoming the fifth carrier on this busy transborder corridor. Increased competition is expected to drive pricing and service improvements, benefiting frequent flyers and corporate travel managers seeking flexibility and value[3].

Flash Insight:
Airlines are aggressively expanding transatlantic and intra-European networks, signaling confidence in sustained demand for both business and leisure travel. The return of Gulf Air to the U.S. and new European routes from secondary carriers highlight a trend toward diversified connectivity and strategic market re-entry. Travel professionals should anticipate heightened competition on major corridors and increased options for clients seeking seamless global itineraries.

Sources:
[1] https://www.aeroroutes.com
[2] https://www.aeroroutes.com/eng/250715-mvjul25
[3] https://www.routesonline.com/news/29/breaking-news/
[5] https://airlinegeeks.com/2025/07/16/gulf-air-to-resume-service-to-u-s/