On June 2, 2025, Gulf Air, Bahrain’s national airline, reinstated direct service to Nairobi’s Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO), marking its return to Kenya after a 13-year hiatus. The decision reflects more than restored connectivity — it signals a calculated entry into the increasingly contested East African aviation market. The route, now served five times weekly by Airbus A320neo aircraft, links Manama to Nairobi using a modern fleet aimed at maximizing fuel efficiency and passenger comfort. The move aligns with Bahrain’s broader logistics and tourism strategy under Vision 2030, reinforcing Gulf Air’s bid for regional relevance.