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.

Airlines Etihad Airways and flynas are preparing for an IPO (initial public offering) this year. This marks a pivotal moment for the aviation industry in the Gulf region, as it has been nearly 20 years since the last airline IPO in this area.