Manama: Gulf Air, the national carrier of the Kingdom of Bahrain, reported a solid operational performance in 2025, reflecting stable demand, improved efficiency, and the airline's continued commitment to strengthening connectivity to and from the Kingdom of Bahrain.
According to Bahrain News Agency, during the year, Gulf Air carried 6,647,879 passengers, representing a 5% increase compared to 2024, while operating 52,099 flights across its network. The airline achieved a notable improvement in operational efficiency, with the average passenger load factor increasing to 81.6%, up from 77.0% in the previous year, demonstrating stronger utilization of capacity and sustained demand across key markets serving Bahrain.
Cargo operations continued to play an important role in supporting the Kingdom's trade and logistics objectives. In 2025, Gulf Air recorded a total cargo uplift of 77.7 million kilograms, reinforcing Bahrain's position as a regional gateway for air cargo and connectivity between regional and global markets.
The last month of 2025 underlined the strength of travel demand to and from the Kingdom of Bahrain. In December 2025, Gulf Air carried 651,291 passengers, compared to 508,771 in December 2024. The airline operated 4,613 flights during the month and achieved a passenger load factor of 87.1%, highlighting strong year-end demand and effective network and capacity management.
As a key strategic milestone in 2025, Gulf Air strengthened its long-term wide-body outlook with the placement of a new order for 15 Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft, with options for an additional three. This order represents a significant investment in the future of Bahrain's global connectivity, providing long-term capacity security and flexibility on the long-haul side, and ensuring that the national carrier is well-positioned to support the Kingdom's aviation, economic, and connectivity objectives in the years ahead.
In line with its forward-looking strategy, Gulf Air has also recently concluded an agreement with Starlink to install next-generation satellite connectivity across its fleet, marking a further milestone in delivering state-of-the-art digital connectivity. This investment underscores the airline's commitment to enhancing the passenger experience and maintaining global technology standards in support of the Kingdom of Bahrain's aviation ambitions.
Martin Gauss, Gulf Air Chief Executive Officer, stated that the 2025 performance reflects the strength of demand for travel to and from the Kingdom of Bahrain and demonstrates a disciplined and responsible approach to network development. While fleet growth during the year was measured, the focus was on strengthening connectivity, improving efficiency, and maximizing the value of operations for the Kingdom.
Gulf Air continues to focus on delivering reliable operations, sustainable growth, and a consistent travel experience, while reinforcing the Kingdom of Bahrain's position as a vital aviation hub connecting the Middle East with Europe, Asia, and Africa.