Bahrain's national carrier, Gulf Air, will resume its services to Iran and Iraq this from 20 September  following the suspension of services last year in the wake of unrest in the kingdom.

Flights to Baghdad, Erbil, Najaf and Basra in Iraq and Tehran, Mashhad, Shiraz and Isfahan in Iran will begin progressively between 20 September and 28 October subject to final approvals by the civil aviation authorities of the respective countries, the airline has announced.

Gulf Air chief executive Samer Majali said, "I am sure this will be welcoming news for thousands of Iranians and Iraqis living and working in Bahrain and the GCC countries as well as the business community for whom the direct flights will be a great advantage."

He continued, "We were the first and only full-service GCC carrier to operate into Baghdad back in 1976.  Again, we were the first carrier to restart our operations in 2009, which received overwhelming support from travellers with most of our flights flying to full capacity. However we had to suspend the flights in 2011 due to unavoidable circumstances but were confident that we will resume our operations soon. I am glad the time has come and we look forward to the same support from our customers."

The airline will operate four weekly flights to Najaf in Iraq from 20 September, increasing to daily flights from 1 December; five weekly flights to Baghdad from 21 September; four weekly flights to Erbil from the 23rd, increasing to daily flights from the 28th; and three weekly flights to Basra from the 29th, increasing to four from 1 December, the airline said.

The carrier will fly four weekly flights to Mashhad in Iran, increasing to daily from 2 December; five weekly flights to Shiraz from the 23rd, increasing to daily from 1 December; six weekly flights to Tehran from the 25th, increasing to daily from 1 December; and three weekly flights to Isfahan from 30 October.

Greater Dubai connectivity with additional links

GULF AIR has announced seven additional flights between Dubai and Bahrain in its winter timetable that has been brought forward effective 10 September.

The new daily midday flight departs Bahrain at 1400 hrs, bringing to 63 the total number of flights per week. This additional daily flight provides greater flexibility for corporate and leisure travellers with flights available at any time of the day, the airline said.

The new pre-winter timetable comes with a range of new features that include more frequencies between Bahrain and key Gulf Co-operation Council (GCC), MENA and Asian destinations and an upgraded fleet to certain destinations providing greater capacity, it said.

The airline's chief commercial officer Karim Makhlouf said the airline foresees demand to continue through to the winter.

"Dubai particularly has seen excellent growth with high seat factors; therefore we decided to add seven more frequencies for this route and bring forward our winter schedule that usually begins in late October.

"We are encouraged by the strong support from our customers for whom we are a carrier of choice as we offer one of the youngest fleets with an average age of just 4.7 years, the best network of destinations, excellent connectivity to different market segments, consistent and high quality products, state-of-the-art inflight entertainment including the world's first live TV, broadband Internet and mobile phone services on long haul routes," Makhlouf explained.

Qatar Airways set to breeze into the Windy City

QATAR AIRWAYS will expand its US route network with the introduction of daily passenger flights to Chicago from 10 April next year.

The non-stop service from Doha will be the carrier's fourth US gateway, following existing daily operations to New York, Washington and Houston.

The airline, which already operates twice-weekly cargo flights to Chicago's O'Hare Airport, will use its flagship long-haul Boeing 777-300 Extended Range passenger aircraft on the Doha-Chicago route, with an approximate flying time of 15 hours, the airline announced.

The announcement follows this summer's fifth anniversary launch celebrations of both the New York and Washington, DC, services.

Qatar Airways' expansion to Chicago O'Hare, the world's second busiest airport handling 70 million passengers a year, has long been earmarked by the airline as a key traffic route that would appeal to travellers from across its passenger network.

Chief executive Akbar Al Baker said: "As Qatar Airways continues its aggressive expansion, we are pleased to finally offer another gateway in the US, this time to the 'The Windy City' of Chicago, five years after we began operations to North America.

"Chicago is a key route for business and leisure travellers alike, connecting them from destinations across India, Africa, the Middle East and Asia Pacific with a one-stop service via Doha to the Midwest."

Qatar Airways' Boeing 777 aircraft operating on the Chicago route will feature 335 seats in a two-class configuration of 42 Business Class seats and 293 in Economy.

Since the beginning of this year, the airline has launched flights to Baku (Azerbaijan), Tbilisi (Georgia), Kigali (Rwanda), Zagreb (Croatia), Erbil (Iraq), Baghdad (Iraq), Perth (Australia) and Kilimanjaro (Tanzania), and says it is still planning several more destinations during the remainder of this year.

These include Yangon, Myanmar (services to start on 3 October); Maputo, Mozambique (31 October); and a date yet-to-be-announced to the Serbian capital Belgrade.

flydubai launches pay once, fly twice campaign

Dubai-based low-cost carrier flydubai is offering a free flight (taxes only applicable) to customers purchasing a ticket to 16 of its destinations.

The airline's "Pay once, fly twice" campaign offers the passenger a chance to fly to the same destination again.

 "Book your first flight between 26 August and 08 September for travel between 16 September and 20 October 2012, then on your return, claim your second flight, jetting away between 16 September and 20 October 2012 or from 4 November to 12 December 2012," the airline said.

Travellers can choose from 16 destinations, including holiday havens Colombo, Kathmandu and Istanbul, the airline said.

"The offer is valid for one way and return flights originating in Dubai. If you've booked and paid for a one-way flight, your free flight will be one way to the same destination. If you've booked and paid for a return flight, your free flight will be to and from the same destination," it said.

The free flight must be booked and any taxes paid at least seven days before you travel, the airline said.

Emirates launches third Iraq service with Erbil

EMIRATES HAS started a new non-stop service between Dubai and Erbil in northern Iraq, bringing to eleven the number of destinations launched by the airline this year.

The new route marks the airline's newest destination in the Middle East and its third gateway in Iraq, after Baghdad and Basra.

The inaugural flight was given a traditional water cannon salute, followed by a warm welcome at the airport for all passengers on-board the first flight from Dubai, the airline said in a statement.

In addition to Erbil, Emirates has launched several other new destinations this year including; Dublin, Rio de Janeiro, Buenos Aires, Dallas Fort Worth, Seattle, Lusaka, Harare, Ho Chi Minh City, Barcelona, and Lisbon. Flights to Washington DC, Adelaide, Lyon and Warsaw will also join the Emirates' network in the few coming months, according to the carrier.

The service between Emirates' hub in Dubai and Erbil is a daily service using an Airbus 340-300, offering 267 seats in a three-class configuration and more than 13 tonnes of cargo capacity.

Emirates SkyCargo, the freight division of Emirates, has been operating a freighter out of Erbil since February last year.

Emirates flight EK949 will depart each Sunday, Monday, Wednesday and Thursday from Dubai International Airport at 0430hrs and will arrive in Erbil International Airport at 0630hrs. The return flight, EK950, will depart Erbil at 0800hrs, arriving in Dubai at 1140hrs the same day.

Emirates currently operates a daily flight to Baghdad and Basra. The airline has dedicated sales offices in both Iraqi cities.

Meanwhile, the airline has announced it will launch a daily service to Phuket in Thailand later this year.

Phuket, the largest island in Thailand located in the Andaman Sea, will become Emirates' second destination in Thailand on 10 December.

Operated by a three-class Airbus aircraft, EK378 will depart Dubai at 1245hrs and arrive at Phuket International Airport at 2155hrs.

The return flight, EK379 will depart at 0035hrs the following day and arrive at Dubai International Airport at 0435hrs, the airline said in a statement.

Bahrain Air adds the flavour of Kerala to its menu

BAHRAIN AIR has signed an agreement with Muthoot Skychef for full catering facilities and services for flights operating out of the southern Indian city of Trivandrum.

"As south Indian cities are the most active routes to which Bahrain Air operates, it is natural we will focus on improving our service quality and standards to these destinations, said the airline's senior manager, cabin crew and inflight service, Husain al Jowder.

Holiday Inn Express opens first Bahrain hotel

GLOBAL HOSPITALITY chain InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) has announced the opening of the first Holiday Inn Express in Bahrain.

The 274-room property, which cost $40 million to build, is open for service in the Hoora district of Manama, the capital.

The four-star hotel is operated by Ishraq Hospitality Management, a subsidiary of Ishraq Gulf Real Estate Holding Company, under a franchise agreement with IHG.

"We are confident that the limited service offer will be extremely popular in Bahrain," said Ishraq Gulf Real Estate Holding chairman Maissan al Maskati.

"There are currently few options in Manama for price-conscious business and leisure travellers seeking ultra-modern accommodation at affordable rates and strategically located in the heart of the central business district community."

Luca De Stefano has been appointed general manager in charge of a team of 70 employees.

"Holiday Inn Express is going from strength to strength across Asia and the Middle East," said IHG India, the Middle East and Africa chief operating officer Pascal Gauvin.

"Following our recent brand launch in Thailand, we're thrilled to see the brand open up in Bahrain, just shortly before we launch in India later this year," he said.

Oman Air opens lounge in Muscat

OMAN AIR has opened a new lounge at its home hub Muscat International Airport, the carrier has announced.

The new Majan Lounge, located on the lower floor of the airport's departure terminal,  is open around the clock, seven days a week.

Among features and services offered in the lounge are wi-fi connectivity, a business centre with computer terminals, fax and printers, rest rooms with "full recliner" seats, a media area with full satellite TV, magazines and newspapers, a fully serviced drinks bar, hot and cold snack buffet counter (serviced by Oman Air lounge chefs) and modern bathrooms with shower and baby changing facilities, the airline said.

As well as Oman Air's frequent flier passengers, the lounge is available to passengers on 17 other partner airlines, subject to an entry fee of RO 12 ($31.2).

Wayne Pearce, the airline's chief executive, said: "The Majan lounge will offer an exceptional standard of hospitality and comfort, all within a uniquely modern design, but retaining key elements of Omani culture and heritage."

Majan Lounge is the third lounge facility opened and operated by Oman Air Catering division in the past 18 months.

Dubai excursions at Arabian Adventures

ARABIAN ADVENTURES is offering enhanced access to Dubai's world-renowned shopping scene with the launch of its new Dubai Shopping Fantasy excursion.

The extravaganza will take visitors on a diverse retail journey from traditional Middle Eastern handicrafts to the aisles of Dubai Mall, according to the Company.

A full-day excursion will take visitors to a wholesale warehouse, housing local souvenirs and mementos of Dubai, it said in a statement.

"From the warehouse, discover Arabian jewellery, carpets, clothing and home ware before proceeding to the Miraj Islamic Art Centre to take in some Arabian art and handicrafts," it said. The tour continues with a visit to boutiques of The Walk, which also offers the chance to grab some lunch and soak in the bustling beachside atmosphere, the Company added.

"In stark contrast the final stop, the Dubai Mall is a modern shopaholic's dream. The 1,200 outlet strong mall has something to suit every taste, from the designer stores of Fashion Avenue to the dazzling gems of The Souk, the world's largest mall," it said.

The full day excursion is priced at Dhs195 for adults, Dhs100 for children between two and 12 years old.

© The Gulf 2012