Flights between Bahrain and Ras Al Khaimah could be on the cards following a new memorandum of understanding (MOU) between Gulf Air and the northern emirate’s airport.

The move could create connections from Ras Al Khaimah Airport International (RAK) to as far afield as the Philippines and London in the United Kingdom (UK), thanks to Gulf Air’s network, the airport’s chief executive officer (CEO) said.

Sanjay Khanna said passenger confidence is returning post COVID-19, and that the airport is pursuing Gulf state connectivity, which he said is a key tenet of its expansion strategy.

“The aviation industry has its eyes set on recovery following the difficult year we had in 2020. The air ways are opening up as COVID-19 restrictions gradually ease, and passengers increasingly confident to take to the skies once again,” Khanna said.

“Gulf-state connectivity is a key tenet of our expansion strategy, and with its long history, commendable track record, and vast network, Gulf Air is an ideal partner for this mission,” he added.

He said  the move “will allow residents, expats, and tourists in the Northern Emirates of the UAE to connect to as far as the Philippines in the east, and London in the west.”

Captain Waleed Al Alawi, Gulf Air’s acting CEO also noted that the airline is always keen to explore ways to enhance the connectivity between the Kingdom of Bahrain and the UAE. “As a boutique carrier, we look forward to adding Ras Al Khaimah to our network of destinations.”

The MOU, which was signed in a virtual ceremony, agrees to explore services between RAK and Bahrain.

In November, RAK commenced SpiceJet services to Delhi in India, followed by Mumbai, Lucknow and Cochin at the start of this year.

Gulf Air currently flies to Europe, the Middle East, Africa, the Indian sub-continent and the Far East.

(Writing by Imogen Lillywhite; editing by Cleofe Maceda)

Imogen.Lillywhite@refinitiv.com

Disclaimer: This article is provided for informational purposes only. The content does not provide tax, legal or investment advice or opinion regarding the suitability, value or profitability of any particular security, portfolio or investment strategy. Read our full disclaimer policy here.

© ZAWYA 2021