Emirates Celebrates 25 Years of Strengthening Bahrain’s Global Connectivity and Growth

Photo : Dubai Government Media Office

Emirates is celebrating 25 years of serving the Kingdom of Bahrain. Since its first flight to Bahrain, the airline has continuously expanded its services, strengthened trade relationships, and provided travelers with smooth connections to over 140 destinations worldwide.

To mark this important milestone, Emirates hosted a special dinner, welcoming government officials, VIPs, and key figures from the travel industry. The event was a tribute to the strong partnership between Emirates and Bahrain over the past 25 years.

A senior Emirates team, led by Nabil Sultan, Executive Vice President Passenger Sales and Country Management, and Reema Al Marzooqi, Area Manager Bahrain, welcomed HE Dr. Shaikh Abdulla bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, Minister of Transportation & Telecommunications, along with other government representatives, business partners, and customers. During the event, Emirates also honored its longest-serving employees in Bahrain, recognizing their dedication and contributions to the airline’s success. The employees included Amna Ismaeel Abdulla Ali, Akmal Baig, Naseem Al Shamsi, Emad Al Qadhi, Yasser Kazerooni, Danny Gowda, Khalil Attiya (the current Airport Services Manager), and Waheed Abu Alfath Ali (the Cargo Manager).

Stay informed with the latest news. Follow DXB News Network on WhatsApp Channel  

On January 25, 2000, Emirates’ Boeing 777-200 landed in Bahrain for the first time, opening a key route that has since carried more than 7.86 million passengers. Today, Emirates connects travelers from Bahrain to major cities like Manila, London, Kuala Lumpur, Chennai, and Dhaka, making it an essential link for leisure, business, and those visiting family and friends abroad.

To enhance the travel experience, Emirates recently introduced the Airbus A350 on two of its three daily flights from Bahrain. This aircraft features the latest technology and offers top-notch comfort across all cabin classes. Bahrain is among the first destinations to receive the new Airbus A350 in Emirates’ network.

Speaking about the anniversary, Nabil Sultan, Executive Vice President Passenger Sales and Country Management at Emirates, said, “As we celebrate 25 years of flying to Bahrain, we extend our gratitude to our partners and customers for their continuous support. Bahrain is an important destination for us, and we look forward to further strengthening our ties, supporting trade and tourism, and delivering the best travel experience to our passengers.”

Over the past 25 years, Emirates’ operations in Bahrain have grown significantly. The airline initially operated two daily flights using a mix of Airbus A300, A310, and A330 aircraft. Today, it runs 22 weekly flights with modern Airbus A350s and Boeing 777s, offering nearly 7,000 seats per week. The airline has also deployed its iconic Emirates A380 on special occasions, such as Bahrain’s National Day and the Bahrain International Airshow, allowing visitors to experience its premium onboard services.

Beyond passenger flights, Emirates SkyCargo has played a crucial role in Bahrain’s trade sector. Over the past five years alone, the airline has transported more than 146,000 tonnes of cargo to and from Bahrain. Popular exports include courier shipments, ship and automotive parts, and mobile phones to destinations such as India, Ethiopia, and the United States. Key imports include chilled meat, mail, courier packages, and pharmaceuticals from markets like the UAE, India, and Hong Kong. Emirates SkyCargo also facilitates the transportation of oversized or irregular items, such as engines and aircraft parts, using its extensive network of freighters and Road Feeder Service.

In 2022, Emirates signed a codeshare agreement with Bahrain’s national airline, Gulf Air. This partnership provides travelers with improved connectivity and access to a larger network of destinations. Additionally, in 2023, Emirates collaborated with the Bahrain Tourism and Exhibition Authority to promote Bahrain as a vibrant tourist destination, showcasing its many attractions and experiences to visitors worldwide.

Emirates remains committed to serving Bahrain and looks forward to many more years of partnership, innovation, and enhanced travel experiences for its passengers.