Gulf Air Increases Flights from Thiruvananthapuram to Bahrain, Boosting Tourism Growth in Between Bahrain and Southern India

Published on November 23, 2025

Gulf Air has increased its frequencies of direct flights between Thiruvananthapuram and Bahrain to seven weekly flights, effective Sunday, November 23, 2025. This is a major increase in service compared to the previous four weekly flights, meeting recent demands for travel between southern India and Bahrain. The decision to expand services comes at a time when both tourism and the expatriate community are driving up demand for direct, efficient travel options.

The new route provides more flexibility for Indians visiting Bahrain’s cultural, historical, and business destinations, while further opening up accessibility for Bahraini visitors traveling to southern India. The route will act as an important link to people in Kerala and Tamil Nadu; both regions have a large number of Indians living and working in Bahrain.

A Boon for Tourism Between Southern India and Bahrain

The expansion of Gulf Air’s service is expected to have a substantial tourism impact for both Bahrain and southern India. For Indian travelers, the increased flight frequency will open up opportunities to explore Bahrain’s dynamic tourism offerings, including its rich history, modern attractions, and coastal resorts. Additionally, Bahrain’s status as a growing business hub will attract more business travelers from southern India looking for easier access to the country for trade and investment opportunities.

For Bahrain, the increased frequency of flights will help attract more Indian tourists, especially from the southern regions, eager to explore the country’s luxury shopping, fine dining, and cultural festivals. The direct flight service will likely encourage more tourists from southern India to visit Bahrain for short holidays and business trips, promoting further tourism growth.

Improving Accessibility and Tourism Infrastructure in Southern India

Thiruvananthapuram International Airport (TIAL) benefits directly from Gulf Air’s expansion, positioning itself as an increasingly important gateway for southern Indian tourists heading to Bahrain and the Middle East. With seven weekly flights, TIAL is becoming a key international hub for travelers from Kerala and Tamil Nadu, providing them with easier access to Bahrain and facilitating stronger ties between tourism destinations in both regions.

This increase in direct air connectivity also enhances tourism infrastructure in Thiruvananthapuram, as the city continues to attract both international tourists and business visitors, benefiting the local hospitality sector, including hotels, tour operators, and transport services.

The Role of Expatriates in Driving Tourism Growth

The growing number of Indian expatriates in Bahrain plays a key role in the increasing demand for flights between Thiruvananthapuram and Bahrain. The Indian expatriate community in Bahrain has long been a vital bridge for tourism and cultural exchange between the two regions. The direct flight will make it easier for expatriates to visit family, celebrate cultural festivals, and engage in business ventures, all of which will have a positive ripple effect on both the tourism industry and the local economy in southern India.

Supporting Bilateral Tourism Growth: Business and Leisure

The introduction of the seven-weekly flights will help further stimulate bilateral tourism between Bahrain and southern India. Indians looking to travel for business or tourism will benefit from the new, more frequent service, enabling them to travel with greater convenience and cost-effectiveness. At the same time, Bahrain’s growing tourism offerings will attract more leisure travelers from Kerala and Tamil Nadu, who seek a short, luxurious trip to Bahrain’s world-class resorts, shopping malls, and cultural venues.

The improved tourism connectivity also supports the expansion of tourism products such as beach tourism, cultural tourism, and eco-tourism in both countries, with Bahrain looking to attract cultural tourists and adventure seekers, while southern India continues to offer cultural experiences and heritage tourism.

Strengthening Business and Investment Relations

The increased air traffic between Thiruvananthapuram and Bahrain also strengthens business ties between southern India and Bahrain. The ease of access will benefit business professionals from both regions looking to invest in trade and industrial collaborations. By offering more flights, Gulf Air is facilitating commercial exchanges and entrepreneurial ventures, especially in areas such as technology, manufacturing, and financial services.

Future Growth and Opportunities for Southern India-Bahrain Tourism

Looking ahead, the new flight service is poised to act as a springboard for further tourism growth and business development in southern India and Bahrain. With the rising number of tourists and business travelers from both regions, the tourism industry will see mutual benefits, contributing to the economic growth of both destinations. This direct connection between Thiruvananthapuram and Bahrain marks the beginning of increased regional integration and a new chapter in the tourism and business collaboration between India and the Middle East.

A Stronger Bridge for Tourism and Trade

Increased frequency by Gulf Air from Thiruvananthapuram to Bahrain would have a major impact on the tourism and business landscape in Bahrain and in southern India. This route increases convenience for Indians who travel to Bahrain for various business interests and for tourism, while Bahraini travelers get better access to the rich cultural and natural attractions of southern India.

This development strengthens tourism flows, facilitates cultural exchange, and fosters a stronger partnership between Bahrain and India, thus setting a better stage for more investment and collaborative growth in the years to come. As this route becomes integral to the scope of bilateral relations, both countries can look forward to increased tourism revenues and a more connected tourism market.