Gulf Air Opens Bookings for Direct Bahrain-Kuala Lumpur Flights Ahead of F1

KUALA LUMPUR, AUGUST 2026 – Bahrain’s national carrier, Gulf Air, has opened reservations for its upcoming direct flights between Bahrain International Airport and Kuala Lumpur International Airport.

The new service is scheduled to begin on September 29, 2026, just days before Malaysia’s planned Formula One race weekend at the Sepang International Circuit.

Passengers can book flights through Gulf Air’s official website, mobile application or authorised travel agents.

The airline described Kuala Lumpur’s addition to its permanent network as another important milestone in its international expansion strategy, giving travellers direct access to one of Southeast Asia’s leading business and tourism destinations.

The launch is also intended to provide additional capacity and greater flexibility for Formula One fans and international visitors travelling to Malaysia for the race.

Formula One and the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile confirmed on July 26 that Malaysia was expected to host the event at the Sepang International Circuit from October 2 to 4, 2026. The race remains subject to the completion of final agreements and the required approvals, including endorsement from the World Motor Sport Council.

The Malaysian race is expected to take place between the Azerbaijan Grand Prix and the Singapore Grand Prix on the Formula One calendar.

Its timing could encourage motorsport fans to attend multiple races across the region while also supporting demand for flights, accommodation, transport and tourism services in Malaysia.

Gulf Air said the Kuala Lumpur route would continue beyond the race period as part of its regular scheduled network.

The permanent service is expected to strengthen year-round connectivity between Bahrain and Malaysia while offering onward travel opportunities to other destinations through the airline’s network.

Gulf Air chief executive officer Martin Gauss said the addition of Kuala Lumpur would further strengthen the airline’s network and support travel between the two countries throughout the year.

He added that the airline was proud to connect fans and travellers with the major sporting event through its new direct service to the Malaysian capital.

The airline is the title sponsor of the Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix branding associated with the planned Formula One event in Malaysia.

Its involvement provides the carrier with an opportunity to combine route expansion with international sports tourism and wider brand exposure.

Direct air connectivity between Bahrain and Kuala Lumpur could also benefit business travellers, tourists and passengers connecting between the Middle East and Southeast Asia.

The service may help reduce reliance on connecting flights while improving access for travellers from Gulf countries seeking to visit Malaysia.

Malaysia is expected to benefit from the additional international capacity through increased visitor arrivals and spending across the hospitality, retail, transport and food sectors.

The proximity of the launch date to the Formula One weekend could also support higher demand at hotels and tourism businesses in Kuala Lumpur, Sepang and surrounding areas.

Gulf Air currently operates a fleet comprising 10 Boeing 787 aircraft and 34 Airbus A320 and A321 aircraft.