I was in Bahrain at the beginning of the month after almost 9 years. The place has changed, malls, highways and newly developed areas reclaimed from the sea in the usual Bahrain way. I had a good time, doing business and meeting friends and relatives and did not feel unsafe at any time during my stay.
However, some things never change in Bahrain and that is stories about Gulf Air. Well, there are several stories being bandied around one of them is that the CEO will be leaving by the end of the month and the other is that some business interests have aligned with some political figures in the government to promote Bahrain Air as a replacement of Gulf Air.
Both Gulf Air and Bahrain Air had a hard 2011; in addition to the Arab Spring in key markets and problems in Bahrain, the rising fuel costs and Eurozone woes; the government banned flights to Lebanon, Iraq and Iran for a few months, all key markets for the airlines.
The future of Gulf air is being debated by a Parliamentary ad hoc committee that is reviewing options (keeping the status quo, dissolving the airline, selling it off to a strategic partner or downsizing it) presented by the government. Downsizing seems to be the preferred option provided it does not affect Bahrain nationals, a prime objective at all times. The Labor Union representing Gulf Air employees is very powerful and nothing will move forward without their express or tacit approval, a fact that should always be remembered.
Bahrain Air, a privately held airline, has the same woes as Gulf Air and could probably do with some government support.
Whether Bahrain Air can replace Gulf Air, the short answer is no; Gulf Air has a greater international
presence and operates far more international routes to Europe, Middle East, Africa and the Far East.
Another option is to merge both airlines?!
Only time will tell what the outcome will be, but as everything else in the region, never a dull moment.
In any case, it was an enjoyable visit and I look forward to visiting again soon.
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