MANAMA: National carrier Gulf Air yesterday announced it would resume flights to the Greek capital, Athens, from June 16.

The airline will initially operate four weekly flights to Athens International Airport.

The decision to resume flights to Athens reinforces the airline’s strategy of strengthening its network with key global destinations and providing strategic business and tourism links, Gulf Air acting chief executive Maher Al Musallam said.

“We are seeing unique business and tourism opportunities in Greece alongside positive signs of the country’s economic recovery,” he added.

“Accordingly, and on the back of Gulf Air’s recent network expansion to key destinations such as Al Maktoum International at Dubai World Central and Thiruvananthapuram in India, I am delighted to announce the return of our services to Athens.

“Gulf Air’s service between Athens and Bahrain offers passengers more choice, non-stop convenience and onward connections via Bahrain across the GCC, Middle East region and beyond, in line with the airline’s strategy as one of Middle East’s largest network carriers.

“Flights to Athens will appeal to Bahrain and GCC residents as the Greek capital is popular with both business and leisure travellers. We expect Athens to be a successful addition to our network and look forward to a continuation of our strong ties with the Greek capital,” he said.

Gulf Air’s four weekly flights will be operated by an Airbus A320-ER aircraft in a two-class configuration, featuring 14 Falcon Gold Class seats and 96 Economy Class seats. Designed specifically for the airline, and incorporating various elements of passengers’ feedback, the A320-ER is the only aircraft of its kind in the world featuring full flat-bed seats, as well as being equipped with the airline’s latest in-flight entertainment technology. Gulf Air took the difficult decision to suspend services to Athens in March 2012 for commercial reasons following a prolonged period of challenging operating conditions.

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