Full Breakdown
Gulf Air and Icelandair Expand Operations at JFK Airport
10/7/2025, 10:52:11 PM
Gulf Air Relaunches Direct Flights to New York
Gulf Air, the national carrier of the Kingdom of Bahrain, has officially relaunched its direct flight route between Bahrain International Airport and John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) in New York. This development re-establishes a vital transatlantic connection, enhancing economic, tourism, and cultural exchanges between Bahrain and the United States. The inaugural flight was celebrated with an official reception at JFK, attended by dignitaries including H.E. Shaikh Abdullah bin Rashid Al Khalifa, Ambassador of Bahrain to the U.S., and H.E. Ms. Sara Ahmed Buhejji, CEO of the Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority.
During the ceremony, Ambassador Al Khalifa emphasized the strategic importance of the direct flights, stating that they strengthen the long-standing political and economic partnership between the two nations. Gulf Air now operates three weekly flights to JFK, providing seamless access to the U.S. Northeast and onward connections across the Americas. This route is expected to benefit corporate travelers and tourism stakeholders, while also facilitating air cargo and trade logistics.
Icelandair Selects JFK Terminal 6 for Future Operations
In a related development, Icelandair has announced that it will operate from the new Terminal 6 (T6) at JFK Airport, which is set to open to passengers in 2026. This terminal is part of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey's $19 billion transformation of JFK into a world-class gateway. Icelandair joins a roster of airlines including JetBlue, Air Canada, and Lufthansa, marking T6 as a hub for 15 international airlines.
The new terminal will feature a digital-first, boutique guest experience, with a less than five-minute walk from the TSA security checkpoint to all gates. Icelandair's strategic partnership with JetBlue will facilitate quick connections between T6 and JetBlue's Terminal 5. Steve Thody, CEO of JFK Millennium Partners, expressed excitement about the partnership, highlighting shared commitments to sustainability and guest experience.
Broader Implications for JFK Airport
The expansions by Gulf Air and Icelandair at JFK Airport reflect a broader trend of increasing international connectivity at one of the busiest airports in the United States. These developments are expected to enhance the airport's role as a key hub for transatlantic travel, supporting economic growth and tourism in both Bahrain and Iceland.
Official Statements & Responses
H.E. Shaikh Abdullah bin Rashid Al Khalifa remarked, “This event represents a significant turning point in strengthening the historic partnership between the Kingdom of Bahrain and the United States.” Meanwhile, Steve Thody stated, “Icelandair has been an outstanding long-term partner at T7, and we’re excited to write our next chapter together at the new T6.”
Criticism & Opposition
Despite the positive developments, there are ongoing discussions regarding transportation infrastructure at JFK. Critics argue that current AirTrain projects do not provide direct access to Manhattan, unlike other major airports. This has led to calls for improved rail connections to enhance the overall travel experience for passengers.
What's Next
As both Gulf Air and Icelandair prepare for their respective operations, the completion of Terminal 6 is anticipated by 2028, which will further solidify JFK's status as a leading international airport. The ongoing developments at JFK are expected to continue attracting more international airlines and enhancing passenger experiences.
