GULF Air has boosted its services between Chennai and Bahrain from nine to 12 flights per week.

Samer Majali, CEO, Gulf Air said: “India is one of our key markets, and a large number of (Indians) are employed or doing business in Bahrain, the Gulf and Middle East countries. Our Chennai route has seen a high load factor throughout the past year, which has encouraged us to introduce the extra flights.”

Majali added: “We have introduced split timings (on the Chennai-Bahrain route), with morning and night departures to provide connectivity for people travelling from South India (via Bahrain) to Europe, Africa, and Egypt, and to the US via our codeshare partner American Airlines."

Padmini Narayanan, director, Akshaya India Chennai said: “Passenger demand to the Gulf and Europe has increased substantially over the past one year, and Gulf Air has (aided) tour operators by providing more flight options. Increased flight capacity (also) keeps increasing ticket costs in check.”