According to the Bahrain News Agency, Gulf Air, the national carrier of Bahrain, has announced the resumption of its flights to Iraq after a four-year hiatus.
This move marks a significant return for the company, as its last flights to Iraq were in 2020, when they ceased due to the repercussions of the COVID-19 pandemic. Since then, Gulf Air has been absent from Iraqi airspace, but now, with improved conditions, it is preparing to resume its services.
Gulf Air’s history in Iraq dates back to 1974 when the company launched its first flights to the country. Since then, its flights have been directed to cities such as Baghdad, Najaf, and Erbil.
In a statement, Gulf Air confirmed that preparations to resume flights are underway with full seriousness, and details of schedules and frequencies to and from Iraq will be announced in the near future after completing all official procedures.
Gulf Air Losses
“On the other hand, Gulf Air, the national carrier of Bahrain, faces significant financial challenges manifested in a record of accumulated losses over many years. In a development reflecting the fragility of the company’s financial situation, a parliamentary investigation committee has warned of the continued deterioration of the company’s performance and the accumulation of its losses, calling for immediate measures to improve the situation and hold those responsible for corruption to account.
The committee’s report revealed that the company received government support exceeding 48 million dinars, while its total losses amounted to approximately 77 million dinars by 2021. Additionally, the report’s notes highlighted the company’s disregard for previous parliamentary committee recommendations to hold those responsible for incurring losses accountable, underscoring the lack of transparency and accountability within the company.
The company’s losses are attributed to a wavering management policy and political interventions in decision-making, leading to the opening of airline routes to undesired destinations at the expense of profitable routes demanded by passengers, such as Tel Aviv, for example. These policies raise questions about their negative impact on the company’s performance and financial interests.
In light of this development, it is imperative for the government and relevant authorities to take immediate action to improve the company’s situation, including conducting a transparent and objective investigation into the reasons for the losses and holding those responsible accountable, and ensuring the implementation of an effective financial strategy to revive the company and ensure its future sustainability.”
source: lualuatv
