Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA)

  • PAX: 62,335,000
  • IATA: KUL
  • ICAO: WMKK
  • Country/Region: Flag of Malaysia Malaysia
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KLIA Welcomes Gulf Air’s Direct Bahrain Service Ahead of Formula 1 and Visit Malaysia 2026

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KLIA further expanded its international airline network today with the launch of Gulf Air’s inaugural direct service between Bahrain and Kuala Lumpur. The arrival of flight GF158 from Bahrain International Airport (BAH), operated with a Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, marks Gulf Air as the 10th Middle Eastern carrier serving KLIA. The year-round service strengthens connectivity between Malaysia, Bahrain and the wider Middle East, while offering greater travel convenience ahead of Formula 1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia 2026, scheduled to take place at the Sepang International Circuit from 2 to 4 October 2026.

Operating three times weekly, the service adds capacity and offers greater flexibility for travellers, including motorsport fans. Its launch is also timely for Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026), with the enhanced connectivity expected to support increased visitor arrivals and contribute to wider tourism and economic activity across the country.

Managing Director of Malaysia Airports, Dato’ Mohd Izani Ghani, said, “We welcome Gulf Air to KLIA at a timely moment, ahead of the Formula 1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix 2026 and during Visit Malaysia 2026. With an increase in international visitors expected, we are ready to manage the higher passenger volumes and have operational plans in place across both terminals. These include optimising passenger flows, coordinating closely with airlines and relevant government agencies, and strengthening on-ground support to ensure a smooth and welcoming arrival experience. We value Gulf Air’s commitment to this year-round service and look forward to growing our partnership.”

The new service further strengthens KLIA’s role as Malaysia’s primary international gateway, providing travellers from Bahrain and the wider region with convenient access to Kuala Lumpur and onward domestic connections to destinations including Langkawi, Penang, Sabah and Sarawak. This is expected to support leisure, business and event-driven travel, including visitors attending Formula 1 in Sepang, while extending tourism benefits to destinations across Malaysia.

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