Gulf Air has extended the suspension of its Beirut flights till the end of August and is upgrading its services out of Larnaca in light of the recent developments in Lebanon and customer demand.
“We are constantly monitoring the situation in the region and are in close contact with concerned authorities as we deploy all available resources to meet customer demand,” says Gulf Air President and Chief Executive James Hogan.
Gulf Air, which flies three times a week to Larnaca, will upgrade its flight from an A320 to A340 aircraft beginning July 25 until August 10.
Gulf Air, which laid on additional flights to Damascus, has taken further measures to deploy larger aircraft to ensure people stranded in Beirut can be flown to safety.
"The safety and well being of our passengers, staff and crew is always a top priority for Gulf Air, and at this time, we share the concerns of all those who are presently caught up in the conflict," says Mr Hogan.
Meanwhile, Gulf Air is urging passengers travelling out of Damascus, to obtain confirmed bookings to their final destinations.
“As summer is a peak travel season to many destinations, flights can become full quite quickly. Gulf Air, experiencing heavy bookings throughout its network, recommends that passengers have confirmed bookings all the way to their final destination, to avoid any inconvenience,” says Mr Hogan.
Further details about Gulf Air's flights are available by calling the airline's worldwide contact centre, open 24 hours a day, seven days a week on +973 17 335 777, or local Gulf Air offices, or the Gulf Air website at www.gulfairco.com.
Gulf Air's emergency response team, working with national and international government and airport authorities and embassies has taken several steps to assist people wishing to travel to and from Lebanon. Following the onset of hostilities and the closure of Beirut Airport, Gulf Air suspended flights to Beirut and re-routed the service via Damascus.
About Gulf Air
Founded in 1950, Gulf Air, owned by the Kingdom of Bahrain and the Sultanate of Oman, is the only truly Pan Gulf carrier in the Middle East region.
The regional, geographic and cultural values that the airline has embraced over more than half a century are still central to defining its brand and service ethos.
Today the airline’s network stretches from Europe to Asia and covers 50 cities in 30 countries. The fleet comprises 34 aircraft and has the distinct advantage of possessing the strongest network across the Middle East.
A platform for sustained commercial operation has been established over the past three years as part of a multi-phased turnaround programme. It has also provided a framework for a succession of innovative products and services including the unique Sky Chefs and Sky Nannies that form part of Gulf Air’s ’smart airline, successful business’ vision.
International recognition has been achieved as a result of the turnaround programme leading to numerous awards for the airline’s innovative and high quality products and services: These include:
• Best Onboard Catering in First and Business Class (Skytrax World Airline Catering Awards 2005)
• Best designed in-flight magazine (American Creativity Awards,2005)
• Middle East Leading First Class Airline (World Travel Awards 2005)
• World’s Leading Airport Lounge (World Travel Awards 2005)
• Middle East & North African Platinum Best Airline (MENA Travel Awards 2004
• Most Improved Airline (Skytrax Awards 2004)
• Middle East First Class Airline (Arabian Business Awards)
• Best new product launch for in-flight services (PAX international Readership Awards)
• Best First Class Onboard Food (Skytrax Food Category 2004)
• Best Business Class Check-in (Skytrax Check-in Category 2004)
• Middle East region’s best airport restaurant for its restaurant in Bahrain International Airport lounge (PAX International Readership Awards 2005)
