Gulf Air’s return to Kuala Lumpur is expected to add international flight capacity as Malaysia’s air passenger traffic is forecast to reach up to 109.7 million this year, said Deputy Transport Minister Datuk Hasbi Habibollah.
Hasbi said the resumption of the Bahrain-Kuala Lumpur service would also strengthen Kuala Lumpur International Airport’s (KLIA) connectivity with the Gulf region as passenger demand continues to grow.
Airports nationwide handled 104.4 million passengers in 2025, up 11.2% year-on-year, while KLIA recorded 63.3 million passengers. The Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia expects national passenger traffic to reach between 103.8 million and 109.7 million in 2026.
“The return of Gulf Air provides timely capacity to help us meet these traffic projections and accommodate the growing demand from international travellers,” he said at a welcoming reception for Gulf Air’s inaugural Bahrain-Kuala Lumpur flight at KLIA Terminal 1 on Wednesday.
The thrice-weekly service restores a direct air link between Bahrain and Malaysia and provides onward connections to destinations including Langkawi, Penang, Sabah and Sarawak.
The timing also comes ahead of the Formula 1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix at Sepang from Oct 2 to 4, with the new service providing additional capacity for international travellers and motorsport fans attending the event.
Hasbi said stronger international connectivity would also support Visit Malaysia 2026 and Malaysia’s preparations to host the 34th SEA Games and 14th ASEAN Para Games in 2027.
“As we build momentum for Visit Malaysia 2026 and prepare to host the 34th SEA Games and 14th ASEAN Para Games, strong international air links with key source markets like the Gulf are essential. Convenient, year-round flights ensure Malaysia remains an attractive and accessible destination for both leisure and business travellers,” he said.
Gulf Air’s inaugural GF158 flight from Bahrain International Airport was operated by a Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, marking the airline’s return to Kuala Lumpur.
The resumption also makes Gulf Air the 10th Middle Eastern carrier serving KLIA.
Hasbi said the Transport Ministry and Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd were also strengthening airport infrastructure, baggage handling technology, automated immigration gates and terminal digitalisation to manage rising passenger volumes.
