Etihad Airways begins flights to Bahrain

Abu Dhabi-based Etihad Airways yesterday began service to Bahrain with a flight from Abu Dhabi to Manama.

Senior officials of the Bahrain Civil Aviation Affairs, the Bahrain Airport Services, representatives of the travel trade and other guests were on hand to welcome the airline's first flight to the kingdom.

Hussam Al Aseeri, Etihad's general manager – north Gulf, in charge of Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and Iran, said it was "a historic moment" for the newly established airline.

"We have been looking forward to flying to Bahrain - Etihad's ninth destination," he said. "We will have three classes - Diamond Zone (18 seats), Pearl Zone (36 seats) and Coral Zone (171 seats)."

Flights will operate every Sunday, Monday, Wednesday and Friday.

Depending on the response, the airline may introduce daily flights this year and twice daily next year, he said.

Passengers from Bahrain will be able to connect to other Etihad destinations within a few hours from Abu Dhabi. "There is also a free shuttle service to Dubai from Abu Dhabi airport."

Al Aseeri said the airline will start operations to India next month. "The first destination will be Mumbai, followed by New Delhi a couple of weeks later."