Gulf Air saw a 31% increase in passenger numbers in the year to August because of its move to a twin hub strategy, the company said.
The airline carried 4.7 million passengers through Bahrain and Muscat airports between August 2005 and August 2006, according to figures released today.
Tourism is booming in Oman, one of the Gulf Air two owners states, the company said. Since it increased the service from London Heathrow to Muscat in March 2006, Gulf Air has been profiting from the growing popularity of the destination, with Economy Class passengers up by 35% on the route.
London to Bangkok is doing well for the airline with passenger number up by 69% for all cabins.
Gulf Air’s premium classes have made a strong contribution to overall growth. Business Class for London to Bahrain is up 23% while London-Muscat enjoyed a 37% increase in First Class passengers.
Because of passenger demand, Gulf Air has increased the number of it’s “sky nannies” to 160. The service was first introduced in 2003.