Bahrain’s Gulf Air plans to add service to two Chinese cities next year, saying it is making a “strategic move” to bolster its Asia-Pacific flying.

The carrier will open service from Bahrain International Airport (BAH) to both Guangzhou and Shanghai in January 2024. The routes will be operated with Boeing 787 aircraft.

"We are excited by the opportunity to expand our presence in the Asia-Pacific region with new flights connecting Bahrain and the cities of Guangzhou and Shanghai in China," Gulf Air CEO Jeffrey Goh says in a statement. 

"China is one of the world's fastest-growing economies and a global tourism market. It is key to our strategy of calibrated network growth. These flights will offer greater choice and flexible travel experiences for passengers and create new pipelines for trade, tourism and collaboration, benefiting both nations."

Gulf Air operates from Bahrain to over 40 cities in Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Indian sub-continent and the Far East.