Hyderabad, Dec 15 (IANS): Gulf Air, the national carrier of Bahrain, Monday resumed its direct services between Hyderabad and Bahrain.

The five weekly flights are operated with an Airbus A321 aircraft in a two-class configuration, featuring 8 Falcon Gold Class full flat-bed seats and 161 economy class seats.

A ribbon-cutting ceremony held at Hyderabad International Airport, which was attended by Gulf Air country manager for India, A. Hussain A. Rahman, GMR Hyderabad International Airport Ltd (GHIAL) CEO S.G.K. Kishore, members of the Ministry of civil aviation, airport officials and passengers travelling on the airline's inaugural flight to Bahrain.

"Gulf Air has provided direct air services between India and Bahrain since 1971, catering to over 5 million Indian nationals residing in the Arabian Gulf region. With the resumption of our flights to Hyderabad - Gulf Air's sixth Indian destination, we are delighted to further strengthen these longstanding ties between our two countries and offer our passengers convenient access to strategic business, trade and leisure destinations," said Rahman.

"This introduction will enhance travel connections between Hyderabad and key destinations worldwide, particularly the Middle East region. With Gulf Air's connectivity to more than 30 destinations worldwide, coupled with Hyderabad Airport's modern and integrated infrastructure, passenger experience will surely reach a higher level," said Kishore.

"As Bahrain is a prominent gateway to the Gulf, Gulf Air connecting directly with Hyderabad city will immensely help the South Indian diaspora and business communities at large by providing more travel options between Hyderabad, the Middle East and beyond," he said.