Gulf Air expanding network into Iraq 

(MENAFN - Khaleej Times) Gulf Air, the national carrier of Bahrain, announced on Saturday that it will be expanding its network into Iraq. The airline will commence flights four times per week to Najaf from September 26, which will become a daily service from October 26.

Services to Erbil will begin on October 26 with three flights per week, which will also become a daily service in due course.

Gulf Air's service to Najaf, in the southern Iraq, will operate on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays using 
an A320 aircraft.

Service to Erbil, in northern Iraq, will operate on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, also using an A320 aircraft.

The announcement follows the successful launch of flights to the Iraqi capital of Baghdad last week and builds upon the airline's experience and knowledge of operating there over many years. Over the next two months Gulf Air aims 
to become the market leader operating regular services to three key cities within 
the country.

"On the back of the successful launch of our services to Baghdad I am delighted that Najaf and Erbil will be following close behind. This is a great achievement for Gulf Air as we look to the future and start to target niche routes," Gulf Air Chief Executive Officer Samer Majali said.