Bahraini airline Gulf Air flight GF124 from Manama, Bahrain's capital, touched down at Shanghai Pudong International Airport at 11:50 am on May 29. This marks the official opening of the inaugural direct flight connection between China and Bahrain.

As the aircraft passed through the ceremonial "water salute," a symbol of the highest honor in civil aviation, Bahrain became the 48th country with regular flight connections to Shanghai. Manama is now the 105th destination city, with Gulf Air becoming the 107th airline to operate regular flights in Shanghai.

Starting May 29, Gulf Air will operate four weekly flights on the Shanghai to Bahrain route using Boeing 787-9 aircraft.

Flights will depart from Shanghai Pudong International Airport to Bahrain International Airport in Manama every Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday, Beijing time. From Bahrain International Airport, flights will depart to Shanghai Pudong International Airport every Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday, local time.

Bahrain is an important partner for China in the Persian Gulf region in the Middle East and a significant contributor to the Belt and Road Initiative. This year marks the 35th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Bahrain.