Dubai: The Gulf Air is to fly four times a week to Kochi from Abu Dhabi beginning July 14 following final endorsement of bilateral and commercial arrangements by the Civil Aviation authorities in India.

"We are keen to fly to more destinations in India and are in regular touch with the Indian Civil Aviation authorities on this," A K Nizar, Area Manager for Gulf Air for Dubai and Northern Emirates said.

Operated on Gulf Air's newly configured two-class Airbus A320, flights will commence from Bahrain through Abu Dhabi to Cochin on GF270 on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 21.45 hrs with effect from July 14.

Following a brief 40-minute transit time, the flights depart Abu Dhabi at 00.30 hrs each Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday to arrive in Cochin at 06.00 hrs.

Flights will depart Cochin on GF271 every Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday at 07.00 hrs local time arriving in Abu Dhabi at 09.25 hrs, where the transit time is just 45 minutes. GF271 arrives in Bahrain at 10.15 hrs.

"We have had excellent response to our Kochi flight as well as to the all economy Gulf traveller which we launched in June to Mumbai and Thiruvananthapuram," Nizar said.

John Butler, Vice President Marketing and Sales at Gulf Air said he hoped to extend the service to Kochi soon to five times weekly.

"Our collaboration with Air India on this service will serve the people of this region and is important to encourage and facilitate tourism," he said.

PTI