Superdeals: 40–80% off flights from Australasia to Bahrain

Direct flight routes to Bahrain

Currently there are no direct flights operating between Australasia and Bahrain International Airport (BAH).

• No non-stop routes available from any Australian or New Zealand airports

Layover/stopover options

Singapore (SIN) – Main hub for Singapore Airlines with efficient 2-3 hour connections to Gulf carriers. Features excellent transit facilities and free city tours for longer layovers.

Dubai (DXB) – Emirates’ mega-hub offering multiple daily connections to Bahrain. Average connection times of 3-4 hours, extensive duty-free shopping, and premium lounge access for eligible passengers.

Doha (DOH) – Qatar Airways hub with frequent services to BAH. Modern facilities with typical 2-5 hour layovers, complimentary city tours for 8+ hour transits.

Bangkok (BKK) – Gulf Air and Thai Airways provide connections with average 3-4 hour layovers. Budget-friendly option with good shopping and dining facilities.

Time vs money

One-stop routes generally offer better value than multi-stop options. Flights with longer layovers typically cost 15-25% less than those with optimal connection times.

Tips and recommendations

• Gulf carriers (Emirates, Qatar, Etihad) typically offer more reliable connections and better baggage handling than budget airlines.


• Book layovers of at least 3 hours in Dubai and Doha during peak seasons to avoid tight connections.


• Consider overnight layovers in Singapore or Bangkok for significant savings and opportunity to explore these cities.


• Mixing different airlines on separate tickets can reduce costs but increases risk of missed connections.


• Premium economy upgrades are often better value on the longer Australasia-Hub segment than the shorter Hub-Bahrain leg.

• Gulf Air’s direct service from Sydney provides excellent value with consistently lower fares than other Middle Eastern carriers, typically 15-20% below market average. The airline’s Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner features a spacious 3-3-3 configuration in Economy with 32-inch pitch and enhanced humidity control for better comfort. Their Sydney-Bahrain route operates 5 times weekly with convenient morning departures.
• Consider routing through Singapore on Singapore Airlines then Gulf Air, which often prices 10-15% lower than direct options from Australia. Singapore Airlines’ widebody aircraft offer superior legroom (34-inch pitch), while the 3-hour layover in Changi Airport provides excellent rest and retail opportunities. This combination also allows access from more Australian cities including Perth, Adelaide, and Brisbane.
• The Etihad Airways connection via Abu Dhabi offers competitive Economy fares when booked 3-4 months in advance, with the added benefit of their modern A350-1000 aircraft from Melbourne. The short 1-hour hop from Abu Dhabi to Bahrain operates multiple times daily, providing flexibility with connection times.
• For travelers from New Zealand, the most economical route combines Air New Zealand to Singapore with Gulf Air’s evening service to Bahrain. This routing typically saves 20-25% compared to other options from Auckland or Christchurch, while maintaining good comfort levels with Air New Zealand’s premium Economy product on the first leg.
• The Qatar Airways via Doha route offers excellent value during off-peak seasons (February-March and October-November), with fares up to 30% lower than peak periods. Their modern A350 and 787 fleet provides superior air quality and reduced jet lag, while the new Doha airport offers efficient connections under 3 hours.

1. Only looking at direct flights Many travelers overlook more economical two-stop options via Singapore, Dubai, or Doha that can save up to 30% on airfare to Bahrain International Airport (BAH).
2. Booking during Bahrain’s peak season Flying during the Formula 1 Grand Prix in March or major religious holidays leads to premium pricing, while shoulder season (October-November) offers better deals and pleasant weather.
3. Ignoring airport transit times When booking connections through major Middle Eastern hubs, some travelers plan too-tight layovers, not accounting for the extensive security checks and large terminal distances at airports like Dubai or Doha.
4. Missing out on airline partnerships Travelers often book directly with Gulf carriers without checking Qantas or Virgin Australia codeshare options that could earn them significant frequent flyer points and status credits.
5. Poor arrival timing at BAH Landing at Bahrain International Airport between 1 AM and 4 AM when public transport is limited and taxi prices are inflated makes ground transportation unnecessarily challenging and expensive.

Emirates

Best for: Most extensive network from Australasia to Bahrain with comfortable layover times in Dubai.

Serves 7 departure cities in Australasia to Bahrain (biggest ones: Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane). All flights connect through Dubai with typical layovers of 2-3 hours. Economy class features generous 32-34 inch seat pitch and 3000+ ICE entertainment options. Meals are consistently rated above average, with special dietary options available. Passengers give high marks for reliable scheduling and good service consistency. Overall rating 4.3/5.

Etihad Airways

Best for: Superior comfort and meal quality in Economy class.

Operates from 4 Australasian cities (biggest ones: Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane) to Bahrain via Abu Dhabi. Economy class features an outstanding 33-inch seat pitch and ergonomic design. Their kitchen-style dining service receives particular praise, offering restaurant-quality meals. Connection times in Abu Dhabi are typically 2-4 hours. Passengers regularly highlight attentive crew service and seat comfort. Overall rating 4.2/5.

Qatar Airways

Best for: Premium economy class experience at regular economy prices.

Connects 5 Australasian cities (biggest ones: Sydney, Melbourne, Perth) to Bahrain through Doha. Features award-winning service with 32-inch seat pitch and high-quality entertainment system. Their Quisine economy dining concept receives excellent reviews. Layovers in Doha usually range from 2-5 hours. Passengers consistently praise the high-quality cabin service and cleanliness. Overall rating 4.4/5.

Gulf Air

Best for: Direct service to Bahrain with fewer connections.

Though serving only 3 Australasian cities (biggest ones: Sydney, Melbourne, Perth) via Singapore or Bangkok, Gulf Air offers good value with relatively short total journey times. Economy cabin features 32-inch seat pitch and good entertainment options. Middle Eastern and international cuisine options are well-rated. Passengers appreciate the efficient connections and cultural touches in service. Overall rating 4.0/5.

Smart routing through Asia saves on Bahrain flights

Savvy travelers can significantly reduce costs on Australasia-Bahrain journeys by strategically using Asian regional carriers instead of booking direct routes with major airlines. This approach often requires separate tickets but can result in savings of 30-50%.

The most cost-effective strategy typically involves:

1. Book to a major Asian hub first – Use budget carriers like Jetstar or AirAsia to reach Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, or Bangkok
2. Connect via secondary carriers – From these hubs, utilize airlines like Gulf Air, SalamAir, or Air Arabia to reach Bahrain
3. Allow longer layovers – Building in 12-24 hour stops creates flexibility for better fares and can include bonus city visits

Key considerations for this approach:

1. Book separate tickets at least 24 hours apart to avoid missed connection issues
2. Compare total costs including baggage fees, as budget carriers charge extra
3. Check visa requirements for layover countries

Popular money-saving routes include Sydney-Singapore-Bahrain and Melbourne-Kuala Lumpur-Bahrain, often saving hundreds of dollars compared to traditional routings.