There is a diplomatic thaw between Bahrain and Israel. This is now also reflected in aviation, because El Al and Gulf Air signed a letter of intent to work together. Together they want to offer scheduled flights between the two countries that were once enemies.

The contract includes a codeshare cooperation that will enable passengers to switch to the other route network. They want to operate the Bahrain-Tel Aviv route together and coordinate the flight schedule. Gulf Air is currently planning to fly to Tel Aviv from January 7, 2021. Formal approval from the two governments is still pending, but is expected in the next few days.