Gulf Air
reviews and complaints

Flight GF046 from Istanbul to Bahrain on 27th of March 2022 was delayed for 9 hours and 45 minutes which Gulf Air claims via email was due to a 'technical problem as a result of a bird strike on the operating aircraft' when in reality, majority of passengers on board watched and filmed on video the pilot leaving the aircraft and pitstop in an angry mood.

As a result of this delay, I spent 28 hours travelling to my final destination Dubai (which is literally 4 hour flight from Istanbul) to find that Gulf Air had also lost my baggage.

My complaints are as follows:

1. Treatment of paying customers/ passengers by Gulf Air Airport staff at Istanbul Airport and Customer service agents via Bahrain main contact centre. Again, with phone recordings and video evidence, the staff were rude, neglectful (the main manager at Istanbul airport literally ran away from the crowd), shouting at myself and passengers, some of whom were women & children, gave out NOT enough sandwiches or drinks and then shouted and was violent (again video evidence exists between myself and other passengers on the flight).

2. No apology or accountability has been taken by this airline except for a mediocre offer of $70.

3. I had escalated my complaint and filled out the necessary form as per their instructions alongside my bank details in order to receive this $70.

4. This was now since March and I haven't heard anything back from them except the same generic email from Gulf Air Guest Support that I should contact their 'Worldwide Contact Centre' so I did! And guess what? The customer service op named Khalid laughed in my face as to why I called their main office and said he or no one there could help me and it was just a joke of a call please check recordings if you can.

5. Please find attached all evidence.

Yesterday 29 June 2022 I reached Bahrain Airport at 7.45 to 8.00 PM as I have a flight at 11:00 PM from Bahrain to Islamabad, I followed a long queue for getting the boarding pass but when I reached the counter they asked about Fast-track, Vaccination certificate, etc… I have shown the vaccination certificate and other documents but this is the first time I heard about the fast track because this is also my first time in Bahrain, I traveled to various countries through different airlines but I never heard about the fast track. I asked the representative what it that, and he said just go to dada bai travel agency and they will prepare for you, when I asked again to please clarify the procedure the representative along with his senior badly misbehaved with me and said do what we are saying and come again in the queue when you get the said document, I ran towards travel agency by asking from different persons about the location, finally I found the travel agency and they gave me a paper which contains only the basic information about the passenger and flight and that document was the fast track, the agency charged BHD 3 for that.

I again ran towards the counters and again stand in the queue when I again reached the counter or representative he checked the details, baggage, etc. then he moved to his senior and discussed something. After a few minutes, He came back to me and said picked up your baggage and come with me, I asked the reason but he said no need to worry, just come. Then along with him, I came to a nearby office or Gulf air counter and he gave my passport to a staff member and told me that he will give me the boarding pass. That place was already overcrowded. I wait a few minutes and then asked that representative what is the issue, he said that guy did not tell you that the plane is overcrowded and overbooked and we are not able to give you the boarding pass. I said no he has not told me anything. Then I said, please guide me that what I will do, He said just sit on the chair and wait. There were already so many passengers waiting at that place. Again after a few minutes, I asked the same question how much do I have to wait, he answered me to talk with another representative who is solving this issue, don’t worry he will help you. When I tried to discuss it with him, he said, oh are you going to Islamabad then sit and wait. I again sat there and start waiting, a person sitting with me told me that he has the same issue and he is waiting along with his family members for the last three days, by listening to him I took so much tension and again asked that officer to help me as I have no accommodation in Bahrain and unable to stay in Bahrain as I am on a tourist visa he said okay, sit and wait we will help you. The same thing happened so many times, I asked him and he said sit and wait then he told me to travel to Sialkot, Faisalabad, or Multan instead of Islamabad as we don’t have any flight, I said okay shift my flight to Faisalabad or Sialkot if there is no other option then again he told me to wait. After hours of waiting, he said those flights are also overcrowded and overbooked. He misbehaved with me that you are not the only one others are also waiting, I said it’s not my fault as I have purchased ticked directly from Gulf air office almost two or three months ago and it was fully confirmed. I have received so many reminders from gulf air that you have a flight on 29th but in the end, they did this with me.

He again said, sit and wait, I tried to discuss with other officials but no one got ready to listen to me, finally, he told me that we are shifting your flight to 1st July and we will give you the accommodation. I said okay if you have only that solution then please proceed. Then again I wait almost 30 minutes and another officer after putting my details in his system told me to collect my boarding pass from the counter. I went there and by chance I met with the same official who misbehaved with me regarding the fast track, I said now due to your fast track I missed my flight, He answered me don’t worry say “Alhamdulillah” as you were not listening to me and you seem to be non-serious for the said flight, I thanks him and picked the boarding pass and then again went to the same office.

I asked the official about accommodation he said again sit and wait, I again start waiting, after almost 30 minutes of waiting, another official came I talk with him and he gave me the accommodation and meal vouchers and at midnight I reached the hotel. I am currently in the hotel but I am thinking that how gulf airline staff treat passengers unprofessionally, I am still not sure that I will get on board on 1st July as my previous experience makes me worried. They gave me the hotel and meal but what about the 2 days and almost three nights which I am going to spend without my family due to their mistake. Hope my complaint brings some improvements for the future passengers

We arrived at London Heathrow at 1800 for our 2205 flight from London to Lahore (via Bahrain) on 25.06.2022. We checked and everything was fine. At 2100 we were informed that our flight had been cancelled, however repeated calls to Gulf Air Customer Services came back with the same message that the flight was not cancelled. At 22.45 finally we were informed our flight had been rescheduled for 0930 on 26.06.2022 and to arrive at check in by 0530. We were not given any food vouchers not offered any hotel accommodation at this stage. We spent the night in Heathrow T2 (My 71 year old Grandmother, my 29 year old mother, my 16 year old brother and me a 21 year old). At 0530 we received a further update that the flight was delayed till 1730 now and to check in at 1330. We were finally offered food vouchers at this time! Despite continuing to wait in the Departure Lounge we began queuing at 1330 only to be told at 1530 that the flight was further delayed until 2205 and check in would now open at 1800. At 1800 we again began queuing and eventually at 22.05 we boarded our plane. The time now is 23.45 we are still sitting in the plane and we have NOT taken off. I have now missed my subsequent connecting flight to Lahore. I have been informed I need to contact the transfer Desk in Bahrain (when I finally reach there to sort out my Bahrain to Lahore flight). This is absolutely diabolical from Gulf Air. Please can someone help us!

Dear Baggage Department,

This is to inform you of a situation where my bag has been misplaced for two days. Below are the details for your kind perusal-

Passenger Name - Farid Ismail Khan

Flight Gulf Air : Paris - Bahrain - Mumbai (final destination)

Date : 22nd June 2022

Flight Nos: Paris to Bahrain GF 18, Bahrain to Mum GF 56

Seat No: Paris to Bahrain - 1 D, J Class

Seat No: Bahrain to Mumbai - 1 A, J Class

I am quite surprised with the service and in complete distress, as we had a total of 4 bags. We have received the 3 bags, but the fourth bag in Mumbai did not arrive.

Details of the missing bag:

Passenger Name - Farid Ismail Khan

Passenger Email ID - [protected]@hotmail.com

Phone Nos +91 [protected]

Bag Colour - Brown

Bag Company - Samsonite Hard Case

Bag Age - 1 month Old

Bag Ticket No - I have the bag ticket nos is GF 118732 which went missing. I have attached the missing bag ticket scan for any other information you may need.

Attached - Air Ticket Copy

We have not been getting a concrete answer from anyone. This is becoming very frustrating for us and concerning at the same time. We don't expect this kind of customer response from Gulf Air and what's even more shocking is that no one seems to know where the bag is when everything is computerised, in the system and we work in the world of barcode scans and all details are logged into the ticket?

Please help us resolve this matter. We hope to hear a positive response from you soon.

Don't you feel embarrassed all the staff and managers in Gulf air about how rude and selfish you are you have no hearts at all because of your bad management and plans you don't even bother to answer me on phone very rude of you

Hi,

We travelled from Istanbul to Bahrain on 07th May 2022 on flight number GF 0044 (Seat Number 26A/B/C/D), behind our seat 27A/B/C/D one family with two grownup kids disturbing us through out the flight. we have tried to resolve smoothly, but co-passenger didn't realize his fault nor our inconvenience.

Hence we have escalated to air hostess, but unfortunately we couldn't get proper assistance from the cabin crew also.

The whole flight journey was complete inconvenience, we have requested for seating interchange among us to avoid this issue, but even then no assistance has been provided by the air hostess.

Cabin crew should be capable of resolving these type of issues.

We have never experienced these sort of issues in Gulf Air before.

I had booked my ticket in gulf airlines in oct 2020 from Chennai to London. The flight had been cancelled by the airlines.But I had asked for refund many times but there is no response from your side. I am not at all happy with your service and you people should give atleast some response to your customers. I think if you are like this no one will be happy with your service. I am asking you again plz give response for this message or send the mail to [protected]@gmail.com.

I am a frequent flyer with Gulf air and therefore I accumulate airmiles. Simple you would think. Not with Gulf air, they do everything in their power to make it almost impossible.

My family flow from London to spend Christmas with me in Bahrain.

The website clearly states that you have six months to make a claim from date of boarding.

About 1 month after they leave I start to try and claim. Sorry website has a problem. I am passing Gulf air in the Seef mall. Sorry we cant do it you have to do it on line.

Again I try, this time it logs all the information and I get a reply. Sorry you need to claim within 7 days.

Trying to phone someone is a complete waste of time.

If you are a frequent flyer and use your miles then I suggest you go elsewhere.

From

Puthiya Tharavattil Ramakrishnan

Kannur Karivellur kerala

Flight Airbus A320

I had booked a gulfairflight from Kozhikode to kuwait for the travel dates 27th of march 2020..eticket no.[protected] through goldenstar travells payyannur. Kannur district. Kerala. due to Covid gulf air cancelled the flight for this sector.. I contacted the Travell agency submitted ticket details 2020 april for refund my cash. But they replied to wait until the airline services start.many time contacted travells but they said that to wait.but still i didn't refund my cash.so i want to know the details.

I am writing this letter to you in order to complain about the loss of luggage I recently encountered. My luggage was checked in at 2 PM on February 26 connecting flight from Riyadh to Bahrain then Bahrain to Manila Philippines. Gulf airways GF 2168. Flight booking reference: GF / YBNYGV...and upon arrival at the conveyor my luggage was not seen which would be considered as lost.it can be seen in the camera CCTV that I argue because the teller which is a gentle man and the other are all ladies do not put my other luggage sticker and he insist he know his job..I'm Jonathan Ombajin Sepe have an iqama number [protected]

We are 6 passengers which our flight was cancelled on 1st of Feb which planned to depart Bahrain on 4th of Feb at 1am ( Flight Number GF45), as resolution we have been transferred to the morning flight on the same day at 9:40 am (Flight Number GF34). This changes cost us 1315$ to change the connection flight to belgrade which was scheduled to depart from Istanbul at 8:20 am.

Below my contact details

Email: ahmed.[protected]@gmail.com

Mobile: [protected]

Hi,
I have recently flown with Gulf air on Sunday 09 Jan from Karachi to London via Bahrain GF03
When I called Gulf air regarding pre covid test I was referred to the the website link gulf air.com/covid 19 & check policy for my final destination where it was very clear that no covid test was required. However I was informed on 2 occasions by your customer service that the test is necessary so on Saturday I urgently booked test for myself, my husband and our son to avoid the situation of being in the airport without the test. Since it was the last minute booking and I needed my results within 10 hours the price I paid was on higher side. Anyways when I reached the airport I was notified that they don't need the negative PCR test and that it was scrapped from Friday 7th jan.

I was extremely disappointed to know that I wasted my money just because of the wrong advice from Gulf Air. Now I would like to request Gulf air to review my case honestly and compensate for the wrong advice. All phone calls were recorded.

Kind regards,
Sadia
[protected]

I had booked a flight from bangalore to dammam for the travel dates 17th of April 2020.. through al Mosafer agency in gulf air airlines. The pnr no isEBQIHZ.. tickets were booked on 27th of January 2020.. due to Covid gulf air cancelled the flight for this sector.. I contacted al Mosafer for refund. But they told me contact the airline..they extended the ticket upto June 2021.. when I contacted them again for extension they refused saying that this ticket was issued by third party .. you have to contact them..when I contacted al Mosafer they are saying to contact airline
When I again contacted the airline they said that this ticket has expired.. and they cannot do any thing about it..
My request is to please extend or give me credit balancemy amount for the ticket as this sector has not started.. I have not used these tickets.. the money is with gulf air.. the cost of the ticket Saudi riyal 5129/-

Please help me get my refund or credit balanace

Hi there,

3rd jan2020 I had a confirmed ticket by gulf air in my hand at the king fahad international airport, I reached the airport before 4 hours departure of the flight and as soon boarding is opened I was the first or second passenger in the line for the check in when I present my ticket and passport to the agent she said just wait and stay side the line we will deal you after a while, so I was standing there and waiting my turn, after half n hour when I asked her 2 3 time that why you are not boarding me she divert me to another agent line, again waiting in that line and when my turn comes this agent also said wait for few minutes we will deal you, its now more than 2 hours gone and I was still waiting side of the line with confirm ticket in my hand, when its 20 to 30 minutes are left to closing the boarding I was jump the line and asking the agent why you are not allowing me for boarding, he just said I dont know I dont know just wait in that time I argue with him and told him that I will not move from the counter until you will answer my question, then he called his station manager which is young person and he start arguing with me with threat if you do not move from here I will call the police, I took stand and said why you have to call the police just give me valid answer and finish the argument, but he insist that just wait and I will not allow you to board, in the same time he called police and 2 police man was appeared there they took my passport and my ticket also they want to arrest me on the front of the all passengers, but thank god they doesn't have handcuff with them but they hold me from hand take me to the down hall, then they asked me what happened I explained them that I am on right I have confirmed ticket so why they not allowed me to fly, they are also agreed with me, but when they talk to the station manager their behavior is change and they said you have to come with us to police station or say sorry to this person, I said sorry with heavy heart becoz it was not my fault but I want to finish this headache and harassment, then this gulf air person arrange a taxi for me with another passanger to take me khobar from khobar they were provided a bus and by bus they take me to the bahrain airport.

I submit my complain to the gulf air in fab-2020, and they replied me with formal words in april, which is look like they didnt feel my pain my mental situation that time also they doesn't notify me further about my complaint.

On 28 August my wife and I arrived at Istanbul Airport (IST) to check-in for our Gulf Air flight back to Dubai (DXB). It is important to note that we are both residents of the UAE and checked all the return entry requirements to board the flight. This includes a negative PCR Test, residency VISA and a valid passport.
To be clear this did not include a GDFRA return permit as we had not visited a red zone country in the last 14 days (or in the last six months for that matter). Moreover whilst my wife holds a Dubai VISA, I myself have an Abu Dhabi residence VISA which means I cannot apply for a GDFRA return permit (as these are only for Dubai VISA holders), but instead can apply for an ICA (Identity and Citizenship Authority) return permit, which is applicable to holders of VISAs issued by all the other Emirates of the UAE, excluding Dubai.
We approached the check-in counter at which time we were immediately told that a GDFRA return permit was required for ALL passengers flying to Dubai regardless of VISA. Moreover it was explained to us that all passengers in the previous weeks flying to Dubai had all had GDFRA return permits regardless of VISA (please note that this is impossible due to the aforementioned reason).
Despite this situation we indicated that we would attempt to complete the application form online. Even approaching the local merchants to make use of their computers. When this failed the Gulf Air staff indicated that we should speak with the Emirates ticketing office and airline check-in staff (located on the complete opposite side of the airport) as they could explain in better detail the requirements to fly to Dubai.
We proceeded to walk with all our luggage and no assistance from Gulf Air to the other side of the airport. However after speaking with the Emirates staff they confirmed our understanding that a GDFRA was not necessary in our circumstance, confirming the initial information in this complaint. Upon return to the Gulf Airline check-in counter we explained to the Counter manager what Emirates Airline had said and we were met with severe and shocking hostility. She directed two of her staff to accompany us back to the Emirates check-in counter, telling one of them what we had told her, but in an extremely rude tone indicative of a person who believed that we were lying. My wife even tried to deescalate the situation, but the manager was so incredibly hostile and rude that further communication with her became counter-productive.
We therefore proceeded back to the Emirates counter with the Gulf Air Staff, one of whom along the way informed my wife that they did not care for our situation and that we were in fact wasting their time and, as indicated above, reiterated that every passenger going to Dubai in the last few weeks had a GDFRA regardless of the VISA they held. This Gulf Air staff member was so rude he actually stopped assisting my wife with her bag and left us half way.
Once back at the Emirates counter the Emirates staff explained to the remaining Gulf Air staff member that had not abandoned us that we did not require a GDFRA, however as the Gulf Air staff was apparently insisting on a document that was impossible to obtain, the Emirates staff themselves attempted to assist us in vain. I want to emphasize this point, that another airline's staff attempted to help us more than the Gulf Air staff with whom we had booked our tickets.
As the final check-in time approached we became more desperate, unable to present an impossible document, we broke-down and pleaded with the staff for compassion and understanding. Despite having presented an ICA return permit for myself and a GDFRA for my wife we were refused boarding onto the flight and were with an incredible amount of hostility in the face of incredible desperation told to leave the check-in counter immediately and were promptly ignored despite our sorrowful state by the entire Gulf Air staff.
It sickens me to think that the staff of an international airline can lack so much humanity and empathy in the face of such desperation, especially after being explained to that what they were requesting was impossible.
Under such circumstances we have been emotionally and mentally hurt.

I booked one ticket from gulair website ryd to dubai. They deducted the ticket amount twice at the same exact time. I didn't received a single email for confirmation from gulf air. However I received the sms with a different booking reference than one I have from the screenshot of details I took at the time of booking.
I do received call from the agent regarding the requirements of travel (which were also nit informed to me correctly). And I mentioned this to him that I have received different booking reference in sms, but there was no response.

Later I requested for refund from the customer care on one was helpful at all. And asking for a charge for $100 for refund, which doesn't even make any sense.
The was deducted twice at the exact same time, how can a person add all the details from the start to end within 60 seconds. The error was from Gulfair website I should be given complete refund.
They really had waisted my a lot time already

A SERIOUS COMPLAINT
On 23rd July 2021, from Yemen, I purchased a gulf airway ticket (two flights; Cairo to Faisalabad, GF 072-[protected]). Departure was supposed to be on 2nd August at 20:05 from Cairo and on 3rd August at 00:45 from Bahrain.
When I reached to Cairo airport at check in, the Gulf airway officer did not allow me to travel saying that the ticket in front of her in the system had different details from the one I had and it showed my name having a seat on 2nd August from Cairo to Bahrain and on 5th August from Bahrain to Faisalabad and she said she could not allow me to board the plane because two days transient is not allowed in Bahrain. The airlines cancelled their flight on 3rd August and put my name on 5th August for my 2nd flight though they knew that two days transient was not allowed in Bahrain and then they did not allow me to board the plane saying that two days transient is not allowed.
I told her that long transient is not allowed in Cairo airport and my ticket is from Gulf airlines and to kindly find a solution for the problem. She insisted that there is nothing the gulf airway can do and that the ticket I purchased have flights on unsuitable dates because the 2nd flight was on 5th August and two days transient is not allowed in Bahrain and therefore she said she could not allow me to travel. She insisted that it is not the problem of Gulf airway. I explained to her again and again that I did not choose 5th August for my 2nd flight and my 2nd flight was on 3rd August and the airways is the one who changed it from 3rd to 5th August after they cancelled their flight on 3rd August and that is not my mistake but the airway's mistake.
I asked the other officers to kindly let me file a complaint to the gulf airline office in Cairo and they said the officer I talked to is the Gulf airway representative.
I talked to her again and asked to kindly let me file a complaint and she was very rude saying that it is not the problem of Gulf airlines and there is no complaint office! She asked the officers to take me to a hall and keep me till I, myself, manage my departure to Pakistan or be deported to where I came from.
I told Gulf airway representative again and again that I am not allowed to stay in Cairo airport as long transients are not allowed and to kindly arrange my traveling as it is Gulf airway's responsibility; they said "We can not do anything, manage your problem!"
I again asked them to please adjust my seat in the flights as my ticket was purchased from their airline but no positive response; rather a very rude threatening response.
I have been travelling with different airlines for 23 years and there were previous experiences of flights being delayed or cancelled and it is always the responsibility of the airlines to arrange replacement flights (even if from other airlines) within the allowed hours of stay in the different airports.
Your airline caused me great suffering in Cairo airport as for 32 hours I am sitting in a hall on a chair searching for flights to purchase by myself. The situation forced me to purchase the nearest departing flight to Pakistan on Oman airway dated 3rd August after more than 32 hours stay at the airport with gulf airway officers refusing to solve the problem they created for me!
I reached today morning to Pakistan and now filing this complaint to your head office in Bahrain. I travelled a lot but never faced such an extremely bad experience! It could have easily been solved by your office in Cairo airport if they adjusted the seats but they kept on insisting that it is not their responsibility and I have to manage by myself. It was your airline who created this big problem for me and your staff who created this very bad experience for me with money loss, time waste, psychological and physical torture!

I have flight tomorrow 10th may 2021but I received call from gulf air office thy told me that my flight is cancelled because of over load 🙃 so thy issue me new ticket on 17th may 2021. But I loss my money on doing my covid test which is attached. And i'm from ajk kashmir on border area and I stop my family for eid shopping I told them I will bring all clothes for my kid's for eid im really in tension because gulf air only selected me for off boarding

1. I have made the following booking ref: ZAIVPR ( 2, 975 SAR)on 31st March, and I flew the first direction as planned:

2. On 24th of April I got an email reminder about my trip back on 1st of May and on 28th a promotional offer to upgrade my booking.

3. On 29th April I contacted Gulf Air international phone service intending to request to shift my Bahrain-Dammam leg for 15 days so I can quarantine in Bahrain before entering Saudi as required by Saudi government regulations for travelers from France. I was surprised when the operator told me that my flight was canceled and the note on the system was that "I was contacted by phone but couldn't be reached". And the only option for me to fly on 1st May was to book a new flight, I tired to request her help to correct my situation as I have already booked that flight and I was not notified about any cancelation. The answer was if you want to fly on 1st of May you have to make a new booking with new price as maintaining the same price would push my booking to further dates. After that as well very surprising she asked me whether I want to keep the old booking or cancel it "Which contradicts with the previous statement", I chose to cancel the booking. I was not refunded the canceled ticket.
4. On the same call She made me a new booking on 1st May Ref. ANGHHT ( 3, 078 SAR), I took this flight.

Main points:
1. Gulf Air was contacting me via e-mails, why was my flight canceled without sending me any e-mail although I was receiving emails from Gulf Air confirming my flight is on.
2. This situation feels awkward as the only confirmation of the cancelation and the support to try to help reinstate the initial booking was all a word of mouth from the service desk.
3. I was left with no options but to make new booking and was not provided with any escalation options or contacts to raise my complain.
4. I paid for first booking 2 way flight ZAIVPR ( 2, 975 SAR) and Second booking 1 way flight ANGHHT ( 3, 078 SAR).

Confirmation number OLCFJL
On our return journey we had a connecting flight to London. The flight was delayed 2 hours 55 minutes! We had to pass security, we were unable once through to go anywhere once through. We were not issued with food vouchers or even offered water ! There was a lot of tension between passengers & staff & at one point the gulf air spokesman at the gate was rudely spoken to by a very angry crowd of passengers!
However this was caused by a lack of the Gulf air spokesmen informing us of the situation, him also being very rude & threatening towards all the passengers!
I'm sure you have had rather a lot of passengers complain to you about this particular flight & service.
I purchased 2 tickets for myself & girlfriend, London-Bahrain-Dubai
Dubai-Bahrain-London.
I had reported this delay, rudeness of gulf air staff, lack of information given to us of the situation, no food voucher or water given.
I reported this on my return in mid May 2017, I've not had any reply to my email !
Very disappointed in this service ! If I do not hear back from this email I shall have no option but to go down other routes & claim compensation for such poor service!