Gulf Air Martin Gauss Appointed CEO

Gulf Air Martin Gauss was named CEO, effective September 17, 2025.

Gulf Air, the national airline of Bahrain, confirmed the appointment of Martin Gauss as its new Chief Executive Officer effective September 17, 2025. Gauss joins the carrier after serving as CEO of airBaltic, bringing a leadership record the Gulf Air Group chair described as “distinguished.”

The move marks a clear executive change at Gulf Air as the airline prepares to adapt its strategy under new leadership. The Gulf Air Group chair praised Gauss’s track record and suggested the appointment will support planned adjustments across operations, commercial strategy and fleet deployment.

Gulf Air Martin Gauss: what the hire means

Gauss’s arrival is likely to be watched closely by industry observers in the Middle East and beyond. While Gulf Air has not published detailed operational changes, the carrier’s statement framed the appointment as a step toward refreshed leadership. The announcement did not include specifics on fleet type changes, route launches, or timeline for program rollouts.

For passengers and partners, the immediate impact will be managerial: a new CEO sets tone on partnerships, network decisions and brand positioning. Gulf Air’s role as Bahrain’s flag carrier means any strategic pivot could influence connectivity in the Gulf region and links to Europe and Asia.

Gulf Air Martin Gauss — start date: September 17, 2025; former role: CEO of airBaltic.
Operator: Gulf Air (national carrier of Bahrain).
Statement highlights: chair praised Gauss’s leadership and indicated strategic changes ahead.

Gulf Air has so far limited public comment to the appointment and praise from its Group chair; travelers and industry watchers can expect more detail as Gauss assumes the role and outlines his priorities. We’ll update this post when Gulf Air releases a full strategic roadmap or additional background on his mandate.