Trade between the Gulf and Scandinavia is poised to increase with the introduction of Gulf Air\'s direct flights between Denmark and Bahrain, the country\'s national carrier said yesterday. Gulf Air Chief Commercial Officer Karim Makhlouf also told media in Copenhagen yesterday — where the airline\'s first flight to Denmark landed at around 4.30am — that Bahrain was ranked the freest economy in the Middle East and North Africa region. \"With the commencement of our services today between Bahrain and Copenhagen, we are opening the doors to huge commercial and tourism opportunities in the whole of Scandinavia and the Baltic region, and the Middle East, North Africa and beyond,\" Makhlouf said at a press event. \"The Kingdom of Bahrain, from where Gulf Air operates, sits at the gateway to the vast Arabian Gulf, providing easy access to 36 million consumers in the Gulf and 400 million consumers in the Mena region, and Gulf Air provides excellent connectivity to these markets with its extensive network. Article continues below \"Bahrain, on its own, is ranked as the freest economy in the Mena region besides boasting a rich cultural heritage and history, tropical climate with some beautiful little islands and a multi-cultural, cosmopolitan lifestyle.\" Travel hub Makhlouf said that Scandinavians were keen travellers to Asia and the Indian sub-continent, and as Copenhagen was the travel hub for the Scandinavian and Baltic regions, Gulf Air was pleased to be serving the city. He said the airline offered transfers to Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, Manila, New Delhi and Mumbai. \"On the other hand, Arabs are also keen travellers, who look for newer places to spend their summer holidays with family and friends. With our Copenhagen connection, we are opening the doors for them to enjoy Denmark and beyond — the whole of Scandinavia and the Baltic regions. We are working closely with ‘Copenhagen Connected\' and hope to promote Copenhagen in the Gulf region,\" Makhlouf said. Copenhagen Airport CEO Thomas Woldbye added: \"We are delighted to receive Gulf Air into Copenhagen airport, joining our select of two Gulf airlines. We are also pleased to know that Gulf Air has added one more destination to its pioneering record... to connect Bahrain with the Scandinavian and Baltic regions.\"