How do I track an AWB number starting with 072?

Enter your full 11-digit AWB number (072-XXXXXXXX) in the tracker at the top of this page. TraceAWB will instantly open Gulf Air's official cargo tracking page with your shipment pre-loaded.

What if my AWB prefix doesn't match any airline?

If your AWB prefix does not match a known airline, it may be a House AWB (HAWB) issued by a freight forwarder rather than the actual airline. For tracking on the airline's official portal, you need the Master AWB (MAWB), which your freight forwarder can provide.

Prefix Decoded

What is AWB Prefix 072?

Q: What airline has AWB prefix 072?

AWB prefix 072 belongs to Gulf Air (IATA code GF), based in Bahrain. All air waybills issued by Gulf Air start with 072-XXXXXXXX.

Q: How many digits is an IATA AWB prefix?

An IATA AWB prefix is always exactly 3 digits (000–999). It is the first part of an 11-digit air waybill number in the format XXX-XXXXXXXX. Prefix 072 belongs to Gulf Air.

Q: Is 072 the only AWB prefix for Gulf Air?

Yes, 072 is the IATA-assigned AWB prefix exclusively for Gulf Air. Each IATA member airline has a unique 3-digit prefix. Gulf Air's prefix is 072, so all their air waybills follow the 072-XXXXXXXX format.

AWB prefix 072 is the IATA-assigned airline identification code for Gulf Air (GF), based in Bahrain. Every air waybill issued by Gulf Air begins with the digits 072, followed by a hyphen and an 8-digit shipment serial number — giving a total of 11 digits in the format 072-XXXXXXXX.

When you see a cargo AWB beginning with 072, you can be certain it was issued by Gulf Air or by a freight forwarder acting on their behalf. Gulf Air operates as a Scheduled Cargo & Passenger Network, with its primary hub at Bahrain International Airport (BAH). Typical air transit times range from 1 to 3 business days depending on origin and destination.

The IATA prefix system assigns a unique 3-digit code to every member airline, ensuring there is no ambiguity in airway bill identification across the global air freight network. Prefix 072 is exclusively reserved for Gulf Air and cannot be used by any other carrier. For detailed shipment status, use the tracker above to reach Gulf Air's official tracking portal instantly.

Prefix 072 — Quick Reference

Prefix Number072

Airline

Gulf Air

IATA CodeGF

ICAO CodeGFA

CountryBahrain

HubBahrain International Airport (BAH)

AWB Format072-XXXXXXXX

Cargo TypeScheduled Cargo & Passenger Network

Transit Time1–3 days

Official SiteVisit

Format Guide

How to Read an AWB Starting with 072

The 11-digit IATA airway bill number is split into two parts separated by a hyphen. The first three digits (072) tell you instantly which airline issued it.

072

Airline Prefix
→ Gulf Air

-

12345678

Shipment Serial
(8 digits)

072 always identifies Gulf Air as the issuing carrier. The 8-digit serial is unique to each shipment. Together: 072-12345678 is a complete, valid Gulf Air airway bill.

Prefix Lookup

Look Up Any AWB Prefix

Have a different AWB prefix? Enter any 3-digit IATA prefix below to identify the airline and get instant tracking.

Enter Any AWB Prefix

Type the first 3 digits of your airway bill number

Prefix Range 000–099

AWB Prefixes Near 072

Not sure you have the right prefix? Browse nearby IATA AWB prefixes to find the correct airline for your air waybill.

Prefix	Airline	Country	IATA	Track
065	Saudi Airlines	Saudi Arabia	SV	View
068	LAM - Moçambique	Mozambique	TM	View
071	Ethiopian Airlines	Ethiopia	ET	View
072 You are here	Gulf Air	Bahrain	GF	Track
074	KLM Royal Dutch Airlines	Netherlands	KL	View
075	Iberia	Spain	IB	View
076	Middle East Airlines	Lebanon	ME	View
077	Egyptair	Egypt	MS	View

Browse by Range

All AWB Prefix Ranges

IATA assigns AWB prefixes across the full 000–999 range. Browse all prefixes by range to find any airline.

000–099 100–199 200–299 300–399 400–499 500–599 600–699 700–799 800–899 900–999

← See the full AWB prefix index (all 440+ airlines)

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions about AWB Prefix 072

What airline has AWB prefix 072? +

AWB prefix 072 belongs to Gulf Air (IATA code GF, ICAO code GFA), based in Bahrain. All air waybills with this prefix follow the format 072-XXXXXXXX and were issued by Gulf Air or by a freight forwarder on their behalf.

How do I track an AWB starting with 072? +

Enter your full 11-digit AWB number — 072-XXXXXXXX — into the tracker at the top of this page and click "Track". TraceAWB identifies prefix 072 as Gulf Air and opens their official cargo tracking portal with your shipment pre-loaded.

What does AWB prefix 072 mean? +

In the IATA air cargo numbering system, the first three digits of any air waybill identify the issuing airline. Prefix 072 is exclusively assigned to Gulf Air. The remaining eight digits (after the hyphen) are the unique shipment serial number assigned to your individual cargo. The two parts together form a globally unique shipment identifier: 072-XXXXXXXX.

How many digits is an IATA AWB prefix? +

An IATA AWB prefix is always exactly 3 digits (ranging from 000 to 999). It forms the first part of an 11-digit air waybill number in the standard format XXX-XXXXXXXX. Prefix 072 identifies Gulf Air. IATA maintains a registry of all assigned prefixes and each is unique to one airline.

What is the difference between a Master AWB and a House AWB? +

A Master Air Waybill (MAWB) is issued by the airline — in this case Gulf Air — directly to the freight forwarder. It begins with the airline's prefix: 072. A House Air Waybill (HAWB) is issued by the freight forwarder to the individual shipper and uses the forwarder's own numbering system. For tracking on Gulf Air's official portal, you need the MAWB starting with 072-. If you only have a HAWB, ask your freight forwarder for the corresponding MAWB.

Is 072 the only AWB prefix for Gulf Air? +

Yes. 072 is the single IATA-assigned AWB prefix exclusively for Gulf Air. IATA assigns one unique 3-digit prefix per airline. No other carrier uses prefix 072, so whenever you see an airway bill starting with 072, it is guaranteed to be a Gulf Air shipment.

What if my 072 AWB shows no tracking status? +

Tracking status for a 072 AWB may not appear immediately after booking. It becomes visible only after the cargo has been physically accepted at a Gulf Air cargo terminal and the AWB has been activated in their system. This typically takes 2–8 hours after acceptance. If your AWB still shows no status after 12 hours, contact Gulf Air cargo customer service or your freight forwarder directly.