#London #Bahrain #Manama #AirAsia X

AirAsia X Expands Its Horizons with New Route

AirAsia X (AAX) Berhad has recently taken a significant step in its global expansion strategy by launching a new flight route connecting Kuala Lumpur to Bahrain and onward to London Gatwick (KUL-BAH-LGW). This announcement was made during a press conference held in Bahrain, highlighting the importance of this new route as a significant growth milestone for the airline.

Starting from June 26, 2026, this strategic development positions Bahrain as the first global hub for AirAsia X, reinforcing its role as a vital gateway between Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and Europe. The introduction of the KUL-BAH-LGW route reflects AirAsia X's ambition to penetrate the budget travel sector beyond its Asian roots, catering to a growing demand for affordable air travel on a global scale.

Tony Fernandes, CEO of Capital A and advisor to AirAsia X, emphasized that this milestone is critical for the next phase of growth for the airline. He stated, “Bahrain as our strategic air travel hub enables us to connect Asia more effectively with the Middle East and Europe while providing a scalable platform for future expansion.” By utilizing Bahrain's advantageous geographical location and its well-developed air traffic infrastructure, AirAsia X aims to enhance its operational viability and boost partner collaboration.

The new route is set to leverage Bahrain's strategic position, serving as a cornerstone for an integrated travel network that focuses on transit and partnership opportunities. In line with this vision, AirAsia X plans to deepen collaborations with airports, tourism boards, and industry stakeholders to explore new demand corridors.

This move is not just about expanding routes; it also fosters job creation within the aviation sector in Bahrain. According to S. E. Shaikh Salman bin Khalifa Al Khalifa, Bahrain's Finance and National Economy Minister, this collaboration is a strategic choice that reflects Bahrain's strengths as an economic partner and its centrality in regional and global connectivity. He noted the investment will not only reinforce Bahrain’s status as a gateway between key markets but also stimulate tangible economic benefits across sectors such as tourism, logistics, and hospitality. Furthermore, it will enhance skill development and provide long-term career opportunities for Bahrainis in a growing and ever-evolving global industry.

With the launch of this route, AirAsia X continues to expand its extensive global network of over 150 destinations, redefining both short and long-haul travel by blending low-cost efficiency with strategic partnerships. The airline’s central hub in Kuala Lumpur already connects travelers through nearly 2,000 weekly flights across 95 destinations in 23 countries, including Vietnam, Sri Lanka, Australia, and Japan.

The new KUL-BAH-LGW service, operated with AirAsia X’s A330 fleet, is aimed at enhancing travel accessibility for passengers from Australia, Indonesia, and Vietnam, offering more affordable and convenient connections to Bahrain and London. This strategic route underscores AirAsia X's commitment to providing quality long-haul affordable travel options while enhancing operational stability and commercial performance to drive future growth.

In summary, the opening of the Kuala Lumpur-Bahrain-London route marks a significant achievement for AirAsia X. It is an ambitious initiative that not only positions Bahrain as a critical hub for international travel but also represents a vital growth opportunity for the airline, setting the stage for an exciting future in the rapidly evolving aviation landscape.