AirAsia X Expands Global Reach with New Kuala Lumpur-Bahrain-London Route
AirAsia X Berhad, a leading airline in low-cost travel, has officially launched its highly anticipated routes that connect Kuala Lumpur with Bahrain and onward to London Gatwick. The announcement was made at a press conference in Bahrain on February 11, 2026, signifying a monumental milestone in the airline's global expansion strategy. This new service, scheduled to begin on June 26, 2026, marks Bahrain as the first strategic hub for AirAsia X towards Europe, enhancing connectivity between Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and Europe.
The new Kuala Lumpur-Bahrain-London route represents the airline's ambition to extend its reach beyond Asia and tap into the growing demand for affordable international travel. The Bahrain to London segment is particularly significant as it represents AirAsia X's second route under the Fifth Freedom rights, allowing the airline to carry passengers between two foreign countries.
Tony Fernandes, the CEO of Capital A and an advisor to AirAsia X, expressed pride in this strategic step, emphasizing that Bahrain’s advantageous location and aviation infrastructure would enhance travel efficiency between Asia, the Middle East, and Europe. Fernandes noted that the new route not only benefits AirAsia X by providing better access to international travelers but also enhances the broader aviation ecosystem, allowing for growth in areas like cargo services and maintenance operations.
Bahrain’s Finance and National Economy Minister, S.E. Shaikh Salman bin Khalifa Al Khalifa, commented on the deal, highlighting its strategic importance. The agreement is expected to bolster Bahrain's position as a key logistical and aviation hub in the region while bringing economic benefits, including job creation within aviation operations and expanded opportunities in tourism, logistics, and hospitality. The Minister also pointed out the potential for developing skills and career paths for Bahrainis within the evolving global aviation industry.
With the launch of this route, AirAsia X further expands its network, which currently encompasses over 150 destinations worldwide. The aim is to redefine both short and long-haul travel by leveraging cost-effective operations alongside strategic partnerships. Kuala Lumpur serves as a pivotal gateway for travelers, connecting them to 95 destinations across 23 Asian countries with around 2,000 weekly flights. The introduction of the KUL-BAH-LGW service is expected to increase accessibility for travelers from markets such as Australia, Indonesia, and Vietnam, fostering greater travel connections.
As AirAsia X forges ahead with this expansion, it signals not only the airline's growth trajectory but also its commitment to delivering affordable long-distance travel options, enabling more people to connect across regions. With the strategic advantages that Bahrain offers, the airline is set to create a seamless travel experience for international passengers and continues to solidify its ambition of becoming a truly global low-cost carrier. Through these significant developments, AirAsia X showcases its resilience and adaptability in an ever-evolving travel landscape, ultimately reshaping the way people traverse the globe.
The new Kuala Lumpur-Bahrain-London route represents the airline's ambition to extend its reach beyond Asia and tap into the growing demand for affordable international travel. The Bahrain to London segment is particularly significant as it represents AirAsia X's second route under the Fifth Freedom rights, allowing the airline to carry passengers between two foreign countries.
Tony Fernandes, the CEO of Capital A and an advisor to AirAsia X, expressed pride in this strategic step, emphasizing that Bahrain’s advantageous location and aviation infrastructure would enhance travel efficiency between Asia, the Middle East, and Europe. Fernandes noted that the new route not only benefits AirAsia X by providing better access to international travelers but also enhances the broader aviation ecosystem, allowing for growth in areas like cargo services and maintenance operations.
Bahrain’s Finance and National Economy Minister, S.E. Shaikh Salman bin Khalifa Al Khalifa, commented on the deal, highlighting its strategic importance. The agreement is expected to bolster Bahrain's position as a key logistical and aviation hub in the region while bringing economic benefits, including job creation within aviation operations and expanded opportunities in tourism, logistics, and hospitality. The Minister also pointed out the potential for developing skills and career paths for Bahrainis within the evolving global aviation industry.
With the launch of this route, AirAsia X further expands its network, which currently encompasses over 150 destinations worldwide. The aim is to redefine both short and long-haul travel by leveraging cost-effective operations alongside strategic partnerships. Kuala Lumpur serves as a pivotal gateway for travelers, connecting them to 95 destinations across 23 Asian countries with around 2,000 weekly flights. The introduction of the KUL-BAH-LGW service is expected to increase accessibility for travelers from markets such as Australia, Indonesia, and Vietnam, fostering greater travel connections.
As AirAsia X forges ahead with this expansion, it signals not only the airline's growth trajectory but also its commitment to delivering affordable long-distance travel options, enabling more people to connect across regions. With the strategic advantages that Bahrain offers, the airline is set to create a seamless travel experience for international passengers and continues to solidify its ambition of becoming a truly global low-cost carrier. Through these significant developments, AirAsia X showcases its resilience and adaptability in an ever-evolving travel landscape, ultimately reshaping the way people traverse the globe.
Topics Travel）
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