AirAsia X Launches Kuala Lumpur-Bahrain-London Route, Establishing Bahrain as Its First Strategic Hub Outside Asia
AirAsia X has taken a decisive step in its international growth strategy by announcing two new long-haul routes connecting Kuala Lumpur with Bahrain and, from there, onward to London Gatwick. The announcement, made during a press conference in Bahrain, marks a turning point in the airline’s evolution toward a more global, hub-based connectivity model.
Operations are set to begin on June 26, 2026, establishing Bahrain as AirAsia X’s first global strategic hub. The primary objective is to strengthen traffic flow between Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and Europe.
Bahrain as a Strategic Bridge Between Asia and Europe
The Bahrain–London Gatwick leg will serve as AirAsia X’s second Fifth Freedom route, expanding its presence far beyond its traditional Asian market. The route’s structure is designed around a clear hub-and-spoke model. According to the company, the service will rely on transit opportunities and strategic alliances, leveraging:
- Bahrain’s geographical location as a natural midpoint between Asia and Europe.
- The kingdom’s existing aeronautical infrastructure.
- The significant potential for logistics and cargo development.
Tony Fernandes, CEO of Capital A and advisor to AirAsia X, described the announcement as “a decisive step in the next phase of AAX’s growth”. He highlighted that establishing Bahrain as a strategic hub will allow for more efficient connections between Asia, the Middle East, and Europe, while creating a scalable platform for future expansion.
→ Airbus Close to Finalizing Mega Order with AirAsia for Up to 150 A220 Jets
Fernandes also emphasized that the impact extends beyond passenger operations. This strategy will enable other Capital A units, such as Teleport (air cargo) and MRO services, to grow in tandem. In this context, Teleport celebrated the arrival of its first flight to Bahrain following a recent $50 million USD capital injection, a move intended to position the Kingdom as a key regional aviation and logistics node.
Economic Impact and Bahrain’s Positioning
The Bahraini government has presented the agreement as a high-impact strategic decision. H.E. Shaikh Salman bin Khalifa Al Khalifa, Minister of Finance and National Economy, stated that the investment reinforces the country’s role as a gateway between Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and Europe, generating:
Direct employment in aeronautical operations.
- New opportunities in tourism, logistics, and hospitality.
- Professional development and career paths for Bahraini citizens within a growing global industry.
The integration of AirAsia X into “TeamBahrain” bolsters the country’s standing as a regional and global connectivity platform at a time when several Gulf states are competing to attract long-haul operators and logistics projects.
Global Network and Operational Synergies
With this addition, AirAsia X continues to expand a network that now exceeds 150 destinations. Kuala Lumpur remains the group’s primary hub, connecting to 95 destinations across 23 Asian countries with nearly 2,000 weekly flights, including markets such as Vietnam, Sri Lanka, Australia, and Japan.
The new route will be operated using the Airbus A330 fleet. This deployment expands access to Bahrain and London for passengers from Australia, Indonesia, Vietnam, and other key Southeast Asian markets, creating more affordable and convenient itineraries to Europe.
With this launch, AirAsia X makes its objective clear: to transform into a truly global airline while maintaining its low-cost, long-haul value proposition. With Bahrain as a new centerpiece and London Gatwick as the European gateway, the company enters a phase where strategic connectivity is becoming as vital as price.
Related Topics
Heathrow Breaks Historical Record in January with 6.5 Million Passengers, Reigniting Urgent Expansion Debate
American Airlines Doubles Down on Chicago: New 10,000 Square Feet Admirals Club to Open
Serious Incident in Brussels: SAS Airbus A320neo Erroneously Initiates Takeoff Roll on Taxiway
Air India Inaugurates its First Maharaja Lounge at New Delhi Airport
Plataforma Informativa de Aviación Comercial con 13 años de trayectoria.