AirAsia X Berhad has gone global with its Kuala Lumpur-Bahrain-London route and the establishment of Bahrain as its first strategic hub, connecting Asia, Middle East, Europe, and Australia.
This follows the Letter of Intent signed on 3 November 2025 between Capital A Berhad and Bahrain’s Ministry of Transportation and Telecommunications to develop Bahrain as AirAsia X’s Middle East hub. This development reflects AirAsia X’s broader ambition to build a more globally connected long-haul network, anchored by strategic hubs beyond Southeast Asia.
“This milestone reflects the broader transformation of AAX into a truly globally connected airline,” AirAsia X Group CEO Bo Lingam said. “We navigated one of the most challenging periods in aviation history and emerged from the pandemic stronger and more focused.
“Now, we are rebuilding with discipline – backed by a secured orderbook of 374 aircraft and counting, as well as a comprehensive five-year growth plan that will see us steadily cementing our footprint across the regions. Bahrain fits squarely into our long-term network blueprint to link ASEAN and Asia to the world. Our focus remains on disciplined fleet expansion, strengthening core hubs, driving ancillary and digital growth, ensuring every new market strengthens the overall network.
“This is how we create sustainable value for the group of airlines while continuing to democratise long-haul travel.”
Capital A CEO Tony Fernandes said it was a defining step in the next phase of AAX’s growth.
“Bahrain as our strategic aviation hub allows us to connect Asia with the Middle East and Europe more effectively while creating a scalable platform for future growth,” he said.
“Beyond the airline, this partnership strengthens the broader aviation ecosystem, enabling Capital A businesses such as cargo and MRO services to scale alongside AAX.
“Today, Teleport marks an important milestone as its first flight arrives in Bahrain, following its recent USD50 million capital raise – a move that will help position the Kingdom as a key aviation and logistics hub in the region. Looking ahead, we will deepen partnerships with airports, tourism authorities and industry stakeholders to unlock new demand corridors. We are building a growth engine that balances connectivity, commercial performance and operational resilience, while staying true to our value proposition of affordable long-haul travel.”
AirAsia X Berhad celebrated this monumental milestone in the airline’s global expansion strategy with the announcement of two long-awaited international routes, connecting Kuala Lumpur to Bahrain and onwards to London Gatwick (KUL-BAH-LGW).
From 26 June 2026, the Bahrain-London sector will be AirAsia X’s second Fifth-Freedom route, marking the expansion of the airline beyond its homeground Asia, to serve the global budget travel sector.
“We’re not just launching a new route, we’re taking AAX global in a very real way,” Fernandes added. “Bahrain is more than just a stopover; it’s our first strategic hub outside Asean and the KUL-BAH-LGW route is the blueprint for how we intend to connect Asean to the world, and the world to Asean.
“We are deeply grateful to the Kingdom of Bahrain for its strong support and partnership, which have been instrumental in bringing this vision to life. With Bahrain as an esteemed partner, we look forward to unlocking more opportunities across tourism, trade and people-to-people connectivity across continents through affordable travel.”
With the launch of this route, AirAsia X continues to build on its network of more than 150 destinations worldwide and redefine both its short-haul and long-haul travel by combining low-cost efficiency, strategic partnerships and hub-based connectivity – cementing its ambition to be a truly global airline.
Operating with their A330 fleet, the new KUL-BAH-LGW service further broadens access for travellers from Australia, creating more affordable and convenient pathways to Bahrain and London.
In celebration of this milestone, AirAsia is offering promotional fares from Australia to London (via Kuala Lumpur and Bahrain) starting from $365 in Economy, and $1,342 for the airline’s award-winning Premium Flatbed for an elevated in-flight experience.
Economy fares:
- Melbourne to London Gatwick – $544
- Perth to London Gatwick – $365
- Sydney to London Gatwick – $534
AirAsia’s Premium Flatbed:
- Melbourne to London Gatwick – $1,520
- Perth to London Gatwick – $1,342
- Sydney to London Gatwick – $1,514
Travellers who choose to elevate their experience with the AirAsia Premium Flatbed can enjoy a lie-flat seat with premium pillow and duvet, an award-winning Santan meal of their choice, 40kg of checked baggage, priority check-in and boarding, and lounge access in Sydney and Melbourne.
Flights are available for booking from today, with promotional fares on sale until 22 February 2026 for the travel period between 26 June and 30 November 2026, on airasia.com and the AirAsia MOVE app.
