AirAsia X Unveils Ambitious Expansion with New Bahrain Hub, Connecting Asia to Europe

AirAsia X Unveils Ambitious Expansion with New Bahrain Hub, Connecting Asia to Europe

By Bing Jabadan – TheNATIONWEEK.com | February 13, 2026

MANAMA, Bahrain – AirAsia X (AAX) Berhad has announced a groundbreaking expansion strategy, establishing Bahrain as its first global hub and launching highly anticipated routes connecting Kuala Lumpur (KUL) to Bahrain (BAH) and onward to London Gatwick (LGW).

The announcement, made at a press conference in Bahrain on Wednesday, Feb. 11, 2026, marks a significant milestone in the airline’s goal to become a truly global carrier.

The Kuala Lumpur-Bahrain-London Gatwick (KUL-BAH-LGW) route, starting on June 26, represents AAX’s second “Fifth Freedom” route, allowing the airline to carry passengers between Bahrain and London and expanding its reach beyond its core Asian markets.

This strategic move leverages Bahrain’s advantageous geographic location and robust aviation infrastructure to position the Kingdom as a crucial gateway between Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and Europe.

“This is a defining moment in AAX’s growth trajectory,” stated Tony Fernandes, CEO of Capital A and Advisor to AAX.

“Bahrain’s strategic location provides us with an ideal platform to connect Asia with the Middle East and Europe, fostering a scalable foundation for future expansion. This partnership extends beyond the airline, bolstering the broader aviation ecosystem and enabling Capital A businesses like cargo and MRO services to thrive alongside AAX,” said Tony Fernandes.

This highlights the arrival of Teleport’s inaugural flight in Bahrain, following a recent USD 50 million capital raise as further evidence of the Kingdom’s burgeoning role as a regional aviation and logistics hub.

“We are committed to forging deeper partnerships with airports, tourism authorities, and industry stakeholders to unlock new demand corridors,” Fernandes said.

“Our focus remains on building a growth engine that balances connectivity, commercial performance, and operational resilience, all while staying true to our core value proposition of affordable long-haul travel.”

Shaikh Salman bin Khalifa Al Khalifa, Minister of Finance and National Economy of the Kingdom of Bahrain, emphasized the strategic importance of the agreement.

(L-R) Bo Lingam, Group CEO of AirAsia X; Tony Fernandes, Group CEO of Capital A and Co-founder of AirAsia; His Excellency Dr. Sheikh Abdullah bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, Minister of Transportation and Telecommunications, Kingdom of Bahrain; Her Excellency Noor Alkhualif, Minister of Sustainable Development and Chief Executive of the Bahrain Economic Development Board; and Datuk Kamarudin Meranun, Executive Chairman of Capital A and Co-Founder of AirAsia.

“This partnership with AirAsia X underscores Bahrain’s strength as an economic partner and its pivotal role in regional and global connectivity. This investment will solidify Bahrain’s position as a key gateway linking Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and Europe, generating significant economic benefits.”

The minister also highlighted the potential for job creation and skills development for Bahrainis within the aviation sector and related industries, including tourism, logistics, and hospitality.

“We are proud to welcome AirAsia X as a valuable member of Team Bahrain,” he concluded.

The new KUL-BAH-LGW service, operated by AAX’s Airbus A330 fleet, will offer enhanced accessibility for travelers from Australia, Indonesia, Vietnam, and other key markets, providing more affordable and convenient travel options to Bahrain and London.

This expansion builds upon AirAsia X’s existing network of over 150 destinations worldwide, connecting travelers to 95 destinations across 23 Asian countries with nearly 2,000 weekly flights from its major gateway in Kuala Lumpur.

To celebrate the launch, AAX is offering limited-time introductory fares from Kuala Lumpur to Bahrain and London, starting from RM 99 and RM 199 all-in one way, respectively. Subsequent fares will start from RM 299* and RM 399* on both sectors.

Passengers can also experience the airline’s award-winning Premium Flatbed from RM 2,999 all-in one way on both sectors.

These promotional fares are available for booking on airasia.com and the AirAsia MOVE app from today until Feb. 22 for travel between June 26 and Nov. 30, 2026.

Insert Flight Schedule between Kuala Lumpur (KUL) and Bahrain (BAH) Here