AIRASIA X (AAX) Bhd celebrated a milestone in the airline’s global expansion strategy with the announcement of two international routes, connecting Kuala Lumpur to Bahrain and onwards to London Gatwick (KUL-BAH-LGW).
The Bahrain-London sector would be AAX’s second Fifth-Freedom route, marking the expansion of the airline beyond Asia, to serve the global budget travel sector.
Commencing on June 26, these strategic routes establish Bahrain as AAX’s first global hub, strengthening its role as a key gateway between South-East Asia, the Middle East and Europe.
Leveraging Bahrain’s strategic location and aviation structure, the KUL-BAH-LGW service anchors a multi-sector route based on transit and partnership opportunities.
Capital A chief executive officer and AAX advisor Tony Fernandes said: “This is 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.
“Beyond the airline, this partnership strengthens the broader aviation ecosystem, enabling Capital A businesses such as cargo and maintenance, repair and overhaul services to scale alongside AAX.
“Today, Teleport marks an important milestone as its first flight arrives in Bahrain, following its recent US$50mil (RM195mil) 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.”
Bahrain finance and national economy minister Shaikh Salman Khalifa Al Khalifa said: “This agreement with AirAsia X is a strategic decision that reflects Bahrain’s strength as an economic partner, and its role as a centre for regional and global connectivity.
“The investment will reinforce Bahrain’s position as a key gateway linking South-East Asia, the Middle East, and Europe, while delivering tangible economic benefits.
“It will create direct employment across aviation operations and generate wider opportunities across tourism, logistics, hospitality and related services.
“Just as importantly, it will support skills development and long-term career pathways for Bahrainis in a global industry that continues to evolve and grow. We welcome AirAsia X as a member of TeamBahrain,” said Shaikh Salman.
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.
In celebration of this milestone, AAX is offering introductory first-come first-serve promotional fares from RM99* and RM199* all-in one way, respectively from Kuala Lumpur to Bahrain and London with subsequent fares starting from RM299* and RM399* on both sectors.
Guests can also travel on the airline’s award-winning Premium Flatbed from RM2,999* all-in one way on both sectors for an elevated in-flight experience.
Flights are available for booking for the travel period between June 26 and Nov 30, 2026, on airasia.com and the AirAsia MOVE app.
(*The promotional all-in fares are quoted for one-way travel only on a first-come first-serve basis. The fares include passenger service charge, regulatory service charges, fuel surcharges and other applicable fees. Other terms and conditions apply.)
