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AirAsia X schedules return to London via its new Bahrain hub
February 12th 2026
AirAsia X (AAX) announced plans to launch the Kuala Lumpur-Bahrain-London Gatwick route in June, operated by Airbus A330 aircraft. Read More » This will mark a return to the UK’s capital after more than a decade hiatus. Previously, the LCC offered direct flights between Kuala Lumpur and London Stansted and London Gatwick airports, operated by Airbus A340 aircraft. Central to AirAsia X’s plan is positioning Bahrain as a key strategic hub to strengthen connectivity between Asia, the Middle East, Europe, and Australia. “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,” Bo Lingam, Group CEO of AirAsia X, 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 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,” Tony Fernandes, CEO of Capital A and Advisor to AAX, commented. London is the second LCC’s post-pandemic destination in Europe, after Istanbul, launched in November 2025.
