AirAsia X announced it will initiate daily flights connecting Kuala Lumpur and London Gatwick with a stop in Bahrain, commencing June 26, 2026. The service will utilize Airbus A330 aircraft, according to a statement from Gatwick Airport. Introductory one-way fares are set at RM99 to Bahrain and RM199 to London, with bookings available until February 22 for travel between June 26 and November 30, 2026.
Strategic Gulf Hub Expansion
The route marks a significant strategic shift, reintroducing a low-cost carrier to the UK-Southeast Asia market. More importantly, it positions Bahrain as AirAsia X's first operational hub outside Asia. The group's co-founder, Tony Fernandes, outlined ambitions to base up to 100 aircraft in Bahrain within an eight-year timeframe and is pursuing a Bahrain air operator certificate to facilitate expanded operations.
This move follows a letter of intent signed in November 2025 between parent company Capital A and Bahrain's transport ministry. The partnership is expected to generate employment and stimulate tourism, logistics, and hospitality sectors in the Gulf state. AirAsia X also plans to establish local operations, including a maintenance facility and a cargo logistics hub for its Teleport unit in the Middle East.
Operational Details and Fleet Strategy
The daily flight will depart Kuala Lumpur at 22:00, with a roughly 90-minute layover in Bahrain before continuing to Gatwick. The initial phase will see an A330-300 operating the Bahrain-Gatwick leg under fifth-freedom rights, allowing the airline to sell tickets between these two points.
This route launch coincides with a broader fleet reassessment at AirAsia. The company is reportedly close to deciding between Airbus and Embraer for a major order of smaller regional jets, while simultaneously canceling its remaining order for 15 Airbus A330neo widebody aircraft.
The return to London represents a revised approach after AirAsia discontinued its nonstop London service in 2012 due to high fuel costs and competitive pressures. By adding a Bahrain stop, executives aim to mitigate risk and tap into connecting passenger traffic from Africa and Europe via the new Gulf hub.
However, the success of the daily, multi-stop long-haul service depends on sustaining strong demand and navigating operational complexities, including potential delays and increased costs inherent in three-segment flights. With over four months until the inaugural flight, AirAsia X faces the dual challenge of filling seats and securing final regulatory approvals for its ambitious Bahrain expansion.
