AirAsia eyes March 2027 launch for Bahrain-based venture

AirAsia is setting its sights to launch the first flights of AirAsia Bahrain by March 2027.

The Malaysia-based budget airline group announced the new target date for the launch its Bahrain-based venture as it named the subsidiary’s board of directors. Serving as the chairman of the board is Dr. Serra Kidar, with Data’ Fam Lee Ee serving as Vice Chairman. The other non-executive directors of the board will include Dr. Faisal Khalid Kanoo, Nawaf Al Zayani, Akram Safa, Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon and Tan Sri Jamaludin Ibrahim.

As he was named the new Chair of the board for AirAsia Bahrain, Kirdar said: “I am honoured to be appointed Chairperson of AirAsia Bahrain at such an important moment. AirAsia has transformed air travel across Asia by making it accessible to millions, and I believe it can do the same for Bahrain and the wider region. This venture holds tremendous opportunities, from strengthening tourism and trade links between the Gulf and Asia to creating jobs and developing talent for Bahrainis in a dynamic global industry. Together with my fellow board members, I look forward to working closely with the Government of Bahrain and our partners to build an airline that the Kingdom can be proud of.”

Previously, AirAsia revealed plans in February to launch a new hub in Bahrain which will be a strategic link between Asia and the Middle East, Europe, and Australia. The appointment of the board builds on the signing of the Letter of Intent (LoI) between AirAsia’s parent company Capital A and the Ministry of Transportation and Telecommunications in November 2025.

“Bahrain is strategically important to us as the gateway connecting Asean with the Middle East, Europe and beyond,” said Tony Fernandes, CEO of Capital A and Advisor to AirAsia Group. “While the geopolitical situation in the region has required us to adjust our initial plans, our commitment to Bahrain has not changed. Today’s appointment of the AirAsia Bahrain Board, with such a distinguished group of leaders, solidifies that commitment. We are here, and we are here for the long term.”

Along with the new AirAsia Bahrain, AirAsia also intends to develop MRO capabilities at Bahrain through its subsidiary Asia Digital Engineering (ADE). AirAsia’s freighter arm Teleport will build on its current services to Bahrain through a capacity increase with larger aircraft.

“We are deeply grateful to the Government of Bahrain, which has been an exceptional partner throughout this journey. They share our long-term vision and have shown tremendous support, and we are honoured to have been awarded the Golden License, a clear expression of that confidence. Their partnership will remain pivotal as we continue to expand in the Kingdom, in tandem with Bahrain’s own ambitions.”