AirAsia is returning to London via AirAsia X's new route from Kuala Lumpur via its new Middle East hub of Bahrain.
AirAsia is returning to London via AirAsia X's new route from Kuala Lumpur via its new Middle East hub of Bahrain.
From June 26, the new Kuala Lumpur-Bahrain-London (Gatwick) route will be operated daily using AirAsia X's Airbus A330 aircraft.
The new route via Bahrain – AirAsia X's second Fifth-Freedom route – marks the expansion of the airline beyond Asia and establishes its new hub in Bahrain. Leveraging Bahrain's stategic location and aviation structure, the Kuala Lumpur-Bahrain-Gatwick route service anchors a multi-sector route anchored on transit and partnership opportunities.
In a statement, Capital A CEO and AirAsia X 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.”
Fernandes also highlighted the opportunities for other Capital A group businesses through the new route.
“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.”
H.E. Shaikh Salman bin Khalifa Al Khalifa, Minister of Finance and National Economy of the Kingdom of Bahrain added: “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 Southeast 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 are proud to welcome AirAsia X as a member of TeamBahrain.”
Capital A Berhad and Bahrain's Ministry of Transportation signed a Letter of Intent (LoI) on November 3 to develop Bahrain as AirAsia X's Middle East hub to strengthen connectivity between Asia, the Middle East, Europe, and Australia.
With the new route, AirAsia X will return to London after an absence of 14 years. The airline previously operated flights to Gatwick in 2012.
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