AirAsia X (AAX) has officially designated Bahrain as its inaugural global strategic hub outside of Southeast Asia, marking a transformative milestone in the airline’s international expansion.
This significant development follows the launch of a new long-haul service connecting Kuala Lumpur, Bahrain, and London Gatwick, which is set to establish the kingdom as a vital bridge between Asia, the Middle East, Europe, and Australia.
The new KUL-BAH-LGW route is scheduled to commence on June 26, 2026, and features a strategic ‘Fifth-Freedom’ sector between Bahrain and London.
This allows AAX to serve the global budget travel sector directly from the kingdom, leveraging Bahrain’s robust aviation infrastructure and central geographic location to facilitate increased flow of travellers, trade, and tourism across three continents.
AirAsia X Group chief executive officer Bo Lingam emphasised that this milestone reflects the airline’s successful post-pandemic transformation into a truly globally connected carrier.
“This milestone reflects the broader transformation of AAX into a truly globally connected airline... Bahrain fits squarely into our long-term network blueprint to link ASEAN and Asia to the world,” Mr Lingam said.
He noted that the expansion is supported by a disciplined five-year growth plan and a secured orderbook of 374 aircraft.
The partnership also strengthens the broader aviation ecosystem through Capital A’s diverse business units, including cargo and maintenance services.
Tony Fernandes, CEO of Capital A and adviser to AAX, highlighted that the logistics arm, Teleport, has already marked its first flight arrival in Bahrain following a recent $50 million capital raise.
“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,” Mr Fernandes stated, adding that the hub creates a platform for growth while remaining true to the airline’s core value proposition of affordable travel.
The investment is expected to deliver tangible economic benefits to the kingdom, including the creation of direct employment within aviation operations and wider opportunities across the tourism and logistics sectors.
Finance and National Economy Minister Shaikh Salman bin Khalifa Al Khalifa welcomed the agreement as a strategic decision that reinforces Bahrain’s position as a key gateway.
“The investment will reinforce Bahrain’s position as a key gateway linking Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and Europe, while delivering tangible economic benefits,” Shaikh Salman noted, adding that the move supports high-value career pathways for Bahrainis as part of the “Team Bahrain” initiative.
In celebration of this global launch, AAX is offering introductory promotional fares starting from BD39 for one-way travel from Bahrain to Kuala Lumpur and from Bahrain to London.
Travellers seeking an elevated experience can book the airline’s award-winning Premium Flatbed starting from BD159.
These promotional flights are available for booking until February 22, 2026, for travel between late June and November 30, 2026, through the airline’s official website and mobile application.
By establishing this hub, AirAsia X continues to build on its extensive network of more than 150 destinations worldwide.
The service will provide seamless and affordable transit options for travellers from key markets such as Australia, Indonesia, and Vietnam, further cementing Bahrain’s status as a premier regional and global connectivity centre.
avinash@gdnmedia.bh
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