Bahrain is set to become a global aviation powerhouse following a historic announcement by AirAsia founder Tony Fernandes, who has officially designated the kingdom as the regional hub for AirAsia X (AAX) with a staggering $10 billion investment pledge.
The massive commitment, aimed at creating 100,000 jobs over the next decade, will transform Bahrain into a strategic ‘bridge’ connecting Asia with Europe, Africa and Australia.
Under an ambitious 10-year roadmap, the low-cost giant plans to funnel 100 million passengers through Bahrain International Airport, linking the kingdom directly to 20 new global cities.
“Our ambition for Bahrain is huge,” Mr Fernandes said during the launch event at the Arcapita Building.
“We plan to grow from a few flights today to a global crossroads. We aren’t just dreaming; we are prepared to invest $10bn to turn these dreams into reality.”
Central to the expansion is the deployment of the Airbus A321XLR (Extra Long Range).
Mr Fernandes noted that these aircraft will ‘democratise’ long-haul travel, making it affordable for the ‘common man’ to fly to previously unreachable destinations via the Bahrain hub.
The strategy reaches beyond tourism, with cargo operations already operational.
A 747 cargo flight from China has already landed, marking the kingdom’s debut as a premier ‘truck-and-air’ logistics platform for the group.
Mr Fernandes heaped praise on the Transportation and Telecommunications Ministry describing ‘Team Bahrain’ as the most dynamic and results-driven team he has encountered globally.
He recounted how a chance meeting in Davos with a Bahraini citizen named Ishaq – whom he jokingly recalled as a ‘striker-turned-goalkeeper’ – sparked the conversation that led to the official launch in less than a year.
The move holds deep personal sentiment for the aviation mogul, who recalled his first solo trip as a nervous student with a stopover in Bahrain 49 years ago.
“On May 2, 2026, it will be exactly 50 years since I first arrived here. The people of Bahrain looked after me then, and today, that journey comes full circle,” he said.
In a rare show of industry solidarity, Mr Fernandes also signalled a ‘new era of collaboration’ with national carrier Gulf Air, following a warm personal welcome from the Gulf Air chairman.
“We look forward to collaborating with them rather than just competing,” he noted.
avinash@gdnmedia.bh
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