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AirAsia X adds London flights to network, via new hub Bahrain

February 12, 20265 minute read
London flights

AirAsia X (AAX) adds Kuala Lumpur to London flights to their line-up via their newly announced hub airport, Bahrain (BAH). The announcement was made as AirAsia X (AAX) Berhad celebrated a new milestone in the airline’s global expansion strategy with the announcement of two long-awaited international routes, connecting Kuala Lumpur to Bahrain and onwards to London Gatwick (KUL-BAH-LGW), at press conference in Bahrain on 11th February 2026. The letter of intent was signed on 3rd November 2025 between Capital A Berhad and Bahrain’s Ministry of Transportation and Telecommunications to develop Bahrain as AAX’s Middle East hub.

Promo fares for Kuala Lumpur-Bahrain-London flights

In celebration of this milestone, AAX is offering introductory first-come first-served promotional fares from RM99* and RM199* all-in-one way respectively from Kuala Lumpur to Bahrain and London with subsequent fares starting from RM299* and RM399* on both sectors. Travellers can also enjoy the airline’s Premium Flatbed from RM2,999* all-in one way on both sectors. Flights are available for booking until 22th February 2026 for travel between 26th June and 30th November 2026, on airasia.com and the AirAsia MOVE app. *Promotional all-in fares are quoted for one-way travel only on a first-come first-served basis. The fares include passenger service charge, regulatory service charges, fuel surcharges, and other applicable  fees. Other terms and conditions apply.

The Bahrain-London sector will be AAX’s second Fifth-Freedom route, marking the expansion of the airline beyond its Asian homeground. With the inaugural Bahrain- London flight due to take off on 26th June 2026, these two strategic routes establish Bahrain as AAX’s first global hub, strengthening its role as a key gateway between Southeast Asia, the Middle East and Europe. By leveraging Bahrain’s strategic location and aviation structure, the KUL-BAH-LGW service anchors a multi-sector route anchored on transit and partnership opportunities.

Tony Fernandes, CEO of Capital A and AAX Advisor, said in a statement during the announcement that

…. 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. 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.

He added that the airline Group is also looking ahead to deepening partnerships with airports, tourism authorities and industry stakeholders to unlock new demand corridors.  He sees this as building a growth engine that balances connectivity, commercial performance and operational resilience, while staying true to their value proposition of affordable long-haul travel.

His words were echoed by the Minister of Finance and National Economy of the Kingdom of Bahrain, who noted in welcoming AirAsia X as a member of TeamBahrain, that

….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. H.E. Shaikh Salman bin Khalifa Al Khalifa

With the launch of this new route, AirAsia X continues to build on its network of more than 150 destinations worldwide and redefine both its short-haul and long-haul travel by combining low-cost efficiency, strategic partnerships and hub-based connectivity. AirAsia X has established Kuala Lumpur as its major gateway, connecting travellers to 95 destinations across 23 Asian countries with nearly 2,000 weekly flights, including routes to Vietnam, Sri Lanka, Australia and Japan. Operating with AAX’s A330 fleet, the new KUL-BAH-LGW service further broadens access for travellers from Australia, Indonesia, Vietnam and other key markets, creating more affordable and convenient pathways to Bahrain and London.

Flight Schedule between Kuala Lumpur (KUL) and Bahrain (BAH):

Route Flight No Departure Arrival Days of Service
Kuala Lumpur – Bahrain D7 972 22:00 (10pm) 00:40 (12.40am) (next day) Daily
Bahrain  – Kuala Lumpur D7 973 20:55 (8.55pm) 09:55 (9.55am)(next day

All timings are local

Flight Schedule between Kuala Lumpur (KUL) and London (LGW) via Bahrain:

Route Flight No Departure KUL/BAH Arrival LGW Days of Service
Kuala Lumpur – London (via Bahrain) D7 972 22:00 (10pm)
1hr 55 min transit
02:25 (2.25am)next day
07:25 (7.25am) (next day) Monday, Wednesday, Saturday, Sunday
22:00 (10pm)
1hr 25 min transit
02:05  (2.20am)next day
07:05 (7.05am) (next day) Friday

 

22:00 (10pm)
1hr 45 min transit
2:25 (2.25am)next day
07:30 (7.30am) (next day) Thursday
07:20 (7.20am) (next day) Tuesday
Route Flight No Departure from LGW/BAH Arrival KUL Days of Service
London- Kuala Lumpur (via Bahrain) D7 973 10:25 (10.25am)
2 hr transit
20:55 (8.55pm)
09:55 (9.55am)(next day Daily

All timings are local

AirAsia’s newest hub is Bahrain, with its first onward destination, London Gatwick.
# AirAsia X, New Route
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