AirAsia X (AAX) Berhad marked a major breakthrough in its global expansion with the announcement of two highly anticipated international routes linking Kuala Lumpur to Bahrain and onward to London Gatwick (KUL–BAH–LGW). The milestone was unveiled at a press conference in Bahrain, signaling a bold new chapter for the long-haul low-cost carrier.
Set to take off on 26 June 2026, the Bahrain–London sector becomes AAX’s second Fifth-Freedom route, extending the airline’s reach beyond Asia and firmly positioning it within the global budget travel market. With this launch, Bahrain becomes AAX’s first global hub, reinforcing its role as a strategic gateway connecting Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and Europe.
Leveraging Bahrain’s prime geographic location and robust aviation ecosystem, the KUL–BAH–LGW service is designed as a multi-sector route that maximizes transit potential and partnership opportunities. The move not only strengthens passenger connectivity but also supports the wider aviation value chain, from cargo to maintenance and repair operations.
Tony Fernandes, CEO of Capital A and Advisor to AAX, described the launch as a pivotal moment for the airline’s future. He emphasized that Bahrain’s role as a strategic hub enables AAX to scale sustainably while opening new demand corridors between Asia, the Middle East, and Europe. He also highlighted the arrival of Teleport’s first flight into Bahrain following its recent USD50 million capital raise, underscoring the Kingdom’s growing importance as a regional aviation and logistics hub.
Welcoming the airline, H.E. Shaikh Salman bin Khalifa Al Khalifa, Minister of Finance and National Economy of the Kingdom of Bahrain, said the agreement reflects Bahrain’s strength as an economic partner and global connector. He noted that the investment will generate direct employment in aviation, stimulate growth across tourism, logistics, and hospitality, and support long-term skills development and career opportunities for Bahrainis. He added that Bahrain is proud to welcome AirAsia X as part of “Team Bahrain.”
The new route builds on AAX’s expanding network of over 150 destinations worldwide, further advancing its ambition to become a truly global airline. Kuala Lumpur remains the carrier’s primary gateway, linking travelers to 95 destinations across 23 Asian countries with nearly 2,000 weekly flights, including services to Vietnam, Sri Lanka, Australia, and Japan. Operated by AAX’s A330 fleet, the KUL–BAH–LGW service enhances access for travelers from Australia, Indonesia, Vietnam, and other key markets, offering more affordable and convenient options to reach Bahrain and London.
To celebrate the launch, AirAsia X is rolling out introductory promotional fares on a first-come, first-served basis, starting from RM99 one-way from Kuala Lumpur to Bahrain and RM199 to London. Regular promotional fares begin at RM299 and RM399 respectively. For a more premium experience, guests can fly on AAX’s award-winning Premium Flatbed from RM2,999 all-in one way.
Flights are open for booking from now until 22 February 2026, with travel valid between 26 June and 30 November 2026, exclusively on airasia.com and the AirAsia MOVE app.
Flight Schedule between Kuala Lumpur (KUL) and Bahrain (BAH):
| Route | Flight No | Departure | Arrival | Frequency |
| Kuala Lumpur – Bahrain | D7 972 | 22:00 | 00:40+1 | Daily |
| Bahrain – Kuala Lumpur | D7 973 | 20:55 | 09:55+1 | Daily |
All timings are on a 24-hour format based on local time
Flight Schedule between Kuala Lumpur (KUL) and London (LGW) via Bahrain:
| Route | Flight No | Departure | Arrival | Frequency |
Kuala Lumpur – London (via Bahrain) | D7 972 | 22:00 (from KUL) 1 hr 55 min transit in Bahrain 02:25+1 (from Bahrain) | 07:25+1 | Mon, Wed, Sat, Sun |
| 22:00 (from KUL) 1 hr 25 min transit in Bahrain 02:05+1 (from Bahrain) | 07:05+1 | Fri | ||
Kuala Lumpur – London (via Bahrain) | D7 972 | 22:00 (from KUL) 1 hr 45 min transit in Bahrain 02:25+1 (from Bahrain) | 07:30+1 | Thu |
| 22:00 (from KUL) 1 hr 45 min transit in Bahrain 02:25+1 (from Bahrain) | 07:20+1 | Tue | ||
London – Kuala Lumpur (via Bahrain) | D7 973 | 10:25 (from LGW) 2 hr transit in Bahrain 20:55 (from Bahrain) | 09:55+1 | Daily |
All timings are on a 24-hour format based on local time
