Summary: AirAsia X is establishing Bahrain as a strategic long-haul hub, launching a Kuala Lumpur–Bahrain–London Gatwick route from June 2026 and using its Airbus A330 fleet to connect Asia, Europe and Australia with lower-cost, one-stop options.

AirAsia X has chosen Bahrain as a new strategic hub to link Southeast Asia, Europe and Australia via affordable one-stop services. The carrier’s expansion aims to provide budget-conscious long-haul travellers with more direct and cheaper routing options, beginning with a Kuala Lumpur–Bahrain–London Gatwick service scheduled to start in June 2026.

Why Bahrain?

Bahrain’s central geographic position in the Middle East makes it a practical connecting point between Europe, Asia and Australia. AirAsia X is capitalising on the island kingdom’s role as a regional gateway to shorten layovers and create efficient onward connections for international travellers.

Initial Route and Fleet

The airline’s first major route using Bahrain as a hub will be Kuala Lumpur–Bahrain–London Gatwick, launching in June 2026. AirAsia X will deploy aircraft from its long-haul Airbus A330 fleet on these services, offering economy fares alongside optional premium flatbeds for greater comfort on extended sectors.

Passengers flying through Bahrain will be able to craft single-stop itineraries to cities across Europe, Asia and Australia, providing an alternative to existing one-stop routes offered by full-service carriers in the region.

Benefits for Travellers and Airlines

  • Lower door-to-door fares for long-haul trips compared with many full-service options
  • Shorter and more convenient connections through a central Middle East hub
  • Increased route frequency and destination choices as AirAsia X grows the network
AirAsia X aircraft on the tarmac, illustrating new long‑haul connectivity via Bahrain
AirAsia X will use its Airbus A330 fleet to operate long‑haul services via Bahrain, starting with the Kuala Lumpur–Bahrain–London Gatwick route

Impact on Tourism and Hospitality

The new hub is expected to stimulate tourism and hotel demand both in Bahrain and in connected markets. More one-stop options can increase visitor flows to cities like London, Kuala Lumpur and Melbourne, while encouraging stopovers in Bahrain that benefit local hotels, attractions and retail.

Bahrain’s accommodation sector is preparing for higher transient and transfer passenger volumes, from luxury properties to budget hotels catering to travellers using the island as a convenient transit point.

Practical Flight Details and Tips

  • Service launch: Kuala Lumpur–Bahrain–London Gatwick from June 2026
  • Aircraft: Airbus A330 long‑haul fleet with economy and optional premium flatbeds
  • Booking advice: reserve early to secure the airline’s lowest fares and promotional offers

Travellers can also use Bahrain as a convenient stepping stone to other Gulf destinations, with straightforward onward travel options to Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Doha, or to popular Asian hubs such as Bangkok and Kuala Lumpur.

So what? Why this matters

AirAsia X’s Bahrain hub expands low-cost long-haul choices, making intercontinental travel more accessible and affordable. For travellers, that means more route options, competitive prices and the possibility to plan efficient single-stop itineraries across Asia, Europe and Australia. For the aviation and hospitality sectors, the move should drive increased passenger volumes, stimulate hotel bookings and encourage further network development.

Practical takeaways: book early to benefit from launch fares, consider Bahrain as a stopover for multi-destination trips, and watch for AirAsia X’s future network announcements as the carrier adds more cities to its Bahrain‑based connections.