Summary: AirAsia X will launch the Kuala Lumpur–Bahrain–London route on 26 June 2026, adding a fifth freedom sector between Bahrain and London and expanding Teleport cargo services into Bahrain.

AirAsia X is introducing a new long-haul service linking Kuala Lumpur, Bahrain and London, with flights scheduled to begin on 26 June 2026. The Kuala Lumpur–Bahrain–London route will connect Southeast Asia, the Middle East and Europe on a single itinerary and establish Bahrain as a transit hub for passengers moving between these regions.

Route details and launch date

The service will commence on 26 June 2026 and is positioned as a strategic corridor rather than a simple extension of the carrier’s existing network. By stopping in Bahrain, AirAsia X aims to bridge geographic gaps between Asia and Europe while offering cost-competitive long-haul options for leisure and visiting-friends-and-relatives travellers.

Fifth freedom sector: Bahrain–London

The new schedule creates a fifth freedom sector between Bahrain and London, allowing AirAsia X to carry passengers solely between those two cities. This enables the airline to access direct Middle East–Europe demand while also funnelling passengers from Asia through its Kuala Lumpur hub.

Kuala Lumpur hub and regional feed

Kuala Lumpur remains the airline’s primary operational base. From Malaysia’s capital, AirAsia X and its affiliates operate nearly 2,000 weekly flights serving 95 destinations across 23 Asian countries. That feeder network is expected to supply passengers from diverse markets into the new intercontinental link.

  • Key feeder markets cited: Australia, Indonesia, Vietnam, Sri Lanka and Japan
  • Nearly 2,000 weekly flights from Kuala Lumpur
  • 95 destinations across 23 Asian countries

Why Bahrain matters as a midpoint

Bahrain’s geographic position shortens stage lengths between Asia and Europe, which can improve aircraft utilisation and operational efficiency. The Gulf stop is expected to generate additional transit traffic and enhance tourism flows into the kingdom while giving passengers new routing options between continents.

Cargo integration and Teleport expansion

The airline’s logistics arm, Teleport, will extend its operations into Bahrain alongside passenger services. With fresh capital earmarked for expansion, the cargo business is intended to complement the passenger side and create a dual-revenue structure that supports long-haul viability between Southeast Asia, the Gulf and Europe.

Equipment, fares and booking window

Flights on the Kuala Lumpur–Bahrain–London corridor will be operated with Airbus A330 widebody aircraft, chosen for medium- and long-range efficiency and high seat density. To encourage early bookings, the airline has introduced promotional one-way fares and tiered pricing options.

  • Promotional one-way fares: RM99 (Kuala Lumpur to Bahrain), RM199 (Kuala Lumpur to London)
  • Standard one-way fares after promotion: from RM299 (to Bahrain) and RM399 (to London)
  • Premium Flatbed one-way fares: starting at RM2,999
  • Promotional booking period: until 22 February 2026 for travel from late June to 30 November 2026 (subject to availability)
AirAsia X Airbus A330 preparing for long-haul service between Kuala Lumpur, Bahrain and London
AirAsia X will use Airbus A330 aircraft on the new Kuala Lumpur–Bahrain–London route

Industry context and future prospects

The new corridor strengthens AirAsia X’s presence in Europe and the Middle East while building on a network that spans more than 150 destinations worldwide when partnerships are included. The carrier’s measured expansion, combining competitive pricing with fifth freedom rights and cargo integration, could serve as a template for further intercontinental links if load factors and traffic balance are sustained.

What this means for travelers

For passengers, the new Kuala Lumpur–Bahrain–London route offers more affordable long-haul options, new transit choices through Bahrain and increased cargo connectivity that can support trade and e-commerce. Travelers between the UK, the Gulf and Southeast Asia will see an additional carrier offering competitive fares and sleeper-style premium seats at lower prices than many full-service rivals.

So what? The launch broadens route options across three continents and could lower travel costs while boosting transit traffic via Bahrain. If the route performs well, it may encourage more fifth freedom services and expanded cargo links — a development that matters to travelers, freight customers and aviation planners alike.