KUALA LUMPUR – AirAsia X is expected to announce its return to the United Kingdom market, set to launch flights between Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KUL) and London Gatwick Airport (LGW) via Bahrain International Airport (BAH). The airline is expected to officially unveil the service on February 12.
This new route marks AirAsia X’s first-ever service to Bahrain, restoring long-awaited connectivity after more than a decade, a reported in an aviation site noted.
Previously, AirAsia X operated direct flights between Kuala Lumpur and London Stansted from 2009 to 2011 before shifting to Gatwick in 2012, when it eventually withdrew due to rising fuel prices and challenges in sustaining profitability on ultra-long-haul routes.
AirAsia X will deploy Airbus A330-300 aircraft for the one-stop service, each with a seating capacity of 337.
The stop in Bahrain will play a crucial role in supporting Capital A’s newly strategised Middle Eastern hub, while also addressing the aircraft’s range limitations due to its higher-density seating configuration.
By late 2025, Bahrain is set to become Capital A’s Middle Eastern hub. The airline is collaborating with the Government of Bahrain on expansion plans, with the London route expected to benefit from fifth freedom traffic rights.
While the exact schedule is yet to be confirmed, the service is anticipated to commence around late June 2026, with a total journey time of approximately 16 hours.
This relaunch offers a low-cost alternative on the highly competitive Malaysia-UK route, which sees over 300,000 passengers annually. Currently, the route is served by direct flights from Malaysia Airlines and British Airways.
A significant portion of existing traffic—about 45 percent—already connects via Middle Eastern hubs, indicating strong demand for affordable one-stop options.
Though the new route adds additional travel time compared to direct flights, it offers a sustainable model for long-haul low-cost operations and could provide budget-conscious travellers between Southeast Asia and Europe with more affordable travel choices. – February 10, 2026