AirAsia X route launch to Gatwick via new Bahrain hub on hold over conflict risk

Air Asia X is to delay the launch of its new service between Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KUL), Bahrain International Airport (BAH) and London-Gatwick Airport (LGW).

Formally announced in February 2026, Air Asia X planned to establish Bahrain as its first hub outside Asia, commencing its first service to London in more than a decade.

The announcement followed a Letter of Intent signed in November 2025 between Air Asia X’s parent company Capital A and Bahrain’s Ministry of Transportation and Telecommunications.

On June 11, 2026, Air Asia X confirmed that it now expects the service to start in August or September 2026, after initially being set for June 2026.

In a statement, Air Asia X stressed that the start of operations later in the year would still depend on “operational and market conditions” at the time.

Rich Higgins / Shutterstock.com“Bahrain continues to ‌play ⁠an important role in our long-term growth plans and regional connectivity strategy, and we remain focused on launching services to both Bahrain and London Gatwick when the ⁠operating environment is better aligned with our operational and commercial objectives,” AirAsia said.

Air Asia X’s decision to launch a Bahrain hub was due to its geographical position connecting Asia with Europe and the Middle East.

When the conflict in the Middle East began in February 2026, Bahrain was struck by Iranian missile and drone strikes. Iran viewed Bahrain as a legitimate target due to the US Navy’s 5th Fleet being based on the island.

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