KUALA LUMPUR- AirAsia X (D7) plans to relaunch UK service in 2026 with one-stop flights linking Southeast Asia and London through Bahrain, shifting from its former nonstop model.
London Gatwick Airport (LGW) will receive the new service via Bahrain International Airport (BAH), reconnecting Kuala Lumpur (KUL) and the UK after more than a decade.
AirAsia X to Resume London Flights
AirAsia X is preparing to re-enter the UK market with flights from Kuala Lumpur to London Gatwick operating via Bahrain. The expected announcement follows years of speculation about how the airline could profitably serve the long-haul route again.
The airline previously operated nonstop services between Kuala Lumpur and London from 2009 until 2012 using Airbus A340 aircraft. Rising fuel costs and operational challenges forced the withdrawal of the route.
The new plan relies on Airbus A330-300 aircraft configured with high-density seating, typically around 377 seats. These aircraft lack the range to operate nonstop between Kuala Lumpur and London, making the Bahrain stop operationally necessary.
Industry sources expect flights to begin around late June 2026, although schedules remain subject to official confirmation, Simple Flying reported.
Proposed Flight Schedule via Bahrain
The expected schedule, based on current industry planning data, is:
Kuala Lumpur to Bahrain
22:00 departure, 00:40 arrival the next day
Bahrain to London Gatwick
02:25 departure, 07:25 arrival
London Gatwick to Bahrain
10:25 departure, 18:55 arrival
Bahrain to Kuala Lumpur
20:55 departure, 09:55 arrival the next day
Times remain unconfirmed and may change before launch.
Bahrain’s Growing Role in AirAsia Group Strategy
Capital A, parent group of AirAsia, previously announced Bahrain as its Middle Eastern hub location in cooperation with the Bahraini government. The Gatwick launch represents the first major long-haul step under this strategy.
Fifth freedom rights are expected to allow ticket sales on the Bahrain to London segment, adding competition to an already busy corridor.
Gatwick continues to attract new carriers due to congestion and expansion limits at Heathrow, making it attractive for new entrants.
Market Competition on Kuala Lumpur–London Routes
Kuala Lumpur and London remain a strong travel market, with more than 300,000 passengers traveling annually.
Currently, Heathrow receives three daily nonstop services:
• British Airways operates one daily flight.
• Malaysia Airlines operates two daily flights.
However, nearly half of travelers still connect through Middle Eastern hubs such as Doha, Dubai, or Abu Dhabi, often seeking lower fares or better connections.
AirAsia X’s entry introduces a low-cost alternative, although the one-stop routing adds travel time compared with nonstop options.
Bahrain–London traffic already exceeds 140,000 annual passengers, served mainly by British Airways and Gulf Air.
AirAsia X’s arrival could bring three airlines into competition on this sector for the first time in decades, increasing seat supply and likely driving fare competition.
Pricing Strategy and Passenger Experience
AirAsia X follows a strict low-cost model. Base fares include only seat allocation and limited hand baggage.
Passengers pay extra for checked luggage, meals, seat selection, entertainment, and other services. On long journeys exceeding 16 hours total travel time, additional purchases often narrow the price gap with full-service carriers.
Travelers must compare total travel costs rather than base fares alone when considering the new option.
Stay tuned with us. Further, follow us on social media for the latest updates.
Join us on Telegram Group for the Latest Aviation Updates. Subsequently, follow us on Google News
