MANAMA- AirAsia (AK) has taken another step towards establishing Bahrain as its Middle East aviation hub by appointing the board of directors for its Bahrain operations. The move strengthens the airline group’s long-term expansion plans, which aim to connect Southeast Asia with the Middle East, Europe and Australia through the Kingdom.
Announced on November 1, 2026, the appointments come as AirAsia prepares for passenger flight operations targeted to begin by March 2027, subject to regional conditions. The development follows a strategic agreement between Capital A and Bahrain’s Ministry of Transportation and Telecommunications, signed in November 2025, and the group’s February 2026 announcement identifying Bahrain as its regional hub.
AirAsia Bahrain Board
Dr. Serra Kirdar will chair the newly appointed AirAsia Bahrain Board, while Dato’ Fam Lee Ee will serve as Vice Chairman. The other members include Dr. Faisal Khalid Kanoo, Nawaf Al Zayani, Akram Safa, Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon and Tan Sri Jamaludin Ibrahim.
All seven members have been appointed as non-executive directors, bringing together business and leadership experience to oversee the development of the Bahrain venture.
Tony Fernandes, CEO of Capital A and Advisor to AirAsia Group, said the appointments demonstrated that the group’s commitment to Bahrain remained unchanged despite geopolitical developments that had required adjustments to its initial expansion schedule.
He also highlighted the importance of Bahrain as a gateway between ASEAN, the Middle East and Europe. The group intends to develop a broader aviation business in the Kingdom rather than limit its presence to passenger airline operations.
MRO and Cargo Expansion
Capital A plans to establish aircraft maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) capabilities in Bahrain through its engineering subsidiary, Asia Digital Engineering (ADE).
The proposed facilities are expected to support AirAsia aircraft as well as other regional airlines, creating technical employment opportunities and developing local engineering expertise.
The investment could also strengthen Bahrain’s existing aviation services ecosystem by adding aircraft maintenance capabilities for carriers operating across the Gulf and surrounding markets. However, the company has not provided a specific investment figure or detailed construction timeline for the proposed facilities.
Capital A’s logistics business, Teleport, has already established cargo operations in Bahrain. The company has maintained twice-weekly freighter services into the Kingdom since February 2026, supporting cargo movement between Asian markets and the Gulf.
Teleport is also increasing its capacity with larger freighter aircraft as it develops its regional logistics network. These operations provide an existing business connection between Bahrain and Asia ahead of AirAsia’s planned passenger service launch.
Bahrain Hub Plans
AirAsia’s expansion strategy received further backing through Bahrain’s Golden License, which Fernandes described as an indication of the government’s confidence in the partnership.
He also acknowledged the support provided by the country’s government and its alignment with the group’s long-term aviation ambitions, Hotelier Buzz flagged.
Dr. Serra Kirdar said the venture could strengthen tourism and trade connections between the Gulf and Asia while creating employment opportunities for Bahrainis. She also highlighted the potential to develop local talent through the airline’s planned operations and wider aviation activities.
AirAsia continues to monitor geopolitical conditions before finalising its passenger operations schedule. The airline is targeting March 2027 for the commencement of flights, although the launch remains subject to developments in the region.
The appointment of the Bahrain board establishes a formal leadership structure for the venture as AirAsia advances its passenger, engineering and cargo ambitions.
If implemented as planned, the operations would position Bahrain as an important connecting point in the group’s wider international network.
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