AirAsia X advances global expansion with Bahrain as strategic hub connecting Asia, Middle East, Europe and Australia

AirAsia X (AAX) Berhad marked a significant milestone in its international growth journey as it advances its medium-haul expansion beyond Asia, positioning Bahrain as a key strategic hub to strengthen connectivity between Asia, the Middle East, Europe and Australia.

Milestone Move:
AirAsia X (AAX) is positioning Bahrain as its Middle East hub, connecting Asia, the Middle East, Europe, and Australia.

Background:
- Follows a Letter of Intent signed in November 2025 between Capital A Berhad and Bahrain’s Ministry of Transportation and Telecommunications.
- Part of AAX’s shift toward a globally connected long-haul network beyond Southeast Asia.

Leadership Statements:
- Bo Lingam (Group CEO, AAX): Emphasized disciplined fleet expansion, digital growth, and a five-year plan backed by an orderbook of 374 aircraft.
- Tony Fernandes (CEO, Capital A): Called Bahrain a scalable platform for future growth, highlighting synergies with cargo (Teleport) and MRO services.
- Shaikh Salman bin Khalifa Al Khalifa (Minister of Finance, Bahrain): Welcomed AAX as part of Team Bahrain, citing economic benefits, job creation, and skills development.

Strategic Impact:
- Strengthens Bahrain’s role as a gateway linking Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and Europe.
- Supports tourism, logistics, hospitality, and aviation-related industries.
- Enhances AAX’s hub-and-network model for sustainable long-haul travel.

This move signals AirAsia X’s ambition to democratize affordable long-haul travel while embedding itself in the Middle East’s aviation ecosystem.