dailynewsnblog
It appears that Malaysia’s long-haul low-cost carrier AirAsia X will officially announce its return to the UK this week. While flights were previously nonstop on the Airbus A340-300, its operation this time will be very different. It is expected to reveal Airbus A330-operated flights from Kuala Lumpur to 
London Gatwick via Bahrain.
The long route is due to be announced on February 12. This will be the airline’s second attempt to make UK flights work. It operated nonstop from the Malaysian capital to London Stansted between 2009 and 2011 (I was on one of the first flights), when it switched to Gatwick. The route ended in 2012.
AirAsia X To Gatwick In 2026
When writing, concrete details are scarce. However, it is widely believed that the new one-stop service will take off at the end of June. Gatwick flights will operate via Bahrain, which will be a new station in the carrier’s network.
Gatwick is now due to welcome eight new or returning airlines in 2026, with more operators likely to be announced later this year. Note that Bahrain’s Gulf Air started Gatwick service less than a year ago, in March 2025, as it could not grow at Heathrow.
In late 2025, Capital A, effectively the AirAsia Group, said that Bahrain would be the location of its Middle Eastern hub. The airline, in collaboration with the Government of Bahrain, has big growth plans. Bahrain hosted World Routes 2024, which I attended. I enjoyed my time there.
The launch of London flights via Bahrain is the first part of it. It appears that fifth freedom rights will be available. The route to the UK’s second-busiest airport will cover 5,999 nautical miles (11,110 km) each way. The stop is not just because of the Bahrain agreement, but also because AirAsia X’s high-density A330-300s, most of which have 377 seats, don’t have the range to operate nonstop.
|
Leg |
Schedule; Local Times* |
|---|---|
|
Kuala Lumpur to Bahrain |
10:00 pm-12:40 am+1 |
|
Bahrain to Gatwick |
2:25 am-7:25 am |
|
Gatwick to Bahrain |
10:25 am-6:55 pm |
|
Bahrain to Kuala Lumpur |
8:55 pm-9:55 am+1 |
|
* This is believed to be the schedule, but must be confirmed |
Three Airlines Will Operate For What Seems To Be The First Time
Perhaps surprisingly, Gulf Air does not serve Kuala Lumpur itself. In fact, Cirium Diio data shows that it hasn’t done so since 2012. It is not hard to see why. According to booking data for the 12 months to November 2025, fewer than 17,000 round-trip passengers traveled—it was not a big existing market. Of course, AirAsia X is famous for some relatively low fares, which will grow demand nicely.
With over 300,000 passengers, Kuala Lumpur-London is a decent-sized market. Three daily nonstop flights to Heathrow exist: one by British Airways (787-9), and two by Malaysia Airlines (A350-900; its A380s are long gone). Despite this, about 45% of the traffic flew via a hub en route, particularly, of course, in the Middle East.
AirAsia X’s arrival means the city pair will have three airlines simultaneously, seemingly for the first time. When AirAsia X last operated, BA didn’t. So, it’ll be even more competitive—and that’s before considering AirAsia X’s unattractive one-stop service and the myriad options via the Gulf. Some passengers will continue past Kuala Lumpur to reach other cities in Asia or in Australia. But given the two-stop service, AirAsia X may have to discount even more than usual to make Gatwick-Bahrain-Kuala Lumpur-Asia/Pacific more attractive.
Bahrain-London had about 145,000 local passengers, most of whom flew nonstop with BA (daily 777-200ER/787-9) and Gulf Air (twice daily 787-9 to Heathrow; three weekly 787-9 to Gatwick). AirAsia X’s arrival thus means three airlines for the first time (at least in 20+ years), and potentially up to five daily nonstop services.
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It’ll also become the carrier’s new longest transatlantic narrowbody service, but perhaps not for long.
16 Hours Without Anything?
Unsurprisingly, AirAsia X’s base fares do not include anything beyond the seat and 7kg of hand luggage. Everything else—checked bag, seat selection, entertainment, food and drink, etc.—is extra. Would you fancy that on a 16-hour trip from Malaysia? Imagine if you had just arrived in Kuala Lumpur from Australia!
As with most budget airlines, passengers may choose whatever they want and need. When added to the total price, the overall to-pay amount might be relatively similar to what’s available with full-frills operators. As always, shop around, and consider the total value-for-money.
