Malaysian low-cost airline AirAsia X is preparing a return to long-haul flying, with plans that could open the door to a future route to Morocco.
The carrier will launch a Kuala Lumpur to London service via Bahrain in June 2026, its president and co-founder Tony Fernandes confirmed. The move marks its return to the British capital more than a decade after it stopped direct flights.
Mr Fernandes said the airline plans to use Bahrain as a hub to reach markets in Europe, Africa and the Middle East that are currently underserved.
“From Bahrain, you can reach Africa and Europe, with a strong intention to create connectivity that does not exist today,” he told Reuters.
Morocco is among the destinations being considered, alongside Egypt, Tanzania and Kenya.
The expansion will rely on the Airbus A321XLR, a new single-aisle aircraft designed for long-distance travel. The plane can fly for up to 11 hours and uses around 30% less fuel per seat than older models.
AirAsia X says the aircraft allows it to operate longer routes with fewer passengers, making it easier to serve cities outside major global hubs.
The plans follow a major restructuring within the group. AirAsia recently combined its short-haul and long-haul operations under one brand, a move designed to improve efficiency and feed more passengers into its Kuala Lumpur hub.
The airline has already tested the model on its Kuala Lumpur to Istanbul route, which it says performed above expectations. It now plans to double flights on that service.
Rather than compete directly with large Gulf airlines, Mr Fernandes said the company aims to create new demand.
“My goal is to stimulate a new market,” he said, adding that millions of people in Asia have never travelled to Europe or Africa.
