- AirAsia X delayed its Kuala Lumpur-Bahrain-London Gatwick route to March 2027.
- This is the second delay, originally due on 26 June 2026.
- The delay follows renewed escalation of the US-Iran conflict.
- EASA advised airlines to avoid Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar and UAE airspace.
- The route was reduced from daily to 4x weekly following the conflict.
AirAsia X has deferred the launch of its Kuala Lumpur International-Bahrain International-London Gatwick route from 27 August 2026 to March 2027 due to continued geopolitical instability in the Middle East. The revised launch remains subject to operational and market conditions. This is the second delay to the service, which was originally due to begin on 26 June 2026.
The decision follows a renewed escalation of the conflict between the United States and Iran in July, with airstrikes and drone attacks also targeting other countries in the region. The European Union Aviation Safety Agency advised operators not to use the airspace of Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, or the United Arab Emirates at any altitude, citing risks from missiles, drones, combat aircraft, and air defence systems, extending the warning until 31 August 2026.
The route was scheduled to operate 4x weekly using A330-300 aircraft, increasing to daily from 2 November 2026. It was initially marketed as a daily service but was reduced to 4x weekly following the regional conflict. AirAsia X stated Bahrain remained part of its long-term network strategy but did not provide a more specific launch date in March 2027.
