Bahrain: AirAsia X Bhd (AAX) is advancing its global expansion strategy by positioning Bahrain as a strategic hub to strengthen connectivity between Asia, the Middle East, Europe, and Australia. The move follows the signing of a letter of intent (LoI) on Nov 3, 2025, between Capital A Bhd and Bahrain's Ministry of Transportation and Telecommunications to develop Bahrain as AAX's Middle East hub.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, AAX stated that the development is part of its broader plan to build a globally connected long-haul network anchored by strategic hubs beyond Southeast Asia. The company aims to leverage Bahrain's location and aviation infrastructure to facilitate greater flows of travelers, trade, and tourism. Group chief executive officer Bo Lingam emphasized that this initiative reflects AAX's transformation into a globally connected airline following its recovery from the pandemic.
Lingam highlighted that AAX navigated one of the most challenging periods in aviation history and emerged stronger and more focused. The airline is rebuilding with discipline, backed by a secured order book of 374 aircraft and a comprehensive five-year growth plan to strengthen its presence across key regions. He added that Bahrain fits squarely into AAX's long-term network blueprint to link ASEAN and Asia to the world, with continued focus on disciplined fleet expansion, strengthening core hubs, and driving ancillary and digital growth.
Meanwhile, Capital A chief executive officer and AAX advisor Tan Sri Tony Fernandes noted that Bahrain would serve as a scalable aviation platform linking Asia with the Middle East and Europe while supporting the group's broader aviation ecosystem. He mentioned that the partnership would also enable Capital A's cargo and maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) businesses to expand alongside AAX.
Fernandes stated that Teleport has marked an important milestone with its first flight arrival in Bahrain following its recent US$50 million capital raising, positioning the kingdom as a key aviation and logistics hub in the region. He expressed the intention to continue deepening partnerships with airports, tourism authorities, and industry stakeholders to unlock new demand corridors while maintaining affordable long-haul travel.
Bahrain's Minister of Finance and National Economy, Shaikh Salman bin Khalifa Al Khalifa, acknowledged that the collaboration reflects Bahrain's strength as an economic partner and its role as a regional and global connectivity hub. He noted that the investment is expected to reinforce Bahrain's position as a gateway linking Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and Europe, while creating employment opportunities in aviation operations and supporting sectors such as tourism, logistics, and hospitality.
AAX reiterated its commitment to expanding its long-haul operations and hub connectivity through fleet upgrades, digital initiatives, and strategic partnerships. The company aims to strengthen its hub-and-network model to connect key global regions.