AirAsia X delays Bahrain route launch due to Middle East conflict

Malaysian low-cost carrier AirAsia X announced on Thursday the postponement of its planned service connecting Kuala Lumpur with Bahrain and London Gatwick. The airline cited the ongoing conflict in the Middle East as the reason for delaying the route's launch, which was initially scheduled for June.

The new service is now anticipated to commence in August or September, contingent upon prevailing market conditions. AirAsia X stated that passengers affected by the delay would be offered full refunds or the option to reschedule their bookings. The airline emphasized its commitment to establishing a hub in Bahrain, a move it considers crucial for its long-term growth strategy and regional connectivity.

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Bahrain continues to play an important role in our long-term growth plans and regional connectivity strategy, and we remain focused on launching services to both Bahrain and London Gatwick when the operating environment is better aligned with our operational and commercial objectives.

"Bahrain continues to play an important role in our long-term growth plans and regional connectivity strategy, and we remain focused on launching services to both Bahrain and London Gatwick when the operating environment is better aligned with our operational and commercial objectives," said AirAsia General Manager Benyamin Ismail. He added that the airline needed to adopt a "measured approach" given the current circumstances.

The budget carrier has faced significant challenges, including volatile jet fuel prices, which contributed to a quarterly net loss earlier this year. This financial pressure led AirAsia X to cut approximately 10% of its flights and implement a fuel surcharge of around 20%. The airline is carefully monitoring the situation to ensure the optimal launch of its new route when the operational environment becomes more favorable.

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measured approach