AirAsia to Launch Middle East Hub in Bahrain

Bahrain is poised to become the latest regional hub for Malaysian airline giant AirAsia, sources familiar with the matter have revealed. The move, aimed at strengthening the airline’s international footprint, comes as AirAsia eyes the Middle East as a strategic growth market.

According to insiders who spoke on condition of anonymity due to the private nature of discussions, AirAsia Group founder Tony Fernandes is expected to announce the agreement today during an investment forum in Bahrain. Officials from Bahrain have not yet commented, and AirAsia declined to provide a statement.

A Strategic Middle East Presence

The initiative marks a significant step in AirAsia’s efforts to deepen ties in the Middle East. Earlier this year, Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund played a major role in a funding round for the airline, injecting approximately $100 million to support AirAsia’s revival and expansion ambitions following years of pandemic-related losses.

AirAsia’s long-term vision includes a fleet of 600 aircraft over the next decade, more than double its current 255 planes, while increasing its network from 143 destinations to 175.

Bahrain’s Aviation Ambitions

For Bahrain, the partnership aligns with its broader strategy to strengthen its position as a regional aviation and logistics hub, vying for prominence alongside neighbors such as the UAE and Qatar. The national carrier has also been pursuing growth and profitability, including placing an order with Boeing for up to 18 wide-body aircraft during a Washington meeting between Crown Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa and former U.S. President Donald Trump last July.

With AirAsia’s impending hub, Bahrain is set to further elevate its role on the global aviation map, attracting greater international connectivity and investment.