UPDATE: AirAsia X reveals a new budget way to get to London

Long-haul low-cost carrier AirAsia X has officially announce its return to the UK this week, as foreshadowed at GoTR on Monday.

That means it will soon be possible to fly from Australia to London using just one budget airline.

The airline is advancing its medium-haul expansion beyond Asia with the establishment of Bahrain as its first strategic hub, connecting Asia, the Middle East, Europe and Australia.

“This milestone reflects the broader transformation of AAX into a truly globally connected airline," says Bo Lingam, Group CEO of AirAsia X, who confimed the news this morning.

 

"We navigated one of the most challenging periods in aviation history and emerged from the pandemic stronger and more focused. Now, we are rebuilding with discipline - backed by a secured orderbook of 374 aircraft and counting, as well as a comprehensive five-year growth plan that will see us steadily cementing our footprint across the regions. 

"Bahrain fits squarely into our long-term network blueprint to link ASEAN and Asia to the world. Our focus remains on disciplined fleet expansion, strengthening core hubs, driving ancillary and digital growth, ensuring every new market strengthens the overall network. This is how we create sustainable value for the group of airlines while continuing to democratise long-haul travel.”

Commencing on 26 June 2026, the Bahrain-London sector will enable Australians on a budget to reach the UK in two stops. 

With the launch of this route, AirAsia X continues to build on a network of more than 150 destinations worldwide. 

In celebration, AirAsia is offering promotional fares from Australia to London (via Kuala Lumpur and Bahrain) starting from $365 in economy, and $1,342 for the airline’s Premium Flatbed cabin. 

One-way economy fares will be: Melbourne to London Gatwick $544; Perth to London Gatwick $365
and Sydney to London Gatwick $534. 

AirAsia Premium Flatbed passengers enjoy a lie-flat seat with premium pillow and duvet, a meal of their choice, 40kg of checked baggage, priority check-in and boarding, and lounge access in Sydney and Melbourne.

Flights are available for booking from today, with promotional fares on sale until February 22 for the travel period between June 26 and November 30 at airasia.com and the AirAsia MOVE app.

AirAsia previously operated non-stop flights from the Malaysian capital to London Stansted between 2009 and 2011, when it switched to Gatwick. Flights halted completely in 2012.

Cheap air fares on sale for one week only

Fancy committing to a cheap trip to Asia next year?

How about flying from Sydney or Melbourne to Kuala Lumpur for $299, or from Perth for $199 on AirAsia X .

Or Sydney to Bangkok from $299 on Thai AirAsia X, or Perth to Bali from $159, or Cairns to Bali for $179.

All are on offer this week as AirAsia X (AAX) celebrates its 17th anniversary today, marking nearly two decades as a pioneering force in medium-haul, low-cost air travel since 2007.

The all-in one-way fares are inclusive of airport taxes, fuel surcharges, and other applicable fees.

AAX says it has connected more than 48 million guests across 20 medium-haul routes in Asia, Australia, the Middle East, and beyond.

Its sale also offers discounted fares to destinations from Kuala Lumpur including Taipei, Chongqing, Nairobi, Almaty and more.

The sale fares are available until November 10 via airasia.com or the AirAsia MOVE app (formerly airasia Superapp). 

Travel periods are April 21, 2025, to March 28, 2026.

“Our journey over the past 17 years showcases our dedication to making travel accessible to millions across the globe," says AirAsia X CEO Benyamin Ismail.

"As we celebrate this milestone, we are preparing for an exciting step forward: unifying AirAsia’s aviation services under one group. With this acquisition, recently approved by our shareholders, we will be combining AirAsia’s short and medium-haul routes into a single, more efficient operation.

"This change will allow us to strengthen connections across our network, opening up even more destinations, enhancing service, and laying the groundwork for lower fares in the future. For our guests, this means greater choice, more seamless travel options, and access to an expanded route network, all while maintaining the affordability AirAsia is known for."

Is Kazakhstan on your travel radar?

Have you got some Kazakhstani tenge that you are keen to spend?

The Kazakh capital of Almaty is about to become a viable holiday destination for Australians with news that AirAsia X (AAX) will be flying direct Kuala Lumpur four times a week from March 14 next year.

Kazakhstan, a Central Asian country and former Soviet republic, extends from the Caspian Sea in the west to the Altai Mountains at its eastern border with China and Russia. Its largest metropolis, Almaty, is a long-standing trading hub.

AAX's entry into Central Asia marks a significant milestone for the medium-haul airline, opening up new horizons for globetrotters, adventure seekers, foodies, and those who are looking to explore different cultures.

Almaty offers a blend of tradition and modern lifestyles.

FlyThru connecting services are on sale now from Perth, Melbourne and Sydney.

Ambassador of the Republic of Kazakhstan, His Excellency Bulat Sugurbayev said: “The AAX entry into Kazakhstan signifies a remarkable milestone in our nations' relations.

"This strategic initiative not only strengthens the cultural and economic ties between Kazakhstan and Malaysia but also provides affordable options for travellers in the region to explore the captivating beauty of Almaty, and the whole of Kazakhstan - the world’s 9th largest country with digital competitiveness outpacing several European, Asian, and American nations.

"The direct connectivity between Kuala Lumpur and Almaty is poised to elevate tourism and trade, enhancing the bonds between our two nations. We welcome this great milestone and look forward to the positive impact it will bring to both countries.”

AirAsia X CEO, Benyamin Ismail said: “This is an entirely new market for AAX and a strategic route to expand into, bringing other parts of the world closer to south-east Asia.

"As our first foray into Central Asia, the expansion into the Kazakh market is a strong testament to our vision and determination to explore new territories as well as resuming services to our most popular destinations post pandemic.

"The move to introduce direct flights to Almaty is expected to foster significant trade, commerce and education interchange, considering Kazakhstan's status as the wealthiest country in Central Asia.

“As AirAsia X celebrates 16 years of connecting people this month, we remain committed to providing unmatched connectivity with the best value fares to everyone’s old and new favourite destinations. With this new route we aim to not only enhance travel opportunities between two great and populous destinations, but also to bolster the existing bonds between Kazakhstan and Malaysia in addition to enriching socio-economic sectors in both nations.”

Fares from from Kuala Lumpur start from RM1,499 (under $500) all-in one-way with economy seats or from RM3,399 (around $1200 one way on a premium flatbed.

There will be flights from Kuala Lumpur returning from Almaty every Tuesday, Thursday. Saturday and Sunday.

Cheap airfares to Asia on sale - but for three days only

Fancy a break in south-east Asia?

Flights from Auckland, Sydney, Melbourne, Perth and the Gold Coast to Kuala Lumpur (above) are on sale now for three days starting from $139/NZ$169.

The AirAsia X sale also features fares from Auckland to Sydney starting from NZ$129 each way.

The three-day sale runs until midnight on Sunday and features fares valid for a travel period extending from April 24 to November 30.

“We are thrilled to be back in Australia and Auckland, New Zealand, as two of our most popular mid-range destinations and Asia’s low-fare leader, we will continue to offer the best-value fares for our guests Down Under and this sale certainly delivers on this promise," says Karen Chan, AirAsia Group Chief Commercial Officer.

“We expect these unbeatable low fares to sell out fast so we encourage bargain seekers to get in quick to avoid disappointment.

“The sale enables our Aussie and Kiwi passengers to experience the wonders of Malaysia in the vibrant and metropolitan capital city Kuala Lumpur, or continue on throughout south-east Asia on our extensive network to over 120 leisure-favourite destinations like Thailand, Indonesia, the Philippines, and Vietnam, or even to the wider Asian countries, to Korea, Japan, China and India."

AAX also features premium flatbeds for those seeking extra legroom and comfort which are included in the sale starting from NZ$319 from Auckland to Sydney and from $529 from Perth, Sydney, Melbourne, Gold Coast to Kuala Lumpur, all inclusive, one way during the sale.

Book through the AirAsia super app.