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.

How to enjoy the Brest of France

Taking roads less travelled can be extremely rewarding. Nowhere more so than in France, where there are dozens of beautiful towns and villages that remain largely undiscovered.

One such destination is Brest in Brittany - and leisure airline easyJet is launching a new summer route from London Gatwick to Brest.

Flights start on June 25 and will operate twice weekly on Wednesdays and Sundays throughout the summer season, news portal Travel Mole reports.

Seats are now on sale at easyJet.com and via the mobile app.

The port city of Brest is a listed City of Art and History and boasts a strong maritime heritage.

Its unique attractions include an open-air aquarium, and the city is known for its Breton cuisine, including savoury pancakes known as galletes. The local soccer team this year made its debut in the European Champions League.  

Brest has a population of over 140,000 and its history has since the 17th century been linked to the sea. The Académie de Marine (Naval Academy) was founded in 1752 in the city.

Ali Gayward, easyJet’s UK Country Manager, said: “As London Gatwick’s largest airline, we are delighted to be launching yet another new route from London Gatwick, offering more choice and connectivity through our unrivalled short haul leisure network.”

Last year, easyjet celebrated carrying 250 million passengers to and from London Gatwick since launching its first flights in December 1999.