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.

Low-cost airline carrier cuts back on flights

Planning a European trip with low-cost airline Wizz Air? 

It might pay to make sure your travel insurance is up to date and to have a back-up plan. 

Wizz Air continues to rationalise its network and close bases as it faces financial difficulties, travel news hub Travel Mole reported this week.

Wizz this week announced the gradual closure of its base in Vienna, following a strategic review of its operations and fleet allocation.

The process will take place in two phases: two routes and two planes, serving Bilbao and London Gatwick, will be withdrawn on October 26. Three remaining aircraft and the rest of the routes from the Austrian capital will cease operation on March 15, 2026.

Wizz Air launched its Vienna hub in 2018 and it has been one of the most important bases for the carrier in Central Europe. Vienna’s current fleet comprises five Airbus A321neo aircraft.

Operating 28 routes to 20 countries, the fleet reflects the strong position Wizz Air has achieved in Austria.

Since the inception of Wizz Air’s Vienna base, however, airport costs and taxes have increased significantly.

Operating from Vienna has become incompatible with the airline’s ultra-low-cost business model, Wizz Air management said in a statement.

"The airport cost base in Vienna, as well as taxes and ground handling services, has risen significantly since our launch, making continued operations unsustainable," managing director Mauro Peneda said.

Founded in 2002 and based in Hungary, the airline group has its largest hubs at airports in Budapest, Bucharest and London Luton Airport. It currently flies to 194 airports and has a fleet of over 220 aircraft.

In July this year, the company announced the suspension of its operations from Abu Dhabi, saying it was caused by geopolitical turmoil, supply chain constraints, and regulatory barriers.

All flights to the region ceased on September 1.