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London to Kuala Lumpur Flight Confirmed for Summer 2026


ANNOUNCED at a recent conference in Bahrain, the


Bahrain-London sec-


tor would be AAX’s second Fifth-Free- dom route, marking the expansion of the airline beyond its homeground Asia. AirAsia X (AAX) Berhad has celebrated a milestone for the airline with the announcement of two new international routes,


connecting Kuala


Lumpur to Bahrain and onwards to London Gatwick (KUL-BAH-LGW). Announced at a recent conference in Bahrain,


the Bahrain-London sector


would be AAX’s second Fifth-Freedom route, marking the expansion of the airline beyond its homeground Asia, with the routes commencing on 26 June 2026. Tony Fernandes,


CEO of Capital


A and Advisor to AAX said: “This is a defining step in the next phase


of AAX’s growth. Bahrain as our strategic aviation hub allows us to connect Asia with the Middle East and Europe more effectively while creating a scalable platform for future growth. Beyond the airline, this partnership strengthens the broader aviation ecosystem, enabling Capital A businesses such as cargo and MRO services to scale alongside AAX.


Today, Teleport marks an important milestone as its first flight arrives in Bahrain, following its recent USD50 million capital raise – a move that will help position the Kingdom as a key aviation and logistics hub in the region. Looking ahead,


partnerships with airports, new demand


we will deepen tourism


authorities and industry stakeholders to unlock


Milano Cortina 2026 Olympics Sparks Surge in Travel Demand Across Northern Italy


corridors. that


We are building a growth engine balances


performance and


connectivity, operational


commercial resilience,


while staying true to our value proposition of affordable long-haul travel.” Flights depart daily from Kuala Lumpur to Bahrain at 20:45 – 10:05+ and 22:00 – 00:40+ and from Bahrain to London 02:25 – 06:20 and 09:25 – 18:55.


March 2026


Desire to Travel To Rise In 2026, CAA Reports


THE survey reflects a grow-


ing ambition to continue flying in 2026, with desire especially strong amongst younger


consumers.


Research conducted by the UK Civil Aviation Authority demon- strates rising passenger numbers are expected to continue in 2026. Almost a third of consum-


ers are planning to fly more in 2026 in comparison with 2025 figures. The survey reflects a growing thirst


to continue flying in 2026, with de- sire especially strong amongst younger consumers. Nearly half (47%) of 18-34 year olds plan to take more flights this year, with 29% of 35-54 year olds long- ing to take more flights and those aged 55 and over remaining steady at 22%. Raising to 88%, overall satisfaction with the air travel experience is at an all-time high, with respondents being satisfied with their overall experience. This per- centage reflects the highest levels of sat- isfaction since track- ing began in 2016. Over half of con- sumers (55%) expect their flying habits to stay the same this


year,


certain vulnerable groups continue


although to


face barriers when flying. Passengers with disabilities and accessibility needs remained less likely to have flown in the past 12 months (42%) with overall satisfac- tion


lower A lower


RISING excitement around the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics is driving strong demand for both accommodation and air travel across northern Italy, according to new insights from The Data Appeal Company and Mabrian. Hotels across destinations are preparing


for increased visitor interest during the Games,


whilst airlines are increasing


connectivity into Italy. Milan is seeing the highest rate of international demand, particularly for long-haul travellers, with Venice continuing to offer


access for


both domestic and European arrivals. The strengthened air links and growing visitor demand highlights the Olympics’ role in boosting tourism and showcasing northern Italy as a global destination in 2026. Carlos Cendra, Director of Marketing


and Communications at Mabrian said, “This analysis is crucial not only for sustained,


year-round tourism growth


but also for leveraging specific periods, such as major international events that have significant scope and global reach, such as the Winter Olympics.”


80% of passengers who do not con- sider themselves digitally confident. Research


has also shown that


the number of consumers making complaints following disrupted flights has remained stable at 15%, with satisfaction of complaints handling has notably increased to 72%, reflecting a 10% increase from 2025. Research has also revealed that overall satisfaction with value for money is the highest it has been since 2021, rising to 76%. In reference to the research conducted, Selina Chadha,


Consumers and Markets at the UK Civil Aviation Authority said,


Group Director of “Consumers


marathons, concerts and sports games being at the top of their lists this year. Runcations


One of the top growing trends is a Endorfans, Runcations and Stagecations:


Experience Led Travel to Dominate 2026 FOLLOWING recent research from


Aer Lingus, it is predicted that over one third of Irish travellers plan to tick a destination event off their bucket lists.


In contrast to the relaxing escapes Irish travellers add to their bucket lists,


research is now showing that travellers are seeking for ‘endorfans’ with


‘runcation’ – an overseas trip which incorporates a running event. Each year, hundreds of Irish runners travel with Aer Lingus to the ‘Big Five’ marathon events at Berlin, London, Boston, Chicago and New York. However, lesser-known events like Hartford Marathon, taking place in October in scenic Connecticut, and the Jack & Jill Downhill Marathon, taking place just outside Seattle, are gaining momentum with international travellers. Stagecations


Concert tourism continues into 2026, with


music fans flocking to see their favourite stars in concert overseas. The ABBA Voyage event has boosted stagecation travel to London, while fans of K-Pop superstars BTS are flocking to see the band’s comeback tour in cities like Toronto, Paris and


satisfac-


tion rate was re- corded amongst


want to fly more and 2026 is lining up to be another year of growth, fuelled by demand from younger passengers.” “While it is encouraging that 88% of consumers are satisfied with their overall experience of flying, this figure drops for certain vulnerability groups – including those with accessibility/disability needs, those facing digital barriers and those facing financial constraints.” Chadha concluded, “It’s good to


see


passenger satisfaction with complaints handling increasing and we’d encourage the industry to continue focussing on making sure they deal with passenger complaints as efficiently as possible.”


Chicago. Meanwhile, the bright lights of Las Vegas continue to attract music fans to see residencies – with Jennifer Lopez, the Eagles, Mary J. Blige, No Doubt and the Backstreet Boys among the top acts taking to the stage in Neon City’s top venues. Endorfans


Sports lovers are spoilt for choice when it comes to enjoying a sporting spectacle this year. Fans of winter games can see the very best of action just a hop away in Milan, while football followers have a big year ahead as the action kicks off in North America. Aer Lingus flies directly to Indianapolis, where fans can enjoy all the action at the Indy 500. From May, the airline will also commence a new route to Pittsburgh, where action awaits at Acrisure Stadium – home of the Pittsburgh Steelers. Aer Lingus is an airline partner to the Pittsburgh Steelers, whose Irish fanbase has grown following the team’s historic game at Croke Park last September.


(82%).


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