Bahrain Route on Hold: AirAsia X Delays Flight Plans

AirAsia X has pushed back the start of its new flight that would connect Kuala Lumpur with Bahrain and then to London’s Gatwick airport. The airline originally wanted to launch the service in June, but worries about fighting in the Middle East have forced it to wait until at least August or September. The decision comes as the company evaluates how safe and profitable it will be to run the route.Passengers who had already booked seats on the cancelled service will receive either full refunds or new travel dates. AirAsia X says it still intends to establish a base in Bahrain, but it wants to proceed carefully until conditions improve. The airline’s general manager explained that Bahrain is key to the company’s future plans for growth and better links across the region. The postponement adds to AirAsia X’s recent struggles. The carrier has suffered from high jet fuel costs, leading it to cut 10 % of flights and add a roughly 20 % surcharge for fuel expenses. The company reported a net loss in the last quarter, reflecting the challenges of keeping low fares amid rising operating costs.