HE Dr. Shaikh Abdullah bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, Minister of Transportation and Telecommunications, attended the announcement ceremony of the strategic partnership with Capital A Berhad, held at the Arcapita building in Bahrain Bay.
HE Dr. Shaikh Abdullah bin Ahmed said that the strategic partnership with Capital A Berhad, via AirAsia, represents an important milestone in the development of the Kingdom of Bahrain’s aviation sector. He added that it reflects mutual trust and a shared ambition to strengthen links between the Kingdom and regional and global markets.
HE the Minister highlighted that this step represents a significant phase in the evolution of the national aviation sector, noting that Bahrain has set a goal of expanding its network of destinations from about 70 currently to 100 in the coming years. He said this partnership brings the Kingdom significantly closer to achieving this goal, given AirAsia’s wide network of about 140 destinations in Asia, which expands travel and tourism choices for citizens and residents and promotes business and tourism exchange.
He also noted that this step is an important milestone in achieving AirAsia’s vision of extending its network to Europe, particularly to the British capital London. He underscored that Bahrain will form a strategic bridge linking the company’s extensive network in Asia with European markets. He highlighted that the cooperation is not limited to launching passenger transport services only, but also includes plans with Asia Digital Engineering to establish a maintenance facility to support the growth of the aircraft fleet in the region, with 14 bays. He added that it also enhances air connectivity operations, logistics, engineering, and the development of national capabilities through Teleport, the company’s logistics arm, supporting the aircraft maintenance system and technical services, and advancing the Kingdom’s position as an integrated regional hub in the aviation sector.
he Dr. Shaikh Abdullah bin Ahmed emphasised that this step aligns with Bahrain’s strategic directives to enhance international partnerships and support the sustainability of the aviation sector, including granting air transport rights under the fifth freedom (which allows airlines to operate flights between Bahrain and another country with the possibility of carrying passengers or cargo to a third country) and the seventh freedom (which allows operating flights between two foreign countries without passing through the airline’s country of registration). This contributes to enhancing air connectivity and increasing market competitiveness.
On his part, Tony Fernandes, Chief Executive Officer at Capital A Berhad, said this day represents a great milestone in AirAsia. He expressed pride in extending the company’s partnerships to Europe and choosing Bahrain as the strategic link between its extensive network in Asia and European markets. He added that this step embodies the company’s vision of building a more connected network of long-haul flights, based on effective regional hubs outside Southeast Asia. He commended the Kingdom’s strategic location and the capability of its aviation sector, and what it offers in terms of a supportive environment for development and expansion.
It is worth noting that the letter of intent (LOI) between the Ministry of Transportation and Telecommunications and Capital A Berhad, the parent company of AirAsia, was signed during the Gateway Gulf Forum 2025, as part of more than 60 agreements and investment initiatives with a total value exceeding US$17 billion across various sectors. The LOI aims to explore establishing Bahrain as a strategic hub for AirAsia’s aviation operations in the Middle East, connecting the company’s wide network in Asia with new markets, in addition to supporting the development of aviation and logistics infrastructure, including the possibility of establishing advanced engineering maintenance facilities.
Last Updated Date: 12-02-2026
