Kuala lumpur: AirAsia X (AAX) is exploring plans for several additional European destinations, targeted for launch next year, said its chief executive officer, Benyamin Ismail. Benyamin stated that AAX is collaborating with a partner airline and expects to announce the details of this collaboration soon. The airline’s focus extends beyond Southeast Asia-Turkiye routes, aiming to include connections from Central Asia and the Gulf into Turkiye.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Benyamin highlighted that AAX currently operates two routes in Central Asia, namely Almaty, Kazakhstan, and Tashkent, Uzbekistan. He emphasized the importance of connectivity and revealed plans for establishing a hub in Central Asia and the Gulf. Following their expansion into Turkiye, AAX intends to fly to Bahrain and is considering the possibility of setting up a hub there to facilitate further connections into Turkiye.
The airline’s recent maiden flight to Istanbul on November 14, 2025, demonstrated AAX’s commitment to expanding beyond Asia. The airline is now offering four weekly flights to the city, providing over 150,000 seats annually at competitive fares. Benyamin mentioned that AAX will initially prioritize connections via Central Asia while also exploring direct links between European cities and Asia through Istanbul.
Europe, beginning with Istanbul, marks the first step in AAX’s expansion. Benyamin indicated that potential opportunities could include one-stop flights through the Middle East, Kazakhstan, or Turkiye. He also underscored Turkiye’s significance as a key market, noting its ranking as the fourth most visited country globally. The airline is evaluating whether to establish a hub in Turkiye or partner with another airline to operate more cost-effectively, with potential routes from Turkiye to cities like London, Edinburgh, or Paris being explored.
Regarding fleet expansion plans, Benyamin disclosed that AAX aims to acquire smaller aircraft and expects to take delivery of four A321 Long Range (A321LR) aircraft from Airbus in the second half of 2026. Once delivered, these aircraft will require a few months before entering operations, with an expected service commencement by the third quarter of the following year. The A321LRs will enable AAX to serve secondary cities and support its growth into the European market.