AirAsia X is set to return to Europe in November after an absence of more than 13 years, marking a key step in the group’s ambitious strategy to position itself as a global LCC.
The medium and long-haul arm of AirAsia will launch a nonstop service between Kuala Lumpur and Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen Airport starting Nov. 17. The route will operate four times per week using Airbus A330-300 aircraft, OAG Schedules Analyser data shows.
The airline previously operated flights to London and Paris but halted its European expansion in March 2012 due to rising operating costs, including high government charges and a downturn in demand. At the time, the airline cited the EU Emissions Trading System and escalating Air Passenger Duty taxes in the UK as key factors in its decision to withdraw from Europe.
However, AirAsia X’s return to the continent aligns with the group’s broader ambition to expand further into long-haul markets, including North America as well. In July, the company committed to acquiring 50 additional A321XLR aircraft, with options for a further 20.
Speaking at the time, AirAsia co-founder and Capital A CEO Tony Fernandes said the move was part of the group’s “transformative journey to become the world’s first low-cost network carrier.” He added, “This is about exponential growth, connecting geographies beyond Asean and making flying even more democratic.”
AirAsia X will compete in the Kuala Lumpur-Istanbul market with Turkish Airlines, which currently offers 18X-weekly flights between Istanbul Airport and Kuala Lumpur International Airport, providing about 11,700 two-way seats per week. The Star Alliance member is the sole airline to connect Turkey and Malaysia at the present time.
AirAsia X’s planned Istanbul route launch come weeks after the LCC announced its upcoming entry into Uzbekistan with the launch of a new route between Kuala Lumpur and Tashkent. Scheduled to commence on Oct. 15 with three flights weekly, the new service forms part of the airline’s expansion into Central Asia.
However, the carrier’s service to Nairobi, its first African destination launched in summer 2024, will be suspended in September due to low demand. AirAsia X has a fleet of 18 A330-300s in service, CAPA Fleet Database shows, with a further 14 A330-900s and 20 A321neos on order.
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