AirAsia X (D7, Kuala Lumpur International) is planning to launch additional long-haul routes to Europe in 2026 and is finalising a collaboration with a partner airline to support the expansion. The move follows the carrier's return to long-haul flying beyond the Middle East with its inaugural service to Istanbul Sabiha Gökcen, which launched on November 14, 2025.

Chief executive Benyamin Ismail told reporters at a press conference in Istanbul on November 17 that the airline aims to add "at least one or two" European cities next year. He said an announcement regarding the partner airline collaboration is expected soon.

The expansion is part of the low-cost carrier's strategy to grow its footprint beyond Asia following a corporate restructuring that is anticipated to end by December 2025.

Ismail outlined several potential pathways for the European expansion, including direct links from Asia via Istanbul or one-stop flights through hubs in Central Asia or the Middle East.

"We operate two routes in Central Asia - Almaty International and Tashkent International. Connectivity is key. We are also planning a hub in Central Asia and the Gulf," he said, according to Bernama. He identified Bahrain as another potential hub to connect traffic into Türkiye.

From its new Turkish gateway, AirAsia X is exploring services to Western Europe, with plans to explore flights to London Heathrow, Edinburgh, or Paris CDG. The airline now flies 4x weekly between Kuala Lumpur International and Istanbul Sabiha Gökcen on its A330-300 aircraft.

Ismail said the growth into Europe will be supported by the arrival of new aircraft; the first four A321-200NX(LR) jets are expected in the second half of 2026 and are projected to enter service by the third quarter of that year. It has commitments for 36 units of that type.

The carrier previously announced a long-term plan to transition to an all-narrowbody fleet, which will see a complete phaseout of its A330 jets from 2030. It also confirmed the cancellation of its existing A330-900N commitments.

AirAsia (AK, Kuala Lumpur International) has firm orders for 321 more A321-200NX and thirty-six A321-200NX(LR)s.

Russian flights

AirAsia X plans to launch flights to Russia, with its first route set to operate between Bangkok Don Mueang and Moscow within six months, Capital A chief executive Tony Fernandes told Russian broadcaster RBC on November 12.

In an October 31 press release announcing its reorganisation, AirAsia also hinted at an entry into Russia in the "near future," in addition to its current moves in the Middle East and Europe.

The LCC is also considering services from Japan to Vladivostok, with Fernandes noting the city is “definitely on our radar” due to its proximity to Asia.

On potential regulatory or sanctions risks, however, he said: "As long as we play by the rules, I don't see any problems. But, of course, we'll obtain all necessary permits."

The Ministry of Transport (Russian Federation) confirmed it is ready to review AirAsia's proposals once a formal request is submitted, RBC reported.