War Closes Bahrain. AirAsia Opens Istanbul

AirAsia Group is making a decisive pivot in its long-haul strategy, shifting focus from Bahrain to Turkey as international conflicts reshape its plans.

Capital A CEO Tony Fernandes said on Monday that the group is in advanced discussions with a major Turkish carrier, part of a broader move to turn Istanbul into the Malaysian low-cost carrier's new gateway to Europe.

“We’re about to do a partnership with a very large Turkish airline, which will give us a huge European network,” Fernandes told a press conference.

The move reflects an operational adaptation to the Iran war. What was once planned for Bahrain is now being trialed in Turkey.

“What we were going to do with Bahrain, we’re already trying it out in Istanbul right now,” Fernandes said.