AirAsia Plans Hub in Saudi or Ras Al Khaimah to Tap Europe-Bound Traffic
With new long-range aircraft, AirAsia wants a second try at setting up in the Gulf.
AirAsia plans to open a new hub in the Gulf before the end of the year to tap Europe-bound traffic and boost Southeast Asia–Middle East connectivity, CEO Tony Fernandes said in an interview with Dubai Eye radio.
The Malaysian low-cost carrier is considering four airports for its expansion, including Ras Al Khaimah and a destination in Saudi Arabia.
“We are in discussion with four cities, to be absolutely fair and transparent … [but] I don't want to make any comment right now on who we are talking to. But I can be very open that countries that are interested in us and [those] we are interested in … includes Saudi Arabia, [and] Ras Al Khaimah as well,” Fernandes said.
He ruled out Dubai and Sharjah as possible options. “Sharjah is well served by a very good airline, Air Arabia. A
skift.
