Etihad Airways celebrates 20 years of France flights with bigger Abu Dhabi network
Paris service grows from six weekly flights to three daily
ABU DHABI – Twenty years after launching its first flights to France, Etihad Airways is celebrating a milestone that reflects the airline's rapid expansion from a young regional carrier into a global network connecting 118 destinations.
Since its inaugural Abu Dhabi-Paris service in June 2006, the airline has significantly increased capacity, strengthened its European presence and broadened travel options for passengers flying between France and the UAE.
The anniversary also comes as Etihad continues an ambitious growth strategy, with plans to further expand its fleet and international network.
Etihad in france
When Etihad launched flights to Paris in June 2006, it operated six weekly services with a fleet of just 17 aircraft serving around 34 destinations worldwide. Two decades later, the airline connects Abu Dhabi and Paris with up to three daily flights, while its French network has expanded to include seasonal summer services between Abu Dhabi and Nice on the French Riviera.
The airline's wider network has also grown substantially. Today, Etihad operates a fleet of 124 aircraft serving 118 destinations across Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Asia, Australia and the Americas, providing French travellers with extensive onward connections through Abu Dhabi.
Bonjour, France ????????
— Etihad Airways (@etihad) July 2, 2026
We’re celebrating 20 years of flying to France, two decades after our first Abu Dhabi to Paris service took off in June 2006.
Today, we connect Paris and Abu Dhabi with up to three daily flights, seasonal flights to Nice, and 118 destinations worldwide.
Read… pic.twitter.com/j2bWb1dhhr
The milestone coincides with a period of renewed momentum for the Abu Dhabi-based carrier. Etihad says it is currently operating ahead of the capacity it flew a year ago while continuing to strengthen its European footprint through additional frequencies, new routes and expanded codeshare partnerships. Looking ahead, the airline aims to grow its fleet to around 250 aircraft and double the size of its operations, creating even more travel options for passengers departing from France.
Abu Dhabi appeal
As Etihad's global hub, Abu Dhabi continues to attract increasing numbers of French visitors seeking both cultural experiences and leisure travel. The UAE capital combines traditional Emirati heritage with modern attractions, including the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Louvre Abu Dhabi on Saadiyat Island, Yas Island's motorsport venue and theme parks, and the beaches along the Arabian Gulf.
International travellers flying to Abu Dhabi with Etihad also benefit from complimentary medical travel insurance. Offered in partnership with the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, eligible visitors automatically receive coverage for up to 15 days in the UAE without submitting an application. The offer is valid from July to December 2026 and is subject to terms and conditions.
Eligible passengers can also extend their visit through the Abu Dhabi Stopover programme, which includes up to two complimentary hotel nights.
Beyond UAE
Beyond the UAE, Etihad continues to connect French travellers with some of the world's most popular holiday destinations. Routes to Bali, Phuket, the Maldives, Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur and the Seychelles remain among the airline's strongest leisure markets, with Southeast Asia and the Indian Ocean continuing to record particularly high demand.
Commenting on the anniversary, Etihad Airways Chief Executive Officer Antonoaldo Neves said the milestone reflects the loyalty of travellers who have flown with the airline over the past two decades.
"Twenty years of flying to France is a milestone we are proud of, and at its heart are the travellers who have chosen Etihad over two decades," he said.
He added that more passengers are discovering Abu Dhabi alongside the wider destinations available through Etihad's expanding network, as the airline continues welcoming travellers on board.