Etihad expands European network with new routes to Prague and Warsaw
Elite challenge offers exclusive miles for fastest world travellers
ABU DHABI: Etihad Airways has commenced flights to two new Central European capitals – Prague and Warsaw – marking a significant addition to its growing European network.
The inaugural flight to the Czech capital took off on Monday 2 June, followed by the airline’s first landing in Warsaw on Tuesday 3 June.
The new routes form part of Etihad’s ambitious 2025 expansion plan, which includes the addition of 16 destinations globally.
Antonoaldo Neves, Chief Executive Officer of Etihad Airways, highlighted the strategic importance of the new connections: “Our new Prague and Warsaw services open doors to countless possibilities. These new routes create a bridge between two remarkable regions, connecting travellers from the Middle East to the heart of Central Europe, while offering seamless connections via Abu Dhabi to destinations across the Middle East, Africa, Asia, the Indian Subcontinent and Australia.”
Prague and Warsaw
Prague, often described as the ‘City of a Hundred Spires’, enchants visitors with its blend of Gothic grandeur and vibrant modernity. From medieval castles to contemporary art spaces, the Czech capital offers an immersive European experience. The city’s historic centre is a designated UNESCO World Heritage site, and its cobbled streets reveal layers of history, culture, and architectural excellence.
Warsaw, Poland’s dynamic capital, stands as a city of contrasts, where neoclassical architecture and cutting-edge skyscrapers coexist harmoniously. Visitors can explore reconstructed Old Town streets, lively markets, and modern galleries. The city also serves as a gateway to Poland’s broader appeal – from medieval cities like Kraków to the serene Tatra mountains and Białowieża Forest.
Premium experience
Both new routes are operated by Etihad’s state-of-the-art Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner. The aircraft features 28 Business Studios offering fully-flat beds and direct aisle access, along with 262 Economy Smart seats designed for enhanced comfort. Guests can enjoy the latest in-flight entertainment and attentive service tailored to both leisure and business travellers.
Passengers from Czechia and Poland arriving in the UAE will find Abu Dhabi an ideal destination to explore the Middle East. From the tranquil beauty of Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque to the cultural highlights of Louvre Abu Dhabi, the capital offers a mix of tradition and modernity. Thrill-seekers can also enjoy attractions on Yas Island, home to Ferrari World and the Yas Marina Circuit.
European expansion
Etihad’s European push continues with several high-profile additions planned for 2025, including Atlanta (July), Taipei (September), and Asian destinations such as Hong Kong, Hanoi, and Krabi in the fourth quarter. These new routes are part of the airline’s broader effort to enhance connectivity and tourism flows between the UAE and global markets.
Extraordinary Challenge
To celebrate the launch of its new destinations, Etihad has introduced The Extraordinary Challenge – a global competition inviting Etihad Guest members to visit 15 new cities, including Prague and Warsaw, within 12 months. The first three members to complete the journey will be handsomely rewarded: the top winner will receive five million Etihad Guest miles, while the second and third place participants will receive three million and one million miles respectively.
The competition is open to all current and newly registered Etihad Guest members.