New Bangkok service boosts Etihad-Condor partnership across three continents
German carrier strengthens Abu Dhabi network with third planned route
ABU DHABI – Etihad Airways and Condor have taken another step in strengthening their growing partnership, announcing a new frequent flyer agreement alongside plans for a Bangkok-Abu Dhabi service that will further expand connectivity between Europe, the Middle East and Asia.
The developments were unveiled during the International Air Transport Association (IATA) Annual General Meeting in Rio de Janeiro.
The latest announcements build on the strategic partnership first revealed in December 2025 and reinforce Abu Dhabi’s position as a growing international aviation hub. The Bangkok route will become the third service in Condor’s planned Abu Dhabi operation, joining the airline’s upcoming daily flights from Frankfurt and Berlin. The Berlin route is particularly significant as it represents the UAE’s only direct connection to the German capital.
New loyalty agreement
A key element of the expanded partnership is a new loyalty agreement that will allow Etihad Guest members to redeem their miles on Condor-operated flights. The arrangement opens access to a broad network of destinations across Europe, North America, the Caribbean and other international markets served by the German leisure carrier.
The agreement adds another layer to a partnership that already includes an extensive codeshare arrangement. Both airlines have been steadily broadening cooperation across commercial activities, network planning, loyalty programmes and operational initiatives aimed at improving the travel experience for passengers.
The addition of Bangkok to Condor’s Abu Dhabi network is expected to create new travel opportunities for passengers moving between Europe and Asia through the UAE capital. It also strengthens links between Germany and key destinations across Etihad’s global network.
Etihad’s network
By combining Condor’s strong presence in Germany and established leisure travel network with Etihad’s expanding international reach, the partnership is creating additional options for travellers across Europe, the Middle East, Asia, Africa and Australia.
Passengers arriving in Abu Dhabi on Condor services will gain convenient access to Etihad’s growing network, including destinations such as Zanzibar and Salalah. At the same time, travellers from Etihad’s markets will benefit from easier connections to Condor destinations throughout Europe and beyond.
Arik De, Etihad Airways’ Chief Revenue and Commercial Officer, said the relationship had quickly developed into an important strategic partnership delivering benefits for both airlines, their customers and Abu Dhabi. He noted that the addition of Bangkok to Condor’s Abu Dhabi operation builds on the forthcoming Frankfurt and Berlin services while creating new connectivity opportunities between Europe, Asia and the Middle East.
He added that partnerships play an important role in supporting Etihad’s network growth strategy and helping attract more visitors to Abu Dhabi through seamless travel options across complementary airline networks.
Abu Dhabi tourism
The expanded cooperation also aligns with Abu Dhabi’s broader tourism and economic development ambitions. Increased connectivity is expected to support visitor growth while enhancing the emirate’s accessibility from key international markets.
Jens Boyd, Commercial Director and Member of Condor’s Executive Committee, said the partnership with Etihad was developing successfully and creating tangible benefits for passengers. He noted that the Bangkok-Abu Dhabi route would strengthen connectivity between Europe, the Middle East, Asia, Africa and Australia while offering travellers greater flexibility and a wider choice of destinations.
Once services from Frankfurt, Berlin and Bangkok are fully operational, Condor’s Abu Dhabi network will provide additional feed into Etihad’s global route system, further strengthening links between Germany, the UAE and major destinations across multiple continents. The move marks another phase in the deepening relationship between the two carriers as they continue expanding cooperation across several areas of their business.