Etihad Airways expands summer operations with 10pc more capacity
New visitor benefits introduced for Abu Dhabi-bound travellers
ABU DHABI – Etihad Airways has entered its biggest summer season to date, expanding operations with 10% more capacity, four new destinations and the return of five popular seasonal routes as travel demand continues to rise across its global network.
The Abu Dhabi-based airline is operating more than 300 flights per day during the peak summer period, with passenger loads approaching record levels across destinations in Europe, Asia, North America, Africa and the Middle East.
The growth comes as Etihad continues to accelerate its network expansion, supported by a fleet that has increased by 23 aircraft compared with the same period last year.
New routes
Between 11 and 14 June, Etihad launched four new routes within four days, adding Kraków, Palma de Mallorca, Damascus and Zanzibar to its growing network from Abu Dhabi.
The new services expand travel options across cultural, leisure and regional destinations.
Kraków provides direct connectivity to one of Europe’s historic cities, while Palma de Mallorca introduces a new link to the Balearic Islands.
The addition of Damascus strengthens regional connectivity, while Zanzibar brings another sought-after Indian Ocean destination into Etihad’s expanding leisure portfolio.
The airline has also brought back five seasonal favourites for summer travellers. Services to Mykonos and Malaga resumed on 15 June, followed by Santorini on 16 June, Nice on 19 June and Al Alamein from 16 July.
Antonoaldo Neves, Chief Executive Officer of Etihad Airways, said the airline was flying more guests to more destinations than ever before, with the latest expansion reflecting strong demand across its network.
“Today, Etihad is flying more guests to more destinations than ever before. We are operating more than 300 flights a day, carrying near-record loads and connecting Abu Dhabi with more destinations than ever before,” he said.
Summer initiatives
Etihad’s expanded programme is being supported by increased capacity and a larger fleet, with flights operating at close to 90% load factors. The airline’s summer schedule reflects continued growth across key markets, strengthening links between Abu Dhabi and destinations throughout Europe, the Mediterranean, the Middle East and the Indian Ocean.
The expansion also supports Abu Dhabi’s position as a global travel hub, with Etihad continuing to add routes aligned with passenger demand and international connectivity.
To support increasing visitor arrivals, Etihad and the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi have introduced complimentary medical travel insurance for eligible international visitors travelling on Etihad-operated flights to Abu Dhabi. The initiative, available from July to December 2026 and administered by The National Insurance Company – Daman, provides eligible travellers with up to 15 days of medical cover in the UAE. It also applies to guests using Etihad’s stopover programme, which allows transit passengers to extend their stay and explore Abu Dhabi.
Seasonal picks
The returning summer destinations provide additional options for travellers seeking Mediterranean escapes and leisure breaks. Mykonos will operate twice weekly from 15 June, while Malaga will run up to four times weekly from the same date. Santorini will operate twice weekly from 16 June, followed by Nice twice weekly from 19 June and Al Alamein twice weekly from 16 July.
Together with the newly launched routes, these destinations form part of Etihad’s largest-ever summer schedule, offering expanded choices for travellers across Europe, regional markets and island destinations.