Abu Dhabi, 1 July 2026: Etihad Airways expands flights across its international network as the UAE’s national carrier announces additional services to five key destinations in response to strong global travel demand. The expanded schedule includes increased frequencies to Brussels and Kraków, year-round operations to Dhaka, and extended seasonal flights to Zanzibar and Palma de Mallorca, further strengthening Abu Dhabi’s position as a leading international aviation hub.
The latest announcement reflects Etihad Airways’ continued growth strategy as international travel demand continues to rise across Europe, Asia, and Africa.
Etihad Airways Expands Flights to Meet Growing Passenger Demand
The decision as Etihad Airways expands flights comes amid sustained growth in leisure, business, and visiting friends and relatives (VFR) travel. The airline continues to invest in network expansion while improving connectivity through its Abu Dhabi hub.
By increasing flight frequencies and extending seasonal routes, Etihad aims to provide travellers with greater flexibility, improved schedules, and seamless onward connections to destinations across its expanding global network.
Brussels Receives Additional Weekly Flights
As part of the programme where Etihad Airways expands flights, services between Abu Dhabi and Brussels will increase significantly.
Beginning 15 December 2026, the airline will operate 11 weekly flights, up from the current seven weekly services.
The additional flights will be operated using Etihad’s modern Airbus A321LR, featuring First Class, Business Class, and Economy cabins, offering passengers enhanced comfort on medium-haul routes.
The increased capacity is expected to support tourism, trade, and business travel between the UAE and Belgium.
Kraków Flights Increased
The airline is also strengthening connectivity with Poland.
Following strong customer demand since the launch of the route, Etihad Airways expands flights to Kraków by increasing services from three to four weekly flights from 27 July 2026.
Kraków has quickly emerged as one of Etihad’s fastest-growing European destinations, attracting both leisure and corporate travellers.
Dhaka Becomes a Year-Round Destination
One of the biggest highlights as Etihad Airways expands flights is the confirmation that Dhaka will now operate throughout the year.
After successfully relaunching services to Bangladesh earlier this year, Etihad has decided to convert the route into a permanent year-round operation.
The airline currently operates four weekly Boeing 777 flights between Abu Dhabi and Dhaka, providing stronger connectivity for business travellers, expatriates, and leisure passengers.
Seasonal Services Extended to Zanzibar and Palma de Mallorca
Etihad has also extended two popular leisure routes due to continued passenger demand.
Flights between Abu Dhabi and Zanzibar will now continue until 31 March 2027, while services to Palma de Mallorca have been extended until 18 October 2026.
The extensions provide travellers with additional options to explore two of the airline’s most sought-after holiday destinations.
Strengthening Abu Dhabi as a Global Aviation Hub
As Etihad Airways expands flights, the airline continues supporting Abu Dhabi’s tourism and economic growth strategy.
Enhanced connectivity makes the emirate more accessible to international visitors while supporting conferences, business travel, tourism, and transit traffic through Zayed International Airport.
The expansion also complements Abu Dhabi’s broader efforts to attract more international tourists through improved aviation infrastructure and visitor-focused initiatives.
Part of Etihad’s Largest Summer Network
The latest expansion forms part of Etihad Airways’ largest-ever summer schedule.
The airline is currently operating:
- More than 300 daily flights
- Around 10% additional capacity compared to last summer
- Multiple new international destinations
- Expanded seasonal operations
- A growing modern fleet
These investments reinforce the airline’s long-term commitment to network growth and customer convenience.
Benefits for International Travellers
As Etihad Airways expands flights, passengers can expect several advantages, including:
- More flight choices
- Better connection timings
- Greater flexibility for business and leisure travel
- Improved access to Europe, Asia, and Africa
- Enhanced premium travel experience
- Seamless transit through Abu Dhabi
The additional capacity is expected to support the increasing demand for international travel during 2026 and beyond.
About Etihad Airways
Etihad Airways is the national airline of the United Arab Emirates and operates from its hub at Zayed International Airport in Abu Dhabi.
The carrier serves destinations across the Middle East, Europe, Asia, Africa, Australia, and North America, and continues to invest in fleet modernisation, digital innovation, and premium customer experiences.
Key Highlights
- Etihad Airways expands flights to five international destinations
- Brussels increases from 7 to 11 weekly flights
- Kraków services rise to four weekly flights
- Dhaka becomes a permanent year-round destination
- Seasonal services extended to Zanzibar and Palma de Mallorca
- Expansion supports Abu Dhabi tourism growth
- More than 300 daily flights this summer
FAQ
Which destinations are included in the expansion?
Brussels, Kraków, Dhaka, Zanzibar, and Palma de Mallorca.
When do the additional Brussels flights begin?
The expanded Brussels schedule begins on 15 December 2026.
Is Dhaka now a year-round route?
Yes. Etihad Airways has confirmed that Dhaka will operate throughout the year.
Why is Etihad expanding its network?
The airline is responding to strong global travel demand while strengthening Abu Dhabi’s position as an international aviation hub.
Conclusion
As Etihad Airways expands flights, the airline continues strengthening its international network while offering travellers greater flexibility and improved connectivity. The additional services demonstrate Etihad’s confidence in sustained travel demand and reinforce its commitment to delivering world-class connectivity through Abu Dhabi.
Additional Conclusion
The latest expansion highlights Etihad Airways’ long-term growth ambitions and its continued investment in premium passenger experiences. With additional frequencies, year-round operations, and extended seasonal routes, the airline is well positioned to support growing business and leisure travel while contributing to Abu Dhabi’s development as a leading global tourism and aviation destination.well positioned to meet growing demand across business and leisure travel markets.
