Etihad Airways is operating its largest summer program to date, with more than 300 daily flights, near-record passenger loads and nine new or returning destinations added in the last few weeks and until July.
The Abu Dhabi-based carrier says summer capacity is up 10% year-over-year, supported by a fleet expansion of 23 additional aircraft compared with the same period in 2025. Flights across the network are currently operating at close to 90% load factors, reflecting strong travel demand across Europe, Asia, North America, Africa and the Middle East.
Four new routes launched in mid June
Between June 11 and 14, Etihad already introduced four new services linking Abu Dhabi with the cities of Kraków, Palma de Mallorca, Damascus and Zanzibar City.
The new destinations further expand Etihad’s global reach, adding a mix of cultural, leisure and regional connectivity opportunities.
At the same time, Etihad has resumed five seasonal summer routes. Services to Mykonos and Malaga returned on June 15, followed by Santorini on June 16 and Nice on June 19. Flights to Al Alamein will resume on July 16.
Etihad CEO Antonoaldo Neves said the airline is carrying more passengers to more destinations than at any point in its history.
The success story should continue during the winter season. The airline already announced to start operating from Abu Dhabi to Bucharest (effective Dec. 17, 4 times a week), to Luxembourg (effective October 21, 4 weekly services), while increasing frequencies to Brussels, Dublin and Munich.
Abu Dhabi tourism boost
To support increasing visitor arrivals, Etihad and the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi have recently introduced complimentary medical travel insurance for eligible international visitors flying on Etihad-operated services.
Available from July through December 2026, the initiative provides up to 15 days of medical coverage in the UAE and is administered by The National Insurance Company – Daman. The offer also applies to travelers using Etihad’s stopover program, which is designed to encourage transit passengers to spend time in Abu Dhabi.
