Etihad Airways is entering the summer 2026 season with an expanded operating program of more than 300 daily flights and a 10% year-on-year increase in capacity, as well as the launch of 4 new destinations and the return of 5 seasonal destinations.
This comes as travel to, from and through Abu Dhabi continues to grow, supported by a 23-aircraft increase in the airline's fleet compared with the same period last year, while load factors approach 90% across a network spanning Asia, Europe, North America, Africa and the Middle East, according to a post on the Etihad Airways website.
Between 11 and 14 June 2026, Etihad Airways launched four new destinations from Abu Dhabi: Krakow, Palma de Mallorca, Damascus and Zanzibar.
The airline is also bringing back 5 seasonal destinations during the summer season, Mykonos, Malaga, Santorini, Nice and El Alamein, in a schedule focusing on tourist destinations in Europe, the Mediterranean, the Middle East and the Indian Ocean.
Etihad Airways CEO Antonoaldo Neves said the airline is currently carrying more passengers to more destinations, operating more than 300 daily flights through Abu Dhabi.
He added that the launch of 4 new destinations and the return of 5 seasonal destinations in a single week reflect growing demand for the airline's network, noting that the current summer program is based on increased capacity and new aircraft joining the fleet.
To support travel to Abu Dhabi, Etihad Airways and the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi launched free medical insurance for international travelers arriving in the emirate on Etihad flights.
The initiative is available from July to December 2026 and is managed by the National Health Insurance Company (Daman), covering up to 15 days of medical cover within the UAE for eligible travelers, including users of the Abu Dhabi stopover program.
The new destinations add travel options across Etihad's network: Krakow links Abu Dhabi with one of Europe's cultural cities, Palma de Mallorca provides a direct link with the Balearic Islands, Damascus strengthens regional air connectivity, and Zanzibar adds an Indian Ocean tourist destination.
These routes are part of the airline's plan to expand its network in key markets and strengthen connectivity between Abu Dhabi and destinations in Europe, the Middle East and the Indian Ocean.
To offer travelers more options during the summer season, Etihad Airways is bringing back a range of seasonal destinations:
Mykonos: two weekly flights from 15 June.
Malaga: four weekly flights from 15 June.
Santorini: two weekly flights from 16 June.
Nice: two weekly flights from 19 June.
El Alamein: two weekly flights from 16 July.
These destinations, along with Krakow, Palma de Mallorca, Damascus and Zanzibar, are part of Etihad Airways' summer 2026 program, expanding travel options via Abu Dhabi during the peak season.
To view the post on the Etihad Airways website, click here.
