Etihad boosts global network

by AHMED MOOLLA
CAIRO, (CAJ News) — ETIHAD Airways is expanding services across its international network after recording stronger-than-expected demand from business, leisure and community travellers.

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) national carrier has announced increased frequencies to Brussels in Belgium and Kraków in Poland, while its recently launched Dhaka route in Bangladesh will now operate throughout the year.

Seasonal services to Zanzibar in Tanzania and Palma de Mallorca in Spain have also been extended to meet sustained passenger demand.

The expansion forms part of the airline’s broader strategy to strengthen connectivity through its Abu Dhabi hub while adding capacity to destinations experiencing the highest growth.

The Abu Dhabi–Dhaka service, which commenced on 26 June with a fully booked inaugural flight, has been confirmed as a year-round operation following strong market demand.

The route operates four times a week using a Boeing 777 aircraft, offering 28 Business Class seats and 374 Economy Class seats.

Besides serving the sizeable Bangladeshi community in the UAE, the service also provides significant belly-hold cargo capacity to support growing trade between the two countries.

Etihad has also extended its seasonal Abu Dhabi–Zanzibar service until 31 March 2027, well beyond its original September end date, citing continued demand for travel to the Indian Ocean destination.

Similarly, the seasonal Abu Dhabi–Palma de Mallorca route will now operate until 18 October 2026, giving travellers an extended opportunity to visit one of the Mediterranean’s most popular holiday destinations.

In Europe, the airline will increase flights between Abu Dhabi and Kraków from three to four per week from 27 July 2026, following strong demand for travel to southern Poland.

Services between Abu Dhabi and Brussels will also increase from seven to 11 flights a week from 15 December 2026.

The additional services will be operated by the Airbus A321LR, configured with First, Business and Economy cabins, providing passengers with greater flexibility throughout the week.

Arik De, Etihad Airways Chief Revenue and Commercial Officer, said customer demand across diverse markets had exceeded the airline’s expectations.

“The response from our guests has exceeded our expectations, with strong demand across very different markets, from Brussels and Dhaka to Kraków, Zanzibar and Palma, and we’re responding by adding capacity where demand is strongest,” De said.

“These additional flights and extended seasonal services are bringing more visitors to Abu Dhabi while strengthening connections across our growing global network.”

The airline said the latest expansion reflects continued investment in its network and fleet as it responds to growing international demand for travel to, from and through Abu Dhabi.

All of the additional services are now available for booking.

Etihad Airways, established in 2003, has grown into one of the world’s leading airlines, operating passenger and cargo services across the Middle East, Africa, Europe, Asia, Australia and North America through its Abu Dhabi hub.

– CAJ News