Etihad’s biggest summer yet: 300+ daily flights, new routes and returning favourites

Abu Dhabi: Etihad Airways is entering its busiest summer season to date, operating more than 300 daily flights and reporting near-record passenger loads as travel demand to, from and through Abu Dhabi continues to rise.

The airline said summer capacity has increased by 10% year-on-year, supported by a 23-aircraft expansion compared with the same period last year.

Load factors are now close to 90%, reflecting strong demand across its global network spanning Europe, Asia, North America, Africa and the Middle East.

Nine destinations added

Between June 11 and 14, Etihad launched four new routes in as many days, connecting Abu Dhabi with Kraków, Palma de Mallorca, Damascus and Zanzibar.

The new destinations strengthen links between Abu Dhabi and key leisure and cultural markets, with Kraków and Palma de Mallorca adding European city and island connections, Damascus improving regional access, and Zanzibar expanding the airline’s Indian Ocean network.

Summer getaway routes back on schedule

Etihad is also reinstating five popular seasonal routes as part of its summer schedule:

• Mykonos – from June 15

• Málaga – up to four weekly flights from June 15

• Santorini – from June 16

• Nice – from June 19

• Al Alamein – from July 16

Together, the new and returning destinations form Etihad’s largest-ever summer programme.

Strong growth supported by fleet expansion

Etihad said its rapid expansion is underpinned by significant fleet growth, with 23 additional aircraft added year-on-year, enabling higher frequencies and broader network reach during peak demand periods.

Record growth

Antonoaldo Neves, Chief Executive Officer of Etihad Airways, said the airline is operating more flights and serving more destinations than ever before, driven by strong global demand and fleet expansion.

“This week alone we have launched four new destinations and welcomed back five seasonal routes, demonstrating both the strength of demand across our network and the pace of our growth," Antonoaldo Neves said.

Travel boost with medical cover initiative

In partnership with the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, Etihad has also introduced complimentary medical travel insurance for international visitors flying to the UAE capital on Etihad-operated flights.

Available from July to December 2026 and administered by The National Insurance Company – Daman, the scheme provides eligible travellers with up to 15 days of medical cover, including those using Etihad’s stopover programme designed to promote longer stays in Abu Dhabi.