How Italian travel surge powers Etihad expansion, boosts Abu Dhabi tourism ambitions

Dubai: Etihad Airways is riding a fresh wave of Italian interest in Abu Dhabi, with the UAE capital fast becoming a preferred destination—and strategic hub—for both leisure and business travellers from Italy. As a result, Etihad is ramping up capacity between the two countries in a move that underscores the growing strength of the bilateral tourism and trade relationship.

Effective this November, Etihad will offer more than 10,000 weekly seats per direction between Italy and Abu Dhabi—an 80% increase over November 2023. Premium capacity is doubling as well, with over 1,000 seats available weekly, as high-end demand soars.

Driving this expansion is a sharp 76% year-on-year increase in passenger traffic from Italy to Abu Dhabi, marking Italy as one of Etihad’s fastest-growing European markets. The airline is responding by introducing a third daily service from Milan and boosting Rome to double-daily frequency, giving travellers more flexible options for both business and leisure trips.

“The consistent growth we’re seeing from the Italian market highlights Abu Dhabi’s appeal as both a destination and global hub,” said Jurriaan Stelder, Etihad’s SVP for Network, Alliances and Industry Affairs. “This connectivity is strengthening tourism and supporting deeper ties across trade, culture, and investment.”

The new Milan frequency will be operated by Etihad’s Airbus A321LR, a next-generation aircraft designed to bring long-haul comfort to regional travel. It includes a dedicated First class cabin, fully lie-flat Business seats, high-speed Wi-Fi, and upgraded dining—features typically reserved for long-haul routes.

The added frequency also feeds into Etihad’s broader Abu Dhabi Stopover programme, which has seen a 92% rise in bookings from Italy since 2024. The programme offers complimentary hotel stays for up to two nights, giving travellers a chance to sample the UAE capital’s mix of heritage, modernity, and world-class leisure attractions.

Etihad’s growth in Italy isn’t happening in isolation. Its codeshare agreement with ITA Airways, established in 2021, and a rail partnership with Trenitalia allow seamless connectivity from 14 Italian airports and 31 train stations to Etihad’s hubs in Milan and Rome.

These partnerships are instrumental in converting regional demand into long-haul flows—integrating Abu Dhabi more deeply into Italy’s travel ecosystem while boosting inbound tourism to the UAE.

As Etihad scales up its Italy services, Abu Dhabi’s visitor economy is reaping the benefits, with the airline playing a pivotal role in bringing high-value European travellers to the emirate. The trend also supports long-term goals to diversify Abu Dhabi’s tourism base and increase its share of premium global travellers.

“Abu Dhabi isn’t just a stop—it’s a destination,” Stelder said. “The growth we’re seeing from Italy reflects that transformation, and we’re proud to be part of it.”