Etihad Airways is rolling out its largest summer schedule to date, boosting capacity by 10% compared to summer 2025. The Abu Dhabi-based carrier now operates more than 300 flights daily, supported by an expanded fleet of 23 additional aircraft. This growth comes as demand for travel to, from, and through Abu Dhabi remains strong, with load factors hovering near 90%.
New and Returning Routes
Between 11 and 14 June, Etihad launched four new routes from its Abu Dhabi hub: Kraków (Poland), Palma de Mallorca (Spain), Damascus (Syria), and Zanzibar (Tanzania). These additions broaden the airline's European, Middle Eastern, and Indian Ocean network. Five popular seasonal destinations are also returning: Mykonos and Málaga from 15 June, Santorini from 16 June, Nice from 19 June, and Al Alamein from 16 July.
CEO Antonoaldo Neves commented: "Today, Etihad is flying more guests to more destinations than ever before. We are operating more than 300 flights a day, carrying near-record loads and connecting Abu Dhabi with more destinations than ever before."
Complementary Medical Insurance for Visitors
In partnership with the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi), Etihad is offering complimentary medical travel insurance for international visitors flying on Etihad-operated flights. The initiative, available from July to December 2026, provides up to 15 days of medical cover in the UAE. This move is designed to enhance the travel experience and reduce barriers for leisure and business travelers. For more details, see our article on Etihad and DCT Abu Dhabi Launch Free Medical Insurance for International Visitors.
Strategic Context
Etihad's expansion aligns with Abu Dhabi's ambition to position itself as a global aviation gateway, competing with regional hubs like Dubai and Doha. The airline's network growth mirrors broader trends in the Gulf carrier space; for instance, Qatar Airways Summer 2026 Network Hits 160 Destinations with 26 Route Resumptions. Meanwhile, other carriers such as Riyadh Air are accelerating their own expansion plans, as seen in Riyadh Air Opens Ticket Sales for Five Dreamliner Routes, Accelerates London Launch.
The new routes to Kraków and Zanzibar tap into growing demand for cultural and leisure travel from the Middle East. Kraków offers historical and cultural appeal, while Zanzibar caters to beach and resort tourism. The return of seasonal services to Mykonos, Santorini, and Nice underscores the importance of Mediterranean summer destinations for Etihad's premium and leisure passengers.
Etihad's fleet expansion—adding 23 aircraft—enables this capacity increase without compromising service quality. The airline continues to invest in its product, including cabin upgrades and digital enhancements, to maintain competitiveness against other Gulf carriers and European network airlines.
For travel professionals, this summer schedule presents new opportunities for package holidays, corporate travel, and MICE groups. The complimentary insurance offer may also appeal to tour operators and agents looking to add value for clients. As Etihad strengthens its Abu Dhabi hub, the airline is well-positioned to capture connecting traffic from Asia, Africa, and Europe.
Overall, Etihad's summer 2026 expansion reflects a confident bet on sustained travel demand and a strategic push to diversify its network beyond traditional Middle Eastern and Asian routes. The airline's focus on high-load-factor operations and new leisure destinations suggests a deliberate shift toward balancing premium and volume traffic.
