Etihad Airways has announced the launch of two new direct routes to Europe this June: Krakow, Poland, and Palma de Mallorca, Spain. These additions represent a strategic milestone within the expansion of its European network and consolidate Abu Dhabi’s role as one of the world’s premier global hubs.
A Firm Commitment to the European Market
Antonoaldo Neves, CEO of Etihad Airways, highlighted that these new routes serve as clear evidence of the airline’s growth ambitions across the European continent. According to the executive, connecting Krakow and Palma de Mallorca directly to Abu Dhabi opens up compelling new opportunities for leisure tourism, business, and local community development.
The expansion of the flight network not only diversifies the destinations available to travelers but also promotes Abu Dhabi as a stopover destination, encouraging passengers to discover the cultural and tourism offerings of the UAE capital.
Krakow: A Premium Boost in Southern Poland
The launch of operations to Krakow reflects the airline’s long-term commitment to the Polish market. This city becomes Etihad Airways’ second destination in the country, joining Warsaw, a route inaugurated in June 2025. This move introduces a premium long-haul service to the southern region of Poland.
- Market Exclusivity: Etihad Airways positions itself as the only carrier to offer a First Class cabin between Krakow and the Persian Gulf region, guaranteeing elevated standards of luxury and comfort.
- Cultural Appeal and Connectivity: The route directly links one of Europe’s most culturally significant cities—home to Wawel Castle and a medieval old town listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site—with the airline’s global network.
→ Etihad Airways boosts Paris route: Airbus A380 to operate twice-daily service
Palma de Mallorca: A Strategic Mediterranean Connection
On June 12, 2026, just one day after the Krakow debut, the carrier launched flights to Palma de Mallorca, the capital of Spain’s Balearic Islands.
- First Link to the East: This service marks the first scheduled direct connection linking the Balearic archipelago with Middle Eastern markets.
- Streamlined Access: Thanks to this flight, high-demand Mediterranean destinations such as Mallorca and Ibiza are now accessible to travelers originating from Abu Dhabi and surrounding regions through a single air connection.
- Tourism Potential: The destination combines a cosmopolitan profile with centuries of history—evidenced by landmarks such as the La Seu Cathedral—alongside world-class marinas, an excellent culinary scene, and natural attractions.
Elevating Inflight Standards: The Airbus A321LR Experience
The travel experience on these routes relies on the operational capabilities and comfort of the Airbus A321 Long Range, an aircraft featuring high-speed Wi-Fi connectivity across all cabins. The cabin configuration details are as follows:
First Class
The A321LR introduces a true First Class experience featuring two private suites equipped with sliding doors. The seats convert into fully flat beds, offer space for a companion, and feature 20-inch 4K screens, wireless charging systems, and Bluetooth connectivity, complemented by the airline’s signature culinary offerings.
Business Class
The business cabin is configured with 14 lie-flat seats. All seats are window-facing and offer direct aisle access to optimize privacy, accompanied by premium amenities and fine dining.
Economy Class
The cabin features 144 ergonomically designed seats, equipped with 4K-resolution touchscreens providing access to the carrier’s extensive inflight entertainment and multimedia programming catalogue.
International Outlook
Passengers boarding from Spain and Poland will enjoy a direct link to Abu Dhabi, which serves as a premium gateway connecting to key markets across the Middle East, Africa, Asia, India, and Australia.
The addition of Krakow and Palma de Mallorca reaffirms Etihad Airways’ strategy focused on redefining premium travel and sustainably expanding its geographical reach.
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