Etihad’s fleet growth continues with 23 new aircraft amid strong summer demand.
Abu Dhabi: Etihad Airways is gearing up for its busiest summer season on record, operating more than 300 flights a day as rising travel demand drives strong passenger traffic to, from and through Abu Dhabi.
The airline said its summer capacity has grown by 10 per cent compared with last year, supported by the addition of 23 aircraft to its fleet over the same period.
Passenger load factors are approaching 90 per cent, underscoring robust demand across Etihad’s global network, which connects destinations across Europe, Asia, North America, Africa and the Middle East.
Nine new destinations added
Etihad has expanded its network with nine new destinations this year, reinforcing Abu Dhabi’s position as a growing global aviation hub.
Between June 11 and 14, the airline launched four new routes in four consecutive days, linking Abu Dhabi with Kraków, Palma de Mallorca, Damascus and Zanzibar.
The additions enhance connectivity to a mix of leisure, cultural and regional markets. Kraków and Palma de Mallorca strengthen Etihad’s European network with new city and island destinations, Damascus improves regional access, while Zanzibar further expands the carrier’s footprint across the Indian Ocean.
Popular summer routes return
Etihad is also bringing back five seasonal destinations as part of its summer schedule, catering to strong demand for holiday travel.
The reinstated routes include Mykonos from June 15, Málaga with up to four weekly flights from June 15, Santorini from June 16, Nice from June 19, and Al Alamein from July 16.
Combined with the airline’s newly launched destinations, these additions make up Etihad’s most extensive summer network to date.
Fleet expansion fuels growth
The carrier said its continued network expansion has been supported by substantial fleet growth, with 23 aircraft added compared with the same period last year. The additional capacity has enabled Etihad to increase frequencies and extend its reach across key markets during the peak travel season.
Record-breaking summer
Antonoaldo Neves, Chief Executive Officer of Etihad Airways, said the airline is operating more flights and serving more destinations than at any point in its history, supported by strong global travel demand and ongoing fleet expansion.
“This week alone, we have launched four new destinations and welcomed back five seasonal routes, highlighting both the strength of demand across our network and the pace of our expansion,” said Antonoaldo Neves.
“As we enter the peak summer travel period, we are delivering our most ambitious summer programme yet. Supported by 23 additional aircraft and strong demand from around the world, we continue to grow with confidence by expanding our network, increasing capacity and bringing more visitors to Abu Dhabi,” he added.
Medical cover initiative for visitors
In a move aimed at boosting tourism, Etihad has partnered with the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi to offer complimentary medical travel insurance to international visitors travelling to the UAE capital on Etihad-operated flights.
The initiative, available from July through December 2026 and administered by The National Insurance Company – Daman, provides eligible travellers with up to 15 days of medical coverage. The benefit also extends to passengers using Etihad’s stopover programme, which encourages visitors to extend their stay and explore Abu Dhabi.
