Etihad Airways has launched new direct services from Abu Dhabi to Kraków in Poland and Palma de Mallorca in Spain, the airline said in a press release issued on Friday, as it continues to expand its European network and strengthen connectivity between the Gulf region and key leisure destinations in Europe.

The new routes began operations this week, with flights to Kraków commencing on June 11 and services to Palma de Mallorca starting on June 12. The launches form part of Etihad's broader strategy to increase its presence in Europe and enhance Abu Dhabi's position as a global aviation hub.

"These two new routes are a proof point of Etihad's ambitions in Europe," said Antonoaldo Neves, Chief Executive Officer of Etihad Airways. "Kraków and Palma de Mallorca are two of the continent's most captivating destinations, and by connecting them directly to our home in Abu Dhabi, we are opening new possibilities for leisure travellers, businesses, and communities."

Kraków becomes Etihad's second destination in Poland after the airline introduced flights to Warsaw in June 2025. The carrier said the new route provides Southern Poland with direct access to Abu Dhabi and onward connections across the Middle East, Asia, Africa, the Indian subcontinent, and Australia through its expanding network.

The airline noted that it is the only carrier offering a First Class cabin between Kraków and the Gulf region, targeting premium leisure and business travellers. Kraków is widely known for its UNESCO-listed Old Town, Wawel Castle, and growing tourism sector.

Meanwhile, the Palma de Mallorca route marks the first direct air link between Spain's Balearic Islands and the Gulf region operated by Etihad. The airline said the service is designed to cater to growing demand from travellers seeking access to Mediterranean holiday destinations, including Mallorca and neighbouring islands.

Both routes are operated using Airbus A321LR aircraft, which feature two private First Class suites, 14 lie-flat Business Class seats and 144 Economy Class seats. The aircraft also offers in-flight entertainment systems and high-speed Wi-Fi connectivity.

The expansion comes as Gulf carriers continue to invest in new long-haul and leisure-focused routes amid strong demand for international travel. Airlines across the region have increasingly targeted secondary European cities and tourist destinations as part of efforts to diversify their networks beyond major capital cities.

For passengers, the new services provide additional nonstop travel options between Europe and the Gulf while offering easier access to Etihad's global network through Abu Dhabi. The airline also highlighted its stopover programme, which allows travellers to spend time in the UAE capital before continuing their journeys.

Source: PR