Etihad Airways is operating its biggest summer schedule ever, with more than 300 daily flights from Abu Dhabi.
The airline has launched or resumed nine popular holiday destinations across Europe and Africa while increasing capacity to meet strong travel demand.
Eligible international visitors flying with Etihad can also benefit from complimentary medical travel insurance when visiting Abu Dhabi.
Summer travel is in full swing, and Etihad Airways is making it easier than ever for travellers to explore new destinations from Abu Dhabi.
The UAE’s national airline has kicked off its busiest summer season to date, operating more than 300 flights a day and expanding its network with nine new and returning destinations. The move comes as travel demand continues to grow across key markets, with flights already seeing high occupancy rates.
Alongside the route expansion, Etihad has also introduced a new benefit for international visitors travelling to Abu Dhabi — complimentary medical travel insurance on eligible bookings.
Where can travellers fly this summer?
This year, Etihad has added several sought-after holiday destinations to its summer schedule.
Among the newly launched routes are Krakow in Poland, Palma de Mallorca in Spain, and Zanzibar in Tanzania. The airline has also brought back seasonal services to some of Europe’s most popular summer hotspots, including Malaga, Nice, Mykonos, and Santorini.
These destinations have long been favourites among UAE residents looking for beach holidays, cultural city breaks, and family-friendly summer escapes.
The expanded network gives travellers more direct flight options from Abu Dhabi, reducing the need for lengthy stopovers and making holiday planning much easier.
Why is Etihad expanding so rapidly?
The airline says demand for travel remains strong across its network, particularly on routes connecting Europe, Asia, North America, Africa, and the Middle East.
To support this growth, Etihad has increased its summer capacity by 10 per cent compared to last year. The airline has also expanded its fleet significantly over the past 12 months, adding 23 aircraft to support the growing number of flights.
Current passenger loads are approaching 90 per cent on many routes, highlighting the continued appetite for travel despite the busy summer season.
The expansion is also closely aligned with Abu Dhabi’s wider tourism ambitions as the emirate continues attracting more international visitors and strengthening its position as a global aviation hub.
Free medical travel insurance now included for eligible visitors
One of the most notable announcements this summer is Etihad’s new complimentary medical travel insurance programme.
Launched in partnership with the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi and Daman, the initiative provides eligible international visitors with medical coverage during their stay in the UAE.
The insurance will be available for visitors travelling on qualifying Etihad-operated flights and will cover stays of up to 15 days.
For many travellers, medical coverage is an important part of trip planning. Including it as part of the booking process removes an extra step and offers additional reassurance for visitors heading to Abu Dhabi.
The initiative also supports Abu Dhabi’s efforts to create a smoother and more welcoming visitor experience.
Record passenger demand fuels airline growth
For UAE-based travellers, the expansion means more options when planning summer holidays.
Direct access to destinations such as Santorini, Mykonos, Palma de Mallorca, and Zanzibar offers greater flexibility and convenience during one of the busiest travel periods of the year.
Families travelling during the school break may also benefit from increased seat availability across popular routes.
The additional flights are expected to help ease pressure on high-demand destinations while giving residents more choices when comparing travel dates and fares.
Etihad ramps up operations as travel rebounds
The latest expansion highlights Abu Dhabi’s growing importance as a global travel and tourism destination.
In recent years, the emirate has invested heavily in new attractions, hospitality projects, cultural experiences, and aviation infrastructure. Increasing international connectivity remains a major part of that strategy.
With more destinations, additional flight frequencies, and visitor-focused initiatives such as complimentary medical insurance, Abu Dhabi is positioning itself as an attractive gateway for travellers from around the world.
FAQ’s
Q: How many flights is Etihad operating this summer?
A: Etihad is operating more than 300 daily flights from Abu Dhabi, making this its largest summer schedule to date.
Q: Which destinations has Etihad launched or resumed?
A: The airline has introduced or resumed services to destinations including Krakow, Palma de Mallorca, Zanzibar, Malaga, Nice, Mykonos, and Santorini.
Q: Who can get the free medical travel insurance?
A: Eligible international visitors travelling on qualifying Etihad-operated flights to Abu Dhabi can benefit from the complimentary coverage.
Q: How long is the insurance coverage valid?
A: The programme covers eligible visitors for up to 15 days during their stay in the UAE.
Q: Why is Etihad increasing flights this summer?
A: Strong travel demand and fleet expansion have enabled the airline to add more routes and increase capacity across its global network.
Etihad Airways is heading into summer 2026 with its largest-ever schedule, giving travellers more destinations, more flights, and added travel benefits. From new European holiday hotspots to complimentary medical travel insurance for visitors, the airline’s latest expansion reflects the growing demand for travel through Abu Dhabi.
For UAE residents planning a summer getaway, the increased connectivity offers plenty of new options just in time for the holiday season.
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