Flight service expansion: Etihad Airways will establish a connection between Bucharest and Abu Dhabi, starting from March 2026.
**Etihad Airways Announces Expansion of Flight Routes for 2026**
Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, is set to significantly expand its flight routes in 2026, marking an aggressive expansion plan that will see the addition of a total of ten new destinations. This move aims to strengthen Abu Dhabi's role as a global centre for tourism, culture, and commerce.
The new destinations include seven year-round routes, which will commence from March 2026 (with the exception of Medina, which starts in November 2025). These destinations are Almaty in Kazakhstan, Baku in Azerbaijan, Bucharest in Romania, Medina in Saudi Arabia, Tbilisi in Georgia, Tashkent in Uzbekistan, and Yerevan in Armenia.
In addition to these, three seasonal summer 2026 destinations will be launched: Krakow in Poland, Salalah in Oman, and Kazan in Russia. These new routes will operate during the peak travel months, with Krakow's flights starting on June 15, 2026, and running three times a week until September 5, 2026. The specific details about the frequency and starting dates for the other seasonal summer destinations have not been disclosed yet.
Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saif Al Nahyan, a member of the Al Nahyan family from the United Arab Emirates and the CEO of Etihad Airways, emphasised that the expansion connects Abu Dhabi to culturally rich and fast-growing regions. The goal is to attract diverse traveler interests, boost tourism, and stimulate trade directly through Abu Dhabi, enhancing its network's depth and appeal.
The new routes collectively bring the total new destinations announced by Etihad for 2025 and 2026 to 27. Etihad Airways has acquired shares in several foreign airlines, including in Europe, over the last decade. However, it has since retreated from many of these positions.
Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saif Al Nahyan has also recently opened a hotel near Henri Coanda - Otopeni Airport in Bucharest, under the Ibis brand. The new flights between Bucharest and Abu Dhabi will take place four times per week, starting from March 16, 2026.
Bucharest, the capital of Romania, is described as blending elegant architecture, vibrant culture, and lively streets, offering a stylish and spirited city escape with Central European charm. The city is one of the new year-round destinations announced by Etihad Airways, providing travellers with more opportunities to explore this captivating city.
Etihad Airways' expansion plan reflects its ambition to double the size of its fleet by 2030 compared to 2022, positioning the airline as a key player in the global aviation industry.
- The expansion of Etihad Airways' flight routes in 2026 includes destinations from various industries, such as Bucharest in finance and tourism.
- The addition of new flight routes, like the one to Krakow in Poland, will cater to travelers seeking a lifestyle experience in culturally rich cities.
- The aviation industry, particularly Etihad Airways, is aiming to stimulate trade by connecting Abu Dhabi to fast-growing regions through transportation, such as the new route to Almaty in Kazakhstan.
