Upcoming 2026 Airline Routes Set to Take Off in UAE
Etihad Airways has recently announced new seasonal flights for summer 2026, expanding its global network with the addition of two fresh destinations: Salalah, Oman, and Krakow, Poland.
Starting from May 21, 2026, flights to Salalah will operate twice weekly, increasing to daily from mid-June to mid-September. Salalah is renowned as the Arabian Peninsula’s rare summer oasis during the Khareef monsoon season, when the region becomes lush and green with misty mountains and waterfalls. This destination is especially attractive to Gulf families and travellers from Europe and Asia seeking a cool summer retreat.
Krakow, Poland flights commence on June 16, 2026, operating three times weekly until early September. Krakow is known for its rich medieval history, Gothic architecture, lively cafe culture, and proximity to the Tatra Mountains. This expansion follows Etihad’s recent launch of flights to Warsaw, enhancing its Polish network.
Both routes depart from Abu Dhabi International Airport (Zayed International Airport), where Etihad offers seamless connections to over 90 global destinations with award-winning service and modern aircraft.
Other UAE-based carriers like Emirates, Air Arabia, flydubai, and Wizz Air Abu Dhabi have not yet announced new routes for 2026 but remain carriers to watch for future expansions.
### Flight Schedules for Etihad's Seasonal Routes in 2026
| Route | Launch Date | Frequency | Aircraft | |------------------------|-----------------|--------------------------------------------|----------------| | Abu Dhabi – Salalah | 21 May 2026 | Twice weekly (until mid-June); daily (mid-June to 15 Sept) | Airbus A320 | | Abu Dhabi – Krakow | 16 June 2026 | Three times weekly (Tue, Thu, Sat) until 5 Sept | Not specified |
These new routes reinforce Etihad’s strategy to expand its network and connect more destinations through Abu Dhabi, offering travellers diverse and culturally rich summer travel options. Travellers planning for new adventures in 2026 now have additional options with Etihad's new routes to Salalah, Oman and Krakow, Poland.
[1] Etihad Airways Press Release, [link] [2] Salalah Tourism Board, [link] [3] Wizz Air Abu Dhabi Press Release, [link] [4] Krakow Tourism Board, [link] [5] Emirates Press Release, [link]
- The new Salalah, Oman, destination is particularly appealing for Gulf families, travelers from Europe, and Asia, as it offers a cool summer retreat during the Khareef monsoon season.
- Etihad Airways' new route to Krakow, Poland, operates three times per week and showcases the city's rich medieval history, Gothic architecture, lively cafe culture, and proximity to the Tatra Mountains.
- Both routes, Salalah and Krakow, are departing from Abu Dhabi International Airport, providing seamless connections to over 90 global destinations with award-winning service and modern aircraft.
- While Emirates, Air Arabia, flydubai, and Wizz Air Abu Dhabi have not announced new routes for 2026, they remain carriers to watch for future expansions in the travel industry of the UAE and beyond.