Published on
October 19, 2025
Eurowings is now joining a growing list of European airlines expanding their operations to Dubai and Abu Dhabi, responding to the increasing demand for affordable and direct travel options between the UAE, Asia and Europe. With new nonstop routes to Germany, Romania, and Kazakhstan, Eurowings, alongside Etihad Airways, Air Astana, and Animawings, is tapping into a competitive market, offering passengers more choices and better connectivity. These expansions are strategically timed to cater to the surge in travel from the Gulf region to Europe, driven by the peak winter season and growing leisure and business opportunities.
In a significant move to enhance connectivity between Europe and the UAE, several airlines are expanding their services to Dubai and Abu Dhabi. The competition for budget-conscious travellers and those seeking a premium experience is heating up as these airlines introduce new direct routes to and from the UAE, offering more options for travellers while also enhancing the regional travel landscape.
Eurowings Launches Nonstop Routes to Germany
One of the most notable players in this expansion is Eurowings, a subsidiary of Lufthansa. The German budget carrier is rolling out two new nonstop services between Germany and the UAE this winter, with an innovative premium economy offering aimed at shaking up mid-range travel pricing.
New Routes:Abu Dhabi to Berlin: Starting November 3, 2025, three times a week.Dubai to Düsseldorf: Launching December 13, 2025, three times a week from Dubai World Central.Premium Economy Innovation: The new “Premium BIZ Seat” offers:2×2 seating configuration for extra legroom.Adjustable backrests and a guaranteed free middle seat—features typically reserved for long-haul business class.Pricing: Economy fares start from Dh429, while Premium BIZ Seats begin at Dh3,000 one-way, offering a more affordable alternative to traditional business class.Aircraft Used: Airbus A320neo aircraft ensure efficiency and reliability on these medium-haul sectors.Strategic Timing: The routes tap into the growing demand for affordable European travel, especially for the winter season, offering direct flights and eliminating the need for costly layovers in European hubs.Expanding European Connectivity: Etihad Airways
While Eurowings may be the latest to enter the competitive market, Etihad Airways, the UAE’s flagship carrier, has also been expanding its European network. In addition to the new Eurowings routes, Etihad has announced plans to launch new services to Prague and Bucharest in 2025. These routes are part of Etihad’s broader strategy to bolster connectivity between the UAE and Eastern Europe, catering to both business and leisure travellers.
New Routes:Prague: New route starting in 2025.Bucharest: New route starting in 2025.Expanding Network: Etihad continues to focus on increasing its presence in Eastern Europe, following a trend of greater demand for travel to and from this region.Existing Services: With its extensive network, Etihad already offers flights to major European destinations such as London, Paris, Frankfurt, and Milan.Air Astana’s Middle Eastern Expansion
In addition to Etihad and Eurowings, Air Astana, Kazakhstan’s national carrier, is also increasing its presence in the Middle East. The airline has recently introduced new services to both Dubai and Abu Dhabi, strengthening its connectivity between Kazakhstan and the UAE.
New Routes:Dubai and Abu Dhabi: Air Astana is now operating direct flights connecting Kazakhstan to the UAE.Growing Demand: The routes are designed to meet the growing demand for travel between Kazakhstan and the UAE, catering to both business and leisure travellers.Strategic Move: These additions are part of Air Astana’s broader strategy to expand its network in the Middle East and to strengthen ties with the UAE.Animawings: Romania’s Low-Cost Option
Adding to the competition is Animawings, a Romanian low-cost carrier that is expanding its network to the UAE. Starting in December 2025, Animawings will begin operating new routes to Abu Dhabi and Dubai, with services launching on December 27 and 28, respectively.
New Routes:Abu Dhabi: New service starts December 27, 2025.Dubai: New service starts December 28, 2025.Market Focus: Animawings is targeting both leisure and business travellers, offering low-cost options for those looking to connect Romania and the UAE.Affordable Travel: The Romanian airline joins a growing list of low-cost carriers expanding their reach into the UAE, providing more budget-friendly flight options for European travellers.A Broader Trend of Expanding European Airlines to the UAE
The surge in European carriers expanding their operations to the UAE signals a broader trend of increased competition among airlines vying for Gulf leisure travellers. As more carriers like Eurowings, Etihad, Air Astana, and Animawings expand their presence, passengers will benefit from greater choice and lower fares. This expansion is driven by several factors, including the UAE’s strategic position as a global hub for both business and tourism.
Competition Increases: As these new routes continue to launch, the competition between European airlines has become fierce, offering travellers more choices and better service options.Affordability and Premium Choices: The mix of low-cost carriers like Animawings and premium services from airlines like Eurowings and Etihad ensures that all travellers—whether they’re seeking the most affordable ticket or a comfortable, premium experience—have options available to them.Travel Demand: The growing demand for affordable European travel from the UAE has led to an increase in nonstop flights to key destinations like Germany, Romania, and Kazakhstan. Airlines are responding to this demand by offering competitive pricing, improved services, and additional direct routes to meet the diverse needs of Gulf-based travellers.
The recent expansion of European airlines to Dubai and Abu Dhabi underscores the growing importance of the UAE as a key travel hub connecting the Gulf with Europe. Eurowings, Etihad Airways, Air Astana, and Animawings are all responding to the increasing demand for affordable travel options and better connectivity between the two regions. With more direct flights and the introduction of innovative services like Eurowings’ new premium economy offering, passengers can look forward to more affordable and comfortable travel experiences in the years to come.
Eurowings is joining Etihad, Air Astana, and Animawings in expanding direct flights to Dubai and Abu Dhabi, driven by the growing demand for affordable European travel from the UAE, especially during the peak winter season.
As these airlines continue to grow their networks in the UAE, it’s clear that the future of European travel from the Gulf region is bright—offering even more opportunities for both leisure and business travellers to explore new destinations and take advantage of competitive pricing.
