Home » AIRLINE NEWS » Spain Joins Turkey, Poland, Vietnam, Czech Republic, Hong Kong, And More As Etihad Airways Expands Travel Options With New Abu Dhabi Route In 2026: What You Need To Know
Published on
September 28, 2025
Spain joins Turkey, Poland, Vietnam, Czech Republic, Hong Kong, and more as Etihad Airways expands its global network with a new nonstop service from Abu Dhabi starting in 2026. This new development enhances travel convenience and accessibility and offers passengers a direct link to one of Europe’s most wanted travel destinations. The new summer service, operating three times a week, will greatly enhance travel options, and, along with new and relaunching services, highlights Etihad’s commitment to growing its international network. This further strengthens Etihad’s positioning in the market, providing differential travel opportunities to those wanting to travel to new and under-visited points across the globe.
In a significant development for travelers heading to the Mediterranean, Etihad Airways will commence scheduled flights between its hub in Abu Dhabi and Palma De Mallorca, Spain, in June 2026. This new route marks a major milestone for both the airline and the destination, providing the first-ever nonstop link between the Middle East and the Balearic Island of Mallorca. Set to operate three times a week, the seasonal service will run through the summer months, from June 12 until mid-September 2026.
This newly announced flight service will be operated with Etihad’s modern Airbus A321 aircraft, known for its efficient performance on medium-haul routes. With comfortable seating and advanced cabin features, passengers can expect a premium flying experience on this new route, connecting Abu Dhabi with one of Spain’s most popular holiday destinations.
The decision to introduce this direct route between Abu Dhabi and Palma De Mallorca comes at a time when both destinations are growing in importance for international tourism. Palma de Mallorca, renowned for its stunning beaches, historical architecture, and vibrant culture, has long been a favorite vacation spot for travelers from Europe and beyond. By offering nonstop flights, Etihad Airways is responding to increasing demand for seamless connectivity to this charming Spanish island.
For Palma, this will be an exciting development, as the Middle East has emerged as a key market for luxury and high-end tourism. The nonstop service will attract not only leisure travelers but also business visitors, particularly those seeking to capitalize on Mallorca’s growing reputation as a hub for conferences and events in the Mediterranean.
An Exclusive Middle Eastern Link to Palma De Mallorca
The new Etihad Airways service will be the only direct flight from the Middle East to Palma De Mallorca, further solidifying the airline’s role in connecting global hubs. Currently, travelers from the Middle East have had to rely on connecting flights via European airports for access to Mallorca. However, with Etihad’s direct service, the airline is setting a new precedent, offering greater convenience for travelers seeking to enjoy the natural beauty and rich culture of the Balearic Islands.
The nonstop flights will operate on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, allowing travelers ample flexibility to plan their trips to Palma. Whether for a relaxing summer holiday, a short weekend getaway, or business engagements in the region, passengers will enjoy quick and efficient travel between Abu Dhabi and Palma De Mallorca.
Etihad’s decision to launch the service highlights its commitment to expanding its route network and catering to the growing demands of its customers. As more people look to explore new and exciting destinations, Etihad continues to focus on strengthening its presence in both established and emerging markets.
Supporting the Airline’s Broader Expansion Strategy
The introduction of Palma De Mallorca to Etihad’s roster is just one example of the airline’s recent efforts to expand its network. Over the past year, Etihad has been aggressively broadening its reach by adding numerous destinations across Europe, Africa, and Asia. The airline has launched flights to cities such as Addis Ababa, Algiers, Atlanta, Hanoi, Hong Kong, Prague, Taipei, Tunis, and Warsaw, reinforcing its ambition to provide more direct routes for its growing global customer base.
These additions not only reflect the airline’s efforts to enhance its global footprint but also demonstrate its responsiveness to emerging travel trends. With the demand for international travel steadily rising, especially post-pandemic, Etihad’s strategic expansion reflects the changing landscape of global connectivity, where travelers are increasingly seeking direct flights to less-accessible destinations.
Etihad Airways’ focus on adding destinations that cater to both leisure and business travelers has allowed the airline to tap into diverse market segments, ensuring that it remains competitive in the rapidly changing aviation industry. Palma De Mallorca’s addition complements this strategy, offering yet another attractive option for those traveling to the Mediterranean from the Middle East.
A Boost for Tourism in Palma De Mallorca
In addition to providing better connectivity for travelers, this new service is expected to offer a significant boost to tourism in Palma De Mallorca. The Balearic Islands, and particularly Palma, have always been major tourist hotspots, attracting millions of visitors annually. However, with the increasing trend of travelers seeking more unique and personalized experiences, direct connectivity with international cities like Abu Dhabi is becoming essential.
The Middle Eastern market, in particular, is a key demographic for high-end tourism, with travelers from this region often seeking luxury experiences, pristine beaches, world-class hotels, and vibrant cultural offerings. Palma is well-positioned to cater to these demands, and Etihad Airways’ new route is set to further cement the city’s reputation as a premium destination in Europe.
Furthermore, with the increasing number of international conferences and events taking place in Palma, having a direct connection with Abu Dhabi—a regional hub for business and tourism—could open up new opportunities for corporate travel. The ability to travel easily between these two dynamic cities will undoubtedly create fresh opportunities for collaboration, business ventures, and tourism exchange.
Looking Ahead: A Bright Future for Etihad Airways and Palma De Mallorca
As Etihad Airways prepares to welcome passengers on this exciting new route, the airline continues to showcase its commitment to providing seamless connections to desirable destinations. With its extensive experience in managing long-haul flights and offering unparalleled service, Etihad has the expertise to ensure the success of its new Abu Dhabi to Palma De Mallorca route.
For Palma, the introduction of this direct service represents a new era of tourism, marked by increased connectivity and a growing international presence. The partnership between Etihad and Palma De Mallorca is a promising development for both sides, positioning the island as a premium European destination for Middle Eastern travelers and ensuring that travelers enjoy smoother, faster connections to and from Abu Dhabi.
Etihad Airways’ summer service to Palma de Mallorca is poised to become a much-anticipated addition to the airline’s global network. Set to launch in June 2026, the route will provide new opportunities for travelers seeking to explore the beauty of the Mediterranean in comfort and style.
With its strategic expansion, Etihad Airways is not just connecting destinations but also playing a vital role in shaping the future of global tourism. Whether for business, leisure, or cultural exchange, the new route to Palma De Mallorca marks a significant step in the airline’s mission to enhance connectivity and offer travelers more choice when flying to one of the world’s most sought-after destinations.
Spain joins Turkey, Poland, Vietnam, Czech Republic, Hong Kong, and more as Etihad Airways expands its network with a new nonstop service from Abu Dhabi in 2026, providing convenient direct access to one of Europe’s most popular destinations. This route aims to enhance travel options for both leisure and business travelers looking for seamless connections.
Etihad Airways’ scheduled service to Palma De Mallorca stands as a testament to the airline’s ongoing growth and adaptability. By launching this exclusive nonstop route, the airline opens up new opportunities for travelers in both the Middle East and Europe. As more destinations like Palma De Mallorca gain access to direct flights, the world of travel becomes more connected than ever before, offering exciting possibilities for both leisure and business travelers.
