ABU DHABI— Wanderers with an eye on 2026 travel plans have more reasons to look toward Abu Dhabi, as Etihad Airways expands its network with new frequencies to Brussels and Kraków, a year-round route to Dhaka, and extended seasonal service to the beaches of Zanzibar and Palma de Mallorca.
The airline said the changes come in response to strong demand across a strikingly varied set of destinations, from European cultural capitals to Indian Ocean island getaways.
Dhaka goes year-round
Abu Dhabi–Dhaka, which debuted June 26 with a sold-out inaugural flight, has already earned a permanent spot on Etihad’s route map. The service will run four times a week aboard a Boeing 777, offering 28 Business Class seats and 374 in Economy. Beyond passenger demand from the UAE’s large Bangladeshi community, the route also carries significant cargo in support of trade between the two countries.
More time on the islands
Travelers eyeing an Indian Ocean escape have extra runway to plan: the seasonal Abu Dhabi–Zanzibar service has been extended to March 31, 2027, well past its original September cutoff.
Sun-seekers bound for the Balearics also get more flexibility, with the Abu Dhabi–Palma de Mallorca route, flown on the A321LR, now extended to October 18, 2026.
Europe gets more frequent
Culture-focused travelers heading to Kraków will find more options starting July 27, 2026, as the seasonal A321LR service to the southern Polish city increases from three to four flights a week.
Brussels sees an even bigger jump. Starting December 15, 2026, the route will grow from seven to 11 weekly flights, with four additional services flown on the three-cabin A321LR, featuring First, Business and Economy.
Etihad’s take
Arik De, Etihad Airways’ Chief Revenue and Commercial Officer, said guest response has outpaced expectations across very different markets.
“The response from our guests has exceeded our expectations, with strong demand across very different markets, from Brussels and Dhaka to Kraków, Zanzibar and Palma,” De said. “We’re responding by adding capacity where demand is strongest. These additional flights and extended seasonal services are bringing more visitors to Abu Dhabi while strengthening connections across our growing global network.”
For travelers, the expansion means more room to plan getaways to Poland’s cultural heartland, sun-drenched days in Mallorca or Zanzibar, and easier connections between Abu Dhabi and Bangladesh, all part of Etihad’s broader push to widen its global footprint.
