Etihad Airways has launched direct services from Abu Dhabi to Kraków and Palma de Mallorca, further strengthening its European network and enhancing Abu Dhabi’s role as a global aviation hub.
The new routes began on 11 June (Kraków) and 12 June (Palma de Mallorca) and are operated three times weekly using the airline’s new Airbus A321LR.
Kraków becomes Etihad’s second destination in Poland after Warsaw, while Palma de Mallorca provides the first direct air link between the Balearic Islands and Abu Dhabi. Both routes are aimed at leisure and premium travellers, while also improving connectivity between Europe, the Middle East, Asia, Africa and Australia.
A notable feature of the new services is the premium onboard product. Etihad states it is the only airline offering a First Class cabin on flights to both Kraków and Palma de Mallorca. The A321LR features two private First suites with sliding doors, 14 lie-flat Business Class seats with direct aisle access, and 144 Economy Class seats equipped with 4K entertainment screens and high-speed Wi-Fi.
The airline expects the routes to stimulate two-way tourism. Travellers from Poland and Spain gain direct access to Abu Dhabi and Etihad’s wider network, while passengers from the Gulf region can reach two of Europe’s most popular leisure destinations more conveniently.
The launches form part of Etihad’s broader European expansion strategy, with the carrier continuing to add destinations and premium capacity as it seeks to grow its international presence and attract more visitors to Abu Dhabi.