Etihad Airways has added two new European destinations to its growing network, inaugurating direct services to Krakow John Paul II International Airport (KRK) on June 11, 2026, and Palma de Mallorca Airport (PMI) on June 12, 2026. Both routes are operated three times weekly aboard the Airbus A321LR, the national carrier of the United Arab Emirates confirmed.
The back-to-back launches underscore the Abu Dhabi-based airline’s intensifying push into the European leisure market, while reinforcing the UAE capital’s position as a major global aviation hub connecting travellers across the Middle East, Africa, Asia, India and Australia.
Etihad is the only carrier offering a first class cabin to either city, positioning the routes as premium leisure bridges between Europe and the Gulf.
Mallorca, we’ve arrived!
— Etihad Airways (@etihad) June 12, 2026
We’ve launched direct flights between Abu Dhabi and Palma de Mallorca, operating three times weekly on our Airbus A321LR, connecting the Balearics with the East through Abu Dhabi.
Read more: https://t.co/GactGE616T pic.twitter.com/WEAfVdkhsa
A premium gateway to Southern Poland
Krakow becomes Etihad’s second destination in Poland, joining Warsaw Chopin Airport (WAW), which launched in June 2025. The new service brings a long-haul premium offering to the southern part of the country, with Etihad now the sole airline operating a First cabin between the city and the Gulf region.
A cultural heavyweight, Krakow draws visitors with the historic Wawel Castle and its UNESCO-listed medieval Old Town, alongside a thriving arts scene and acclaimed cuisine. The direct link to Abu Dhabi now connects the city to Etihad’s worldwide network.
Linking the Balearics to the East
A day later, Etihad opened its route to Palma de Mallorca, capital of Spain’s Balearic Islands, marking the first direct connection between the archipelago and the East. The service places Mallorca, Ibiza and the surrounding islands within a single connection of Abu Dhabi and points beyond.
From takeoff to sunset, our Mallorca inaugural was one to remember.
— Etihad Airways (@etihad) June 13, 2026
From boarding and landing moments to a vibrant afternoon in Plaza España and an evening at the historic Palau March Museum, we marked our arrival in the Balearic Islands in true Mallorcan style. pic.twitter.com/nHWc7D8fIj
Known for blending cosmopolitan flair with deep history, Palma offers attractions ranging from La Seu Cathedral and a labyrinthine old town to upscale marinas and fine dining, while the wider island boasts hidden coves, almond groves, hilltop villages and clear turquoise waters.
Schedule
Flights to Krakow (EY163/EY164) operate Mondays, Thursdays and Saturdays, departing Abu Dhabi at 02:45 local time and arriving at 06:55 local time, with the return leaving Krakow at 11:20 local time and landing in Abu Dhabi at 19:00 local time
Services to Palma de Mallorca (EY115/EY116) run Tuesdays, Fridays and Sundays, departing Abu Dhabi at 02:55 local time and arriving at 08:15 local time, while the return departs Palma at 10:30 local time and reaches Abu Dhabi at 19:00 local time.
With both cities now on its route map, Etihad signalled that the expansion is far from over, promising more destinations, added capacity and additional journeys in the months ahead.
Antonoaldo Neves, Chief Executive Officer at Etihad Airways, framed the launches as evidence of the airline’s broader European strategy. He described Krakow and Palma de Mallorca as among the continent’s most captivating destinations and said connecting them directly to Abu Dhabi opens fresh opportunities for leisure travellers, businesses and communities.
Neves added that the airline is aggressively expanding its network to give guests more destinations and travel experiences, while noting that the schedule makes it easy to visit or stop over in Abu Dhabi to experience the city firsthand.
The A321LR Experience
The Airbus A321LR anchors both routes with high-speed Wi-Fi and refined cabins across all classes. At the front, two private First suites feature sliding doors, companion seating, fully flat beds with premium textiles, 20-inch 4K screens, wireless charging and Bluetooth connectivity, complemented by Etihad’s signature First dining.
The Business cabin offers 14 lie-flat, window-facing seats with direct-aisle access for added privacy, paired with luxury amenities and fine dining. Economy passengers travel in 144 ergonomically designed seats equipped with 4K touchscreens and an extensive entertainment library.