Etihad Airways Expands Routes with New Airbus A321LR Flights

Etihad Airways has announced a significant expansion of its European service, introducing new flights utilizing the Airbus A321LR. The UAE-based airline will increase its operations to Amsterdam, Düsseldorf, and Munich, aiming to enhance connectivity from its Abu Dhabi hub. This development comes amid the airline’s broader strategy to grow its network across multiple regions.

Increased Service to Amsterdam

Starting from February 1, 2024, and running until March 15, 2024, Etihad will double its flights to Amsterdam, marking the first time since the launch of passenger services to Schiphol in 2013 that the airline will operate more than one daily flight. The additional service will be on the 160-seat A321LR, which features two first-class suites, 14 business-class seats, and 144 economy seats. This temporary increase is expected to enhance Etihad’s competitiveness in the European market.

The new daily flight will depart Abu Dhabi at 3:05 AM, arriving in Amsterdam at 7:50 AM. The return flight will leave Amsterdam at 10:00 AM, returning to Abu Dhabi at 7:50 PM. This schedule provides increased connections from the Asia-Pacific region to Europe, with the A321LR operating alongside the larger A350-1000 aircraft.

Expanding Frequencies to Düsseldorf and Munich

In addition to the new Amsterdam flights, Etihad is increasing its service to Düsseldorf and Munich. The airline transitioned from the Boeing 787-9 to the A321LR for its Düsseldorf route in October, which allowed it to elevate the frequency from three times a week to daily. Starting on September 1, 2026, the airline plans to operate two daily flights to Düsseldorf, both on the A321LR. The new schedule will include a flight departing Abu Dhabi at 2:30 PM, arriving in Germany at 7:25 PM, with a return flight departing at 9:30 PM.

For Munich, which Etihad has serviced since 2005, the airline will introduce a three-daily service starting on September 1, 2026. The A321LR will supplement existing Boeing 787-9 flights, with the new service leaving Abu Dhabi at 9:00 AM and returning at 12:20 AM the following day. This expansion positions Etihad to offer more flights to Munich than its competitors, Emirates and Qatar Airways.

The addition of these routes highlights Etihad’s commitment to increasing its presence in Europe, with plans in place for a total of 22 A321LR routes from Abu Dhabi by 2026. This includes new destinations across Europe, Asia, and Africa, reflecting the airline’s ambition to enhance its global network.

As Etihad Airways continues to expand, the performance of these new routes will be essential in determining future service offerings. The airline aims to strengthen its market share and provide enhanced connectivity for passengers traveling between the Middle East and Europe.