Etihad Airways has launched nonstop flights between Abu Dhabi and Luxembourg, becoming the first airline from the Middle East to serve the European country.

The new service began on October 21, with the inaugural flight, EY51 from Abu Dhabi, receiving a water cannon salute at Luxembourg Airport. The route operates four times a week using Airbus A321LR aircraft, according to a press release issued by the airline.

The service is the only nonstop connection between Luxembourg and the United Arab Emirates, providing passengers with direct access to Abu Dhabi and onward connections across Etihad’s network in Asia, Australia, and the Indian subcontinent.

Etihad Airways Chief Executive Officer Antonoaldo Neves said the new route was an important addition to the airline’s expanding network in 2026.

“2026 has been a year of strong network growth for Etihad, and Luxembourg is a special addition,” Neves said.

He added that the airline was introducing its three-cabin travel experience on the route from the outset, serving passengers travelling to Abu Dhabi as well as those connecting to other destinations through its network.

The Airbus A321LR deployed on the route features two First Suites, 14 Business Class seats and 144 Economy Class seats. The First Suites and Business Class seats convert into fully flat beds, while all cabins offer high-speed Wi-Fi. Economy Class passengers also have access to 4K touchscreen entertainment systems.

Alexander Flassak, chief executive officer of Lux-Airport, welcomed the new service, saying it would provide passengers from Luxembourg and neighbouring Belgium, France, and Germany with a direct connection to Abu Dhabi and onward travel options to Asia and beyond.

The route is also expected to strengthen travel links between the UAE and the wider Greater Luxembourg region, supporting business and leisure travel between Europe and the Middle East.

Passengers arriving at Zayed International Airport in Abu Dhabi can connect to destinations including Bangkok, Phuket, Hanoi, Seoul, Tokyo, Sydney, and Colombo, according to Etihad.

The airline also highlighted its Abu Dhabi Stopover programme, through which eligible passengers can add up to two complimentary hotel nights to their journeys.

Etihad said its network spans more than 110 destinations, served by a fleet of 130 aircraft. The Luxembourg route is part of the airline’s wider network expansion across Europe, the Middle East, Africa and North America in 2026.

Source: PR