Etihad Airways said on Monday it is entering its biggest summer season yet, with more than 300 flights a day, up 10 percent in capacity from a year ago, and expanding its network with four new destinations and the return of five seasonal routes.

The Abu Dhabi-based carrier said it is adding 23 extra aircraft to its fleet in the past year to support the expansion, as demand for travel to, from and through the United Arab Emirates capital remains strong.

The airline launched services to four destinations between June 11 and June 14: Kraków in Poland, Palma de Mallorca in Spain, Damascus in Syria, and Zanzibar in Tanzania.

It is also resuming flights to five seasonal destinations popular with leisure travellers, including Mykonos and Malaga from June 15, Santorini from June 16, Nice from June 19, and Al Alamein in Egypt from July 16.

Etihad said it is currently operating flights at close to 90 percent load factors, reflecting robust demand across its network spanning Europe, Asia, North America, Africa, and the Middle East.

"Etihad is flying more guests to more destinations than ever before," Chief Executive Officer Antonoaldo Neves said in a statement.

"We are operating more than 300 flights a day, carrying near-record loads and connecting Abu Dhabi to more destinations than ever before," he said.

"This week alone we have launched four new destinations and welcomed back five seasonal routes, demonstrating both the strength of demand across our network and the pace of our growth."

Neves said the airline's expanded summer schedule was its most ambitious yet, underpinned by fleet growth and rising international demand.

The carrier also announced a new initiative to boost tourism to Abu Dhabi. In partnership with the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, Etihad will offer complimentary medical travel insurance to eligible international visitors travelling on Etihad-operated flights between July and December 2026.

Administered by The National Insurance Company – Daman, the programme will provide up to 15 days of medical coverage in the United Arab Emirates and will also apply to passengers using Etihad's stopover programme.

The move is expected to further support Abu Dhabi's strategy to attract transit passengers, encouraging them to extend their stays and contribute to the emirate's tourism sector.

The airline said its latest route additions strengthen connectivity between Abu Dhabi and key destinations across Europe, the Mediterranean, the Middle East, and the Indian Ocean, reinforcing the UAE capital's position as an international aviation hub.

Source: PR