Abu Dhabi Joins Charlotte, Baku, Yerevan, Tbilisi, Almaty, Bucharest, Tashkent, Zanzibar, Palma de Mallorca: The New Flight Routes to Look Out for in 2026

Published on December 27, 2025

Abu Dhabi, the capital of the UAE, is set to witness a significant increase in its international air connectivity in 2026. With the launch of new routes and expanded services from Etihad Airways, travelers will have more options to explore global destinations directly from Abu Dhabi. This article takes a deep dive into all the new flights launching to and from Abu Dhabi in 2026, including new destinations, launch dates, frequencies, and details on what to expect for each route.

1. Abu Dhabi ↔ Charlotte, USA (Etihad Airways)

Route Details:
Etihad Airways is launching a new direct flight between Abu Dhabi (AUH) and Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT), connecting the UAE capital with the southeastern United States.

When:
The flight will commence on 4 May 2026.

Frequency:
This route will operate four times a week — Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays.

Aircraft Type:
A Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner will be used for this route.

Why It’s Special:
This is Charlotte’s first nonstop service to the Middle East, offering an essential connection for business, tourism, and the growing trade between the USA and the Middle East. This launch is also expected to strengthen cultural and tourism exchanges between the two regions. (axios.com)

2. Abu Dhabi ↔ Baku, Azerbaijan (Etihad Airways)

Route Details:
A new direct flight will connect Abu Dhabi with Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan, a growing hub for tourism and business in the Caspian region.

When:
The route will start on 16 June 2026.

Frequency:
Etihad will offer 10 weekly flights on this route, making it a major connection for passengers traveling between the UAE and Azerbaijan.

Significance:
This new service provides vital access to Azerbaijan’s tourism and energy sectors, fostering economic and cultural links. (connectingtravel.com)

3. Abu Dhabi ↔ Yerevan, Armenia (Etihad Airways)

Route Details:
Etihad Airways is expanding its network to Yerevan, the capital of Armenia, offering direct flights to this fascinating historical and cultural destination.

When:
The flights will start on 15 June 2026.

Frequency:
10 weekly flights will be available, providing excellent connectivity between the UAE and Armenia.

Highlights:
This route opens up exciting opportunities for tourism and business exchanges between Armenia and the UAE. With visa-free access for UAE residents to Armenia, this connection is particularly appealing for GCC citizens. (connectingtravel.com)

4. Abu Dhabi ↔ Tbilisi, Georgia (Etihad Airways)

Route Details:
The route from Abu Dhabi to Tbilisi, the capital of Georgia, will give travelers access to the Caucasus region, known for its dramatic landscapes and rich culture.

When:
The service will launch on 13 March 2026.

Frequency:
8 weekly flights will operate between Abu Dhabi and Tbilisi, connecting the UAE with Georgia’s capital.

Why It’s Important:
This new route strengthens the connectivity between the UAE and Eastern Europe, catering to both leisure travelers and business professionals interested in the region’s growing economy. (connectingtravel.com)

5. Abu Dhabi ↔ Almaty, Kazakhstan (Etihad Airways)

Route Details:
Etihad Airways will launch direct flights between Abu Dhabi and Almaty, Kazakhstan’s largest city, which serves as the country’s economic and cultural center.

When:
The new service will start on 16 March 2026.

Frequency:
This route will have 8 weekly flights, making it a reliable option for travelers between the UAE and Kazakhstan.

Appeal:
Kazakhstan’s growing tourism and business sectors make this new flight essential for fostering stronger ties between the UAE and Central Asia. (connectingtravel.com)

6. Abu Dhabi ↔ Bucharest, Romania (Etihad Airways)

Route Details:
Etihad Airways is adding Bucharest to its growing network of destinations with a direct flight between Abu Dhabi and Romania’s capital.

When:
The flight will launch on 16 March 2026.

Frequency:
This route will operate 4 times weekly, offering great flexibility for travelers.

Why It Matters:
Romania is an increasingly popular destination for tourists, and this new route will facilitate tourism and trade between the UAE and Eastern Europe. (connectingtravel.com)

7. Abu Dhabi ↔ Tashkent, Uzbekistan (Etihad Airways)

Route Details:
The Abu Dhabi to Tashkent route will connect travelers with Uzbekistan’s capital, offering direct access to Central Asia’s rich cultural history and growing economic importance.

When:
Flights will begin on 17 March 2026.

Frequency:
Etihad will offer 6 weekly flights on this route.

Significance:
This new service will significantly improve connectivity between the UAE and Uzbekistan, particularly benefiting tourism and business travel in the region. (connectingtravel.com)

8. Abu Dhabi ↔ Zanzibar, Tanzania (Etihad Airways) — Seasonal

Route Details:
Etihad Airways is launching seasonal flights between Abu Dhabi and the beautiful island of Zanzibar.

When:
These flights will operate from 14 June to 6 September 2026.

Frequency:
4 weekly flights will be available during the peak summer season.

Appeal:
Zanzibar, known for its pristine beaches and historical significance, is a favorite destination for beachgoers and adventure travelers. This seasonal service is expected to attract significant demand during the summer months. (connectingtravel.com)

9. Abu Dhabi ↔ Palma de Mallorca, Spain (Etihad Airways) — Seasonal

Route Details:
Etihad Airways will offer seasonal flights to the stunning Balearic island of Mallorca, a top destination for summer holidays.

When:
The flights will run from 12 June to September 2026.

Frequency:
3 flights weekly (Tuesdays, Fridays, Sundays).

Why It’s Special:
With its Mediterranean charm and beautiful beaches, Palma de Mallorca is a top summer getaway, making this route perfect for vacationers. (connectingtravel.com)

Conclusion: A Busy Year for Abu Dhabi’s Air Connectivity in 2026

Abu Dhabi’s airspace is buzzing with new connections to Europe, Central Asia, and Africa in 2026, thanks to Etihad Airways’ expansion. Whether you’re heading to Charlotte, Baku, or Zanzibar, Abu Dhabi’s expanded flight network will offer more options than ever before for travelers. With both year-round and seasonal routes, the UAE capital is making itself an even more crucial hub for global air travel. If you’re planning to travel through Abu Dhabi, 2026 will be a year filled with exciting new routes and increased opportunities for business and leisure travel.