Zanzibar and Mallorca Tourism Now Boosted by Etihad Seasonal Route Expansion: Get the Details Here

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July 1, 2026 4:20 PM

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Etihad Airways expanded its international flight network across Europe, Asia and Africa in response to rising passenger demand. The airline has increased frequencies on routes connecting Abu Dhabi with Brussels, Kraków, Dhaka, Palma de Mallorca and Zanzibar, strengthening the UAE capital’s position as a major global aviation hub.

Abu Dhabi Strengthens Position as Global Aviation Hub

Abu Dhabi’s growing connectivity plays a central role in supporting international tourism flows into the United Arab Emirates. The expanded Etihad network enhances access for travellers from Europe, South Asia and Africa into Abu Dhabi, while also improving outbound connectivity for UAE residents travelling abroad.

The airline’s network expansion supports tourism demand across key destinations such as Brussels in Belgium, Kraków in Poland, Dhaka in Bangladesh, Palma de Mallorca in Spain and Zanzibar in Tanzania. These routes connect major tourism markets across multiple continents, reinforcing Abu Dhabi’s role as a global transfer hub.

Abu Dhabi–Dhaka Route Becomes Year-Round Service Supporting Tourism and Trade

The Abu Dhabi–Dhaka route has transitioned into a year-round service following strong passenger demand. The route connects the United Arab Emirates with Bangladesh, one of the largest South Asian travel markets, supporting both tourism and labour mobility.

Dhaka remains a key source market for UAE inbound travel, with strong demand for family visits, business travel and workforce mobility. The route also supports cargo transport between the UAE and Bangladesh, strengthening trade connectivity alongside passenger travel.

For tourists, this route enhances access between South Asia and the Middle East, supporting transit connections to Europe, Africa and Southeast Asia via Abu Dhabi.

European Tourism Routes Expanded Across Brussels and Kraków

Etihad has increased flight frequencies to Brussels, Belgium and Kraków, Poland, reflecting growing travel demand between the Middle East and Central Europe.

Brussels serves as a major European gateway for business travel, diplomatic connections and leisure tourism, while Kraków is one of Poland’s fastest-growing tourism destinations, known for cultural heritage tourism and city breaks.

Increased connectivity between Abu Dhabi and European cities strengthens tourism flows from Europe to the UAE, while also enabling UAE travellers to access European destinations with greater flexibility and frequency.

These routes support rising demand for short-stay European city tourism, particularly from travellers in the Middle East and Asia-Pacific regions transiting through Abu Dhabi.

Zanzibar and Palma de Mallorca Extend Seasonal Tourism Demand

Etihad has extended seasonal services to Zanzibar in Tanzania and Palma de Mallorca in Spain in response to strong leisure travel demand.

Zanzibar remains a leading Indian Ocean tourism destination, attracting travellers from Europe, the Middle East and Africa seeking beach tourism, marine activities and cultural experiences. The extended service supports growing demand for East African island tourism and improves access for international visitors via Abu Dhabi.

Palma de Mallorca, located in Spain’s Balearic Islands, continues to experience strong seasonal tourism demand from European and Middle Eastern travellers. The extended route enhances access to Mediterranean beach tourism, supporting summer travel flows across Southern Europe.

Both destinations highlight the growing importance of leisure-focused international travel between Europe, Africa and the Middle East.

Tourism Demand Growth Drives Airline Network Expansion

The expansion of Etihad’s route network reflects broader global tourism recovery trends, with increasing demand across leisure, business and diaspora travel segments.

Key travel corridors include Europe–Middle East, South Asia–Gulf, and Africa–Middle East routes, all of which are experiencing strong passenger growth. Abu Dhabi serves as a central hub connecting these regions, enabling efficient transfer options for long-haul travellers.

Tourism destinations such as Belgium, Poland, Spain, Tanzania and Bangladesh are benefiting from improved connectivity, supporting inbound tourism growth and increased international visitor flows.

Impact on Global Travel and Tourist Connectivity

The expanded flight network improves global travel accessibility for tourists across multiple continents. Increased frequencies and extended seasonal routes allow travellers greater flexibility in planning international holidays, business trips and family visits.

For tourists travelling to Europe, Africa and Asia, Abu Dhabi provides enhanced connectivity options through Etihad’s network, reducing transit times and improving route availability.

Destinations such as Brussels, Kraków, Dhaka, Zanzibar and Palma de Mallorca are expected to see increased visitor numbers due to improved accessibility from the Middle East and beyond.

Strengthening UAE Tourism and Aviation Competitiveness

The expansion of Etihad’s network supports the United Arab Emirates’ broader strategy to strengthen its position as a global aviation and tourism hub. Abu Dhabi continues to play a key role in connecting international travellers across major global regions.

Improved air connectivity enhances the UAE’s tourism competitiveness by increasing inbound visitor flows from Europe, Asia and Africa while supporting outbound travel demand from UAE residents.

The expansion also supports Abu Dhabi’s positioning as a long-haul transit hub linking global tourism markets across continents.

Outlook for International Air Travel and Tourism Growth

Expansion of airline networks across Europe, Asia and Africa reflects strong global demand for international travel. As tourism markets recover and expand, airlines are expected to further increase capacity on high-demand routes connecting major global destinations. Abu Dhabi’s growing aviation network will remain central to connecting international travellers across Europe, Africa, South Asia and the Indian Ocean region, supporting long-term tourism and travel growth.