ABU DHABI – Etihad Airways has launched its first nonstop service between Abu Dhabi and Luxembourg, establishing a direct air link between the UAE capital and the European Grand Duchy.
The new route, operated four times a week, marks another expansion of the airline’s European network and makes it the first Middle Eastern carrier to serve Luxembourg. Demand has been strong since bookings opened in January 2026.
The inaugural flight, EY51 from Abu Dhabi, received a water cannon salute upon arrival at Luxembourg Airport, marking the start of scheduled operations on the route.
Three-cabin experience
The service operates on Etihad’s Airbus A321LR, offering passengers a choice of three cabins, including First Suites, Business and Economy. The aircraft has two First Suites, 14 Business seats and 144 Economy seats.
First Suites and Business Class seats convert into fully flat beds and provide direct aisle access. Economy passengers can enjoy 4K touchscreens featuring hundreds of hours of films, television programmes and music. High-speed Wi-Fi is available across all cabins.
Etihad Airways chief executive Antonoaldo Neves said Luxembourg was a significant addition to the airline’s network expansion in 2026. He highlighted the decision to introduce the carrier’s full three-cabin experience from the outset, catering to passengers travelling to Abu Dhabi and those connecting to destinations across its wider network.
The route also offers a new nonstop option for travellers from Luxembourg and neighbouring Belgium, France and Germany, providing direct access to the UAE and onward connections through Zayed International Airport.
Connections beyond Abu Dhabi
Passengers arriving in Abu Dhabi can explore attractions ranging from the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque to the museums of the Saadiyat Cultural District, including Louvre Abu Dhabi and the Zayed National Museum. Saadiyat Beach offers stretches of white sand along the Arabian Gulf, while Yas Island features attractions such as Ferrari World, Yas Waterworld, Warner Bros. World and SeaWorld.
Eligible Etihad passengers can also take advantage of the airline’s Abu Dhabi Stopover programme, which offers up to two complimentary hotel nights, subject to the programme’s terms and conditions.
The new connection provides onward travel to destinations across Asia, Australia and the Indian subcontinent, including Phuket, Bangkok, Hanoi, Seoul, Tokyo, Sydney and Colombo.
For visitors travelling in the opposite direction, Luxembourg City offers historic quarters and fortifications recognised by UNESCO, the Bock casemates carved into rock and the Grund district beside the Alzette River. The Kirchberg plateau houses European institutions and the Philharmonie, while the Moselle vineyards and Müllerthal’s sandstone trails provide further attractions within less than an hour of the capital.
Expanding network
Alexander Flassak, chief executive of lux-Airport, welcomed Etihad’s arrival, highlighting the new service’s importance for passengers from Luxembourg and the wider region, including neighbouring countries. The nonstop connection also creates additional opportunities for onward journeys to Asia and other international destinations.
Etihad is introducing routes across the Middle East, Europe, Africa and North America in 2026. Several new services, including Luxembourg, are operated by the Airbus A321LR, allowing the airline to extend its three-cabin offering, including First Suites, to more cities across Europe and Asia.
The carrier’s network spans more than 110 destinations, served by a fleet of 130 modern, fuel-efficient aircraft.
