Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, has launched its first nonstop service between Luxembourg and Abu Dhabi, becoming the first Middle Eastern airline to serve Luxembourg. The route operates four times a week using the Airbus A321LR, offering travellers direct connectivity between the Grand Duchy and the UAE capital, with onward connections to Asia, Australia and the Indian subcontinent.
The inaugural flight, EY51 from Abu Dhabi, received a water cannon salute at Luxembourg Airport. Etihad said the route had recorded strong demand since bookings opened in January 2026.
Etihad Introduces Four Weekly Flights Between Luxembourg and Abu Dhabi
The new service provides the only nonstop connection between Luxembourg and the UAE. It is designed to serve passengers from Luxembourg and neighbouring Belgium, France and Germany, offering direct access to Abu Dhabi and connections across Etihad’s international network.
Antonoaldo Neves, Chief Executive Officer of Etihad Airways, said,
“2026 has been a year of strong network growth for Etihad, and Luxembourg is a special addition. We are proud to serve the Grand Duchy with our full three-cabin experience from the very first flight, and we look forward to welcoming guests from Luxembourg and the wider region on board, whether they are travelling to Abu Dhabi or onward across our network.”
Airbus A321LR Offers First Suites, Business and Economy Cabins
Etihad is operating the route with its Airbus A321LR, featuring two First Suites, 14 Business seats and 144 Economy seats. The aircraft brings the airline’s three-cabin product to the Luxembourg market.
Both First Suites and Business seats convert into fully flat beds and provide direct aisle access. Economy passengers have access to 4K touchscreens offering hundreds of hours of films, television programmes and music. High-speed Wi-Fi is available across all cabins.
The configuration allows Etihad to offer premium and economy travel options on the route while connecting Luxembourg passengers to its wider network through Abu Dhabi.
Abu Dhabi Offers Cultural, Leisure and Stopover Experiences
The new route provides travellers with direct access to Abu Dhabi’s cultural and leisure attractions. These include Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque and the museums of the Saadiyat Cultural District, such as Louvre Abu Dhabi and the Zayed National Museum.
Visitors can also explore Saadiyat Beach along the Arabian Gulf and Yas Island, home to attractions including Ferrari World, Yas Waterworld, Warner Bros. World and SeaWorld.
Through Etihad’s Abu Dhabi Stopover programme, eligible passengers can add up to two complimentary hotel nights to their journey, creating an opportunity to explore the UAE capital while travelling onwards.
Connections to Asia, Australia and the Indian Subcontinent
From Zayed International Airport, passengers arriving from Luxembourg can connect to destinations across Asia, Australia and the Indian subcontinent. Etihad’s network includes cities such as Phuket, Bangkok, Hanoi, Seoul, Tokyo, Sydney and Colombo.
The new service therefore extends beyond point-to-point travel between Luxembourg and Abu Dhabi, providing additional options for passengers travelling onwards for business, tourism and visits to family and friends.
Luxembourg Strengthens Its European Connectivity
The service also provides passengers travelling in the opposite direction with access to Luxembourg’s cultural and natural attractions. Luxembourg City features UNESCO-listed old quarters and fortifications, including the Bock casemates and the Grund district along the Alzette River.
The Kirchberg plateau houses European institutions and the Philharmonie. Beyond the capital, travellers can visit the vineyards of the Moselle region and the sandstone trails of the Müllerthal, both within approximately an hour of the city.
Alexander Flassak, CEO of lux-Airport, said,
“We are delighted to welcome Etihad Airways as the first airline from the Middle East to serve Luxembourg Airport. Our passengers come from across the Grand Duchy and the Greater region, from Belgium, France and Germany, and this new service gives them a nonstop route to Abu Dhabi, with easy onward travel to Asia and beyond.”
Etihad Continues International Network Expansion
The Luxembourg launch forms part of Etihad Airways’ broader network expansion in 2026, with new routes across the Middle East, Europe, Africa and North America.
Several new services, including Luxembourg, are operated using the Airbus A321LR, enabling the airline to offer its three-cabin experience, including First Suites, across more destinations in Europe and Asia.
Etihad’s network spans more than 110 destinations, served by a modern, fuel-efficient fleet of 130 aircraft. The Luxembourg route adds another European connection to the network while strengthening links between the UAE, neighbouring European markets and destinations across Asia and the Indian subcontinent.
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