Etihad Airways has announced the launch of the first and only nonstop air service between Luxembourg and Abu Dhabi.

The new route is scheduled to commence on 29 October 2026, with three weekly frequencies operated by Etihad’s Airbus A321LR. The service makes Etihad the first airline from the Middle East to serve Luxembourg and the only carrier offering a direct air link between Luxembourg and the UAE capital.

According to the airline, the route is designed to meet growing demand not only from Luxembourg, but also from neighbouring Belgium, France and Germany. By providing direct access to Abu Dhabi, the service will also open up seamless onward connections across Etihad’s global network.

Flights will be operated using the Airbus A321LR in a three-class configuration. The aircraft will feature private First Suites, lie-flat Business seats with direct aisle access, and an upgraded Economy cabin. Economy passengers will benefit from next-generation seating with generous legroom, 4K touchscreen entertainment, Bluetooth audio connectivity and high-speed Wi-Fi available throughout the aircraft.

Antonoaldo Neves, Chief Executive Officer at Etihad Airways, said the route was made possible by the introduction of the A321LR, which entered the airline’s fleet last year. He noted that the aircraft allows Etihad to deliver a premium long-haul experience while serving markets that may not support widebody operations. For Luxembourg, the service represents its first-ever direct connection to the Middle East.

The new link is expected to appeal to both business and leisure travellers. Business passengers will benefit from improved connectivity between one of Europe’s established financial centres and the UAE capital, while leisure travellers will gain direct access to Abu Dhabi’s cultural and entertainment offerings. These include landmarks such as the Louvre Abu Dhabi, the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, and the attractions of Yas Island, alongside upcoming institutions including the Zayed National Museum and the Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi.

From Zayed International Airport, travellers will also have access to onward connections across Asia, including Thailand, Singapore, Japan, South Korea, Indonesia and India. At the same time, visitors arriving from the Middle East and beyond will gain easier access to Luxembourg, known for its UNESCO-listed Old Town, historic fortifications and scenic landscapes.