Etihad Airways has launched a new seasonal summer route between Abu Dhabi and Krakow, adding the Polish city to its European network for the summer period. The airline said the service also brings its First cabin to Poland for the first time.

Flights EY163 and EY164 will operate 3 times a week from 11 June to 5 September 2026. Etihad will use its latest aircraft, the Airbus A321LR, on the route.

The launch gives travellers a direct link between the United Arab Emirates and one of Poland’s most visited cultural destinations. It also extends Etihad’s European schedule at a time when airlines are competing to capture demand for summer travel across the region.

Krakow has long been a key draw for international visitors thanks to its historic centre, museums and food scene. The new route is expected to appeal both to leisure travellers and to passengers connecting onwards through Abu Dhabi.

Etihad has been expanding its network from the UAE capital, with the Krakow service becoming part of a broader push into seasonal European destinations. The airline said the route strengthens its offer in Central Europe while giving Polish travellers more access to its long-haul network.

The introduction of First on the route is notable because it marks the product’s debut in Poland. For premium passengers, the cabin addition gives Etihad a way to market the service as more than a simple summer leisure link.

The Airbus A321LR is the newest addition to Etihad’s fleet. The aircraft is designed for longer narrow-body routes and has become an increasingly important option for airlines operating medium-haul services with premium demand.

Summer schedules to Europe often depend on visitor demand, and the timing of the Krakow launch suggests Etihad is targeting the peak travel season. The route runs for just under 3 months, covering much of the busiest part of the European holiday calendar.

For Krakow, the new connection adds another long-haul option and could support inbound tourism from the Gulf region. For Abu Dhabi, it offers another point of access to Central Europe and reinforces the city’s role as a transfer hub.

Etihad’s latest move also reflects a wider trend among airlines using seasonal routes to test demand before deciding whether to expand services. A successful summer performance could help shape future planning for the carrier’s European network.