Etihad Airways has expanded its ground handling partnership with WELCOME Airport Services in Poland, with the company now serving the airline at two airports, Warsaw and Krakow.

The move means WELCOME will handle passengers and aircraft for Etihad at both hubs, extending the relationship between the two companies to cover the capital and southern Poland.

The announcement was made by WELCOME Airport Services, which said it had broadened cooperation with the Abu Dhabi-based carrier. No financial terms or timeline details were given.

The new arrangement adds Krakow to the existing handling operation in Warsaw, giving Etihad a wider airport services footprint in the country. Handling work can include check-in, boarding, baggage coordination and support for aircraft turnaround, depending on the contract.

Airport handling partnerships are an important part of airline operations because they affect punctuality, customer service and the efficiency of ground movements. For carriers flying into multiple airports in one market, using a single handling partner can help standardise service levels.

Etihad has been growing its network and partnerships in Europe, and its choice of handling partner in key cities can play a role in how smoothly flights operate on the ground. Poland has become an increasingly important destination and transit point for international airlines in recent years.

The company said the partnership now covers both Warsaw and Krakow, marking a broader role for it in supporting the carrier’s operations in the Polish market.