Etihad Airways has announced that it will launch two new routes to Europe in October 2023, connecting Abu Dhabi to Copenhagen in Denmark and Düsseldorf in Germany. The national airline of the United Arab Emirates will operate the routes with its Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft.

Etihad Airways Adds Copenhagen & Düsseldorf Flights

Etihad has been teasing that it would be announcing new flights on social media, even providing a list of potential airports in an Instagram story. They finally let the bag out of the bag today announcing that they will be launching flights to Copenhagen and Düsseldorf.

The new service will link the two cities to Etihad’s hub in Abu Dhabi with four weekly flights to Copenhagen and three weekly flights to Düsseldorf. Both services will start on October 1, 2023. The routes will utilize Etihad’s 787 Dreamliners which feature 28 seats in Business and 262 in Economy

Etihad has been working to re-build and expand its global network after much of it was dismantled during Covid-19 and even before as Etihad re-evaluated its business strategy after rapid initial expansion. With the addition of Copenhagen Airport (CPH) and Düsseldorf Airport (DUS), Etihad will expand its route map to 66 destinations.

“We are thrilled to start flying to Denmark for the first time and to expand our network in Germany to our third city, providing guests with more holiday options and easier access between Abu Dhabi and Europe. Our new flights will take off for the winter season — the perfect time for guests to escape the cold and enjoy Abu Dhabi’s beautiful beaches, world-class entertainment and rich heritage — and also ideal for travelers choosing to experience the unique allure of Europe in the winter. With our network expanding to 66 cities, there are even more must-see destinations to plan your next great adventure with Etihad Airways.”

Antonoaldo Neves, CEO, Etihad Airways.

This latest expansion is part of Etihad’s ongoing efforts to expand its global network, with the airline looking to cater to both leisure and business demand with this initiative. The new services will start on October 1st, with the operator highlighting that it is looking to cater to both leisure and business demand with this initiative.

Etihad Airways Rebuilding

Etihad Airways has been rebuilding its network breadth in recent years, with the airline now flying to over 66 destinations worldwide. The airline was once known for its over-the-top luxury offerings, including its highly-acclaimed First Apartment and Residence suites on its A380 aircraft that have been grounded since the pandemic (now slated to return in July).

The airline still offers a solid product, though. The Business Studio on its Boeing 787 Dreamliner might not be the Q Suite but it’s been well received. More importantly for customers, Etihad is expected to offer numerous connecting opportunities on its network from these flights.

Connecting Copenhagen & Düsseldorf to Abu Dhabi

It’s not hard to see why Etihad would want to add Copenhagen and Düsseldorf to its route network. This will be Etihad’s first time serving Denmark while Düsseldorf marks a return for Etihad.

Copenhagen, its capital, is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Scandinavia. Its famous for its colorful canals, café culture, and attractions including Tivoli Gardens, the oldest amusement park in the world. The city is also known for its rich history, with many museums and landmarks to explore, including the Rosenborg Castle, home to the Danish royal family. From a network perspective, Etihad has a codeshare agreement with Scandinavian Airlines (SAS) which allow the airlines to sell seats on each other flights which may provide some feed in Copenhagen.

Düsseldorf will be Etihad’s third city in Germany after Frankfurt and Munich once the route is relaunched. Düsseldorf is on the banks of the Rhine River and is known for its world-class shopping and thriving arts, fashion, and music scene. Dusseldorf is also home to many museums, including the Museum Kunstpalast, showcasing the works of many famous artists.

Bottom line

Etihad Airways, the national airline of the UAE, will launch two new routes to Europe in October 2023. The airline will connect Abu Dhabi to Copenhagen in Denmark and Düsseldorf in Germany with four weekly flights to Copenhagen and three weekly flights to Düsseldorf. The routes will be operated using its state-of-the-art Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft and are part of Etihad’s ongoing efforts to expand its global network.