Etihad Airways is increasing its service between Brussels and Abu Dhabi from seven to 11 weekly flights from 15 December 2026, adding four frequencies in response to growing demand between Belgium and the United Arab Emirates.
The Abu Dhabi-based carrier will add flights on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays alongside its existing daily service, representing a 57% increase in weekly frequencies on the route.
Etihad is increasing capacity across its network in response to strong demand, with more choice for guests travelling to, from and through Abu Dhabi.
— Etihad Airways (@etihad) July 1, 2026
Brussels increases to 11 weekly flights, Dhaka becomes year-round, Kraków rises to four weekly flights, and seasonal services to… pic.twitter.com/gJ0xNDlytL
The additional services will be operated with Etihad’s Airbus A321LR, configured with 160 seats across three cabin classes: two First Suites, 14 Business Class seats and 144 Economy Class seats.
The aircraft’s First Suites feature private, enclosed spaces with sliding doors and fully lie-flat beds, while Business Class also offers lie-flat seating. Economy passengers have access to an upgraded cabin with 4K inflight entertainment.
New evening departure from Brussels
The additional EY55 service will depart Abu Dhabi at 2:25 pm and arrive at Brussels Airport at 7:00 pm. In the opposite direction, EY56 will leave Brussels at 8:50 pm and arrive in the UAE capital at 6:45 am the following morning.
Etihad’s existing daily EY57/EY58 service will continue alongside the four additional frequencies.
The expanded schedule will give passengers more choice when travelling between Belgium and the UAE while improving connection opportunities through Etihad’s Abu Dhabi hub to destinations across Asia, the Indian subcontinent, the Middle East and Australia.
The announcement is part of a wider capacity increase across Etihad’s network as the airline responds to stronger demand in several markets.
“The response from our guests has exceeded our expectations, with strong demand across very different markets, from Brussels and Dhaka to Kraków, Zanzibar and Palma, and we’re responding by adding capacity where demand is strongest,” said Arik De, Etihad Airways’ Chief Revenue and Commercial Officer.
“These additional flights and extended seasonal services are bringing more visitors to Abu Dhabi while strengthening connections across our growing global network.”
Etihad expands capacity across five routes
Alongside Brussels, Etihad is increasing its Abu Dhabi–Kraków service from three to four weekly flights from 27 July 2026. The seasonal route is also operated with the A321LR.
The airline has meanwhile confirmed that its recently launched Abu Dhabi–Dhaka connection will operate year-round following strong demand. The four-times-weekly service, which began on 26 June, is operated by a Boeing 777 with 28 Business Class and 374 Economy Class seats.
Etihad is also extending two seasonal leisure routes. Flights between Abu Dhabi and Zanzibar will now continue until 31 March 2027, instead of ending in September, while its A321LR service to Palma de Mallorca has been extended until 18 October 2026.
The airline said the changes reflect its strategy of adding capacity in markets where demand has been strongest as it continues to expand its fleet and international network. The four additional Brussels frequencies are already open for booking.
