Etihad Airways has launched its first nonstop service between Luxembourg and Abu Dhabi, becoming the first Middle Eastern airline to operate flights to the Grand Duchy. The new connection, inaugurated on 21 October 2026, marks a milestone for Luxembourg’s international air connectivity and opens new travel opportunities between Europe and the Gulf region.
The inaugural flight, EY51, arrived at Luxembourg Airport from Abu Dhabi on Wednesday morning, where it was welcomed with a traditional water cannon salute. The occasion was celebrated with an official inauguration ceremony, featuring Luxembourgish traditional dancing, a ribbon-cutting and an exchange of gifts between airline and airport representatives.
Initially planned to operate three times a week, the route was increased to four weekly flights following strong booking demand since tickets went on sale in January 2026.
The service is operated using Etihad’s Airbus A321LR, featuring a three-class cabin configuration with two First Suites, 14 Business Class seats and 144 Economy Class seats. First and Business Class passengers benefit from fully flat beds and direct aisle access, while Economy travellers have access to 4K entertainment screens. High-speed Wi-Fi is available throughout the aircraft.
“2026 has been a year of strong network growth for Etihad, and Luxembourg is a special addition,” said Antonoaldo Neves, Chief Executive Officer of Etihad Airways. “We are proud to serve the Grand Duchy with our full three-cabin experience from the very first flight, and we look forward to welcoming guests from Luxembourg and the wider region on board, whether they are travelling to Abu Dhabi or onward across our network.”
The new route is expected to benefit travellers from Luxembourg and neighbouring Belgium, France and Germany, providing direct access to the UAE capital and onward connections through Zayed International Airport. Passengers can continue to destinations across Asia, Australia and the Indian subcontinent, including Phuket, Bangkok, Hanoi, Seoul, Tokyo, Sydney and Colombo.
For leisure travellers, Abu Dhabi offers attractions such as the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Louvre Abu Dhabi, Saadiyat Island and Yas Island’s theme parks. Etihad’s Abu Dhabi Stopover programme also allows eligible passengers to enjoy up to two complimentary hotel nights during their journey.
Meanwhile, visitors travelling in the opposite direction can explore Luxembourg’s UNESCO-listed historic quarters, the Moselle vineyards and the Müllerthal region.
“We are delighted to welcome Etihad Airways as the first airline from the Middle East to serve Luxembourg Airport. Our passengers come from across the Grand Duchy and the Greater region, from Belgium, France and Germany, and this new service gives them a nonstop route to Abu Dhabi, with easy onward travel to Asia and beyond,” said Alexander Flassak, CEO of lux-Airport.
The launch comes as Luxembourg’s national carrier, Luxair, has postponed its own planned services to the UAE. According to Aviation Week, Luxair delayed the resumption of seasonal flights to Dubai until February 2027 and deferred its planned Abu Dhabi service until late 2027, citing continued geopolitical tensions in the Middle East.
The Luxembourg connection forms part of Etihad’s wider expansion in 2026, with new routes across Europe, Africa, North America and the Middle East. Supported by its growing Airbus A321LR fleet, the airline now serves more than 110 destinations worldwide, strengthening Abu Dhabi’s position as a global aviation hub.
