Etihad Airways has launched a seasonal direct route from Krakow to Abu Dhabi, with flights operating three times a week until early September. The connection, inaugurated on June 11, 2026, is operated by state-of-the-art Airbus A321LR aircraft configured for 160 passengers across first, business and economy classes.
Krakow becomes the second Polish city after Warsaw to be served by the Abu Dhabi-based carrier. The new route gives passengers from southern Poland easy onward connections to destinations across Asia, the Indian subcontinent and Australia via Abu Dhabi’s Zayed International Airport, including Bangkok, Sydney, Singapore, Mumbai, Manila and the Maldives.
During the summer season, the flights will enable travellers to avoid complicated transfers and reach the Persian Gulf region directly from Balice. The move strengthens Krakow Airport’s position as the largest regional airport in Poland, which handled 1.34 million passengers in May alone and 5.59 million from the beginning of 2026, with a projected annual total of around 15 million.
Strategic importance for the region
– The arrival of Etihad at Krakow Airport this summer is an important moment for our airport and the entire region. The direct connection to Abu Dhabi provides passengers from southern Poland with hassle-free onward connections to Asia, the Indian subcontinent and Australia – said Lukasz Strutynski, president of Krakow Airport.
He stressed that the new service enhances the port’s attractiveness for both leisure and business travellers. The carrier’s chief executive officer added that Krakow is one of Europe’s largest cultural cities with a strong business community, making it a natural addition to Etihad’s European network.
Modern fleet and growing demand
– Krakow is one of Europe’s largest cultural cities with a strong business community and a natural place in our European network – said the chief executive officer of Etihad Airways.
The Airbus A321LR, known for its fuel efficiency and extended range, allows the airline to offer a premium travel experience on a relatively narrow-body platform. Etihad’s decision to launch the route reflects growing demand for direct links between Central Europe and the Middle East, as well as the increasing importance of Krakow as a hub for tourists and business travellers.
Źródło: WNP.PL, Fot. materiały prasowe / Kraków Airport
