Etihad Airways and Condor announce strategic partnership and new Abu Dhabi routes

Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, and the German carrier Condor today announced a strategic partnership alongside the launch of new daily flights connecting Frankfurt and Berlin to Abu Dhabi starting Summer 2026 and an extensive codeshare agreement.

Partnership Highlights
New Routes:
- From 1 May 2026: Condor will operate daily flights between Frankfurt and Abu Dhabi using Airbus A330 aircraft.
- From 15 June 2026: Daily Berlin–Abu Dhabi flights will begin, operated by Airbus A320 aircraft.

Codeshare Agreement:
- Etihad and Condor will implement a comprehensive codeshare cooperation, pending regulatory approvals.
- This will allow passengers to book seamlessly across both airlines’ networks.

Strategic Impact
Enhanced Connectivity:
- German travelers gain direct access to Abu Dhabi with onward connections to Etihad’s network across the Middle East, Asia, Africa, and Australia.
- Etihad customers benefit from expanded access to destinations across Germany and Europe via Condor’s hub in Frankfurt.

Market Importance:
- Germany is a vital market for Etihad.
- The Berlin–Abu Dhabi route creates a capital-to-capital link, strengthening UAE–Germany ties.

Leadership Perspectives
Arik De (Etihad Airways, Chief Revenue & Commercial Officer):
- Highlighted Germany’s importance and the demand for direct Berlin and Frankfurt connections.
- Emphasized Abu Dhabi’s role as a hub for onward journeys.

Jens Boyd (Condor, Commercial Director):
- Called the partnership a foundation for Condor’s expansion into Asia.
- Stressed Condor’s ambition to become a global player by partnering with leading airlines.

Benefits for Travelers
Etihad Guest Members:
- Can earn and redeem miles on Condor-operated flights.
- Additional loyalty benefits will be introduced under the partnership.

Tourism Boost:
- Supports Abu Dhabi’s growing tourism sector and wider economic ambitions.
- Attracts more international airlines to Abu Dhabi’s aviation ecosystem.

Key takeaway:
This partnership significantly strengthens UAE–Germany aviation ties, expands direct connectivity, and enhances loyalty benefits for travelers, while positioning Abu Dhabi as a more prominent global hub.