Etihad Celbrates Inaugural Direct Flight Linking Abu Dhabi, Luxembourg

Following the detailed confirmation in June this year that Etihad Airways would be launching a direct route linking Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates, and Luxembourg, the first flight touched down shortly before 08:00 on Wednesday 21 October 20226 on the tarmac in Findel.

Etihad’s inaugural flight, EY51 from Abu Dhabi, was welcomed at Luxembourg Airport with a traditional water cannon salute. During taxxing, the pilots waved the UAE and Luxembourg flags from the cockpit windows as the aircraft reached the stand. After disembarking the plane, there was a ribbon cutting ceremony and group photos in the departure hall before the flight to Abu Dhabi boarded.

Etihad Airways has become the first airline from the Middle East to fly direct to the Grand Duchy. The route operates four times a week (Mon, Wed, Fri, Sun) on an Airbus A321LR, which is configured with two first class seats, fourteen in business class and 144 in economy class. Along with 4K entertainment touchscreens, high-speed Wi-Fi is available in all cabins.

According to the airline there has been "strong demand since bookings opened in January 2026".

Alexander Flassak, CEO of lux-Airport, said: "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."

Antonoaldo Neves, Etihad Airways Chief Executive Officer, said: "2026 has been a year of strong network growth for Etihad, and Luxembourg is a special addition. 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."

Abu Dhabi and Beyond

Through the Abu Dhabi Stopover programme, eligible Etihad travellers can add up to two complimentary hotel nights to their journey. From Zayed International Airport, guests travelling from Luxembourg can continue with Etihad across Asia, Australia and the Indian subcontinent, to destinations including Phuket, Bangkok, Hanoi, Seoul, Tokyo, Sydney and Colombo.

Abu Dhabi, the UAE capital, is home to the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque and the museums of the Saadiyat Cultural District, including Louvre Abu Dhabi and the new Zayed National Museum. Beyond culture, Saadiyat Beach offers long stretches of white sand along the Arabian Gulf, and Yas Island brings together Ferrari World, Yas Waterworld, Warner Bros. World and SeaWorld. 

Etihad’s network spans over 110 destinations, served by a modern, fuel-efficient operating fleet of 130 aircraft. For more information, please visit etihad.com

Thursday evening reception

On Thursday 22 October 2026, Etihad Airways held a reception at the Sofitel Luxembourg Europe in Luxembourg-Kirchberg, the first floor foyer of which had been decorated with drapes and various food stations, with a bar in the centre. They also had samples of their new-generation business class and first class reclining seats.

Mohammed Ismail Al Sahlawu, the UAE’s Ambassador to Belgium, Luxembourg and the European Union, talked about the relationship and growing friendship between the two countries, since diplomatic relations started in 1980, with Luxembourg opening a diplomatic presence in the UAE in 2011. He talked about ties between the countries being strengthened, creating new opportunities for the future, including business, tourism and cultural exchange. 

Marie-Anne Marx, Luxembourg’s Chargé d’Affaires in the UAE, and Executive Director of the Luxembourg Trade and Investment Office there, said that sometimes new connections change the way we do things. She talked about the new route opening a new chapter in UAE-Luxembourg relations. She referenced the 15th year of diplomatic relations being celebrated next year, and congratulated Etihad Airways and their teams for “making the inaugural journey so memorable”. She said that Abu Dhabi has many places of interest to discover, and also mentioned the bee Guggenheim museum to open shortly; she also mentioned places of interest in Luxembourg to be discovered by incoming tourists. She also mentioned various businesses linking the two countries, including Arcelor-Mittal and RAK Porcelain. She also referenced the disruption the air travel in the region in February and thanked everyone involved in the airline, etc., for their dedication in getting everyone home. 

Lorenzo Di Loreto, the COO of Lux-Airport, looked beyond the immediate, by the sirport and this new route now connecting 12 million people in the region with the UAE and beyond, and being sustainable in the long term. He also mentioned yesterday’s inaugural flight including the first 1st-class passenger to arrive into Luxembourg airport for 30 years. 

A draw was then made for complementary Etihad Airways tickets from the 130 attendees present, with two lucky winners drawn, both for two tickets each.