Bangkok, Thailand. Photo: Shutterstock.com Etihad Airways and Condor have strengthened their strategic partnership by signing a new frequent flyer agreement and confirming the launch of a daily Bangkok–Abu Dhabi service, further expanding connectivity between Europe, the Middle East, and Asia.
The announcements were made during the annual meeting of the International Air Transport Association in Rio de Janeiro and represent the latest milestone in the airlines' partnership, which was first unveiled in December 2025.
Etihad Airways. Photo: MBekir / Shutterstock.comStarting in October 2026, Condor will operate daily flights between Bangkok and Abu Dhabi using its Airbus A330neo fleet. The new route joins the carrier's previously announced daily services from Frankfurt and Berlin, making Bangkok the third destination in Condor's growing Abu Dhabi network.
The expansion is expected to strengthen Abu Dhabi's position as a connecting hub while offering travelers easier access to destinations across Europe, Asia, Africa, Australia, and the Middle East through the combined networks of both airlines.
Condor Airlines. Photo: CATCH01 / Shutterstock.com"Our partnership with Condor has rapidly evolved into an important strategic relationship that is delivering value for both airlines, our guests and Abu Dhabi," said Arik De, Etihad's Chief Revenue and Commercial Officer.
"The addition of Bangkok to Condor's growing Abu Dhabi operation marks another significant step forward, building on the upcoming Frankfurt and Berlin services and creating new opportunities for connectivity between Europe, Asia and the Middle East," he added.
Abu Dhabi. Photo: frantic00 / Shutterstock.comAlongside the new route, the carriers signed a frequent flyer agreement that will allow members of Etihad Guest to redeem miles on Condor-operated flights. The arrangement will give loyalty members access to a broad range of destinations across Europe, North America, the Caribbean, and other markets served by the German leisure airline.
The partnership already includes a comprehensive codeshare agreement and is expanding into additional areas such as network planning, commercial cooperation, loyalty integration, and operational coordination.
Jens Boyd, Commercial Director and Member of Condor's Executive Committee, said the cooperation is creating "real added value" for passengers.
"With the new connection between Bangkok and Abu Dhabi, we are expanding our offering and strengthening connectivity between Europe, the Middle East, Asia, Africa and Australia. Together, we are providing our guests with even more travel options and flexibility," Boyd said.
By combining Condor's strong presence in Germany's leisure travel market with Etihad's expanding global network through Abu Dhabi, the airlines aim to support tourism growth in the UAE while offering passengers more seamless travel options across multiple continents.