Etihad Airways. Photo: Miguel Lagoa / Shutterstock.com Yesterday, July 1, Etihad Airways announced an impressive expansion of its global network with increased flight frequencies, more seasonal services, and a year-round route between Abu Dhabi and Dhaka. Today, July 2, the UAE airline is marking 20 years since it began serving the French market.
The company is marking two decades since its first flight between Abu Dhabi and Paris took off in June 2006.
Paris, France. Photo: ShutterstockWhat originally started as six weekly flights has turned into a much larger operation, showcasing the fast growth of both the airline and demand for travel between France and the United Arab Emirates. Today, Etihad operates up to three daily flights between Abu Dhabi and Paris, while also offering seasonal summer services to Nice on the French Riviera.
Nice, France. Photo: ShutterstockThe anniversary comes as the Abu Dhabi-based carrier enters another period of expansion. Since launching operations to France, Etihad has grown from a fleet of 17 aircraft serving around 34 destinations to operating 124 aircraft across a global network of 118 destinations spanning Europe, Asia, Africa, the Middle East, Australia and the Americas.
Europe remains a key growth market for the airline, with Etihad continuing to add new routes, increase frequencies and strengthen its network through codeshare partnerships. The carrier has also outlined ambitious long-term plans to expand its fleet to around 250 aircraft, effectively doubling the size of the airline in the coming years.
The company says the additional capacity will provide more travel options for passengers departing from France while strengthening Abu Dhabi's position as an international gateway.
Louvre Abu Dhabi. Photo: Vinnikava Viktoryia / Shutterstock.comEtihad also notes that the UAE capital has become an increasingly popular destination in its own right for French travelers. Visitors are drawn to attractions including the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Louvre Abu Dhabi, Saadiyat Island's cultural district and the entertainment attractions on Yas Island.
To encourage longer stays, eligible international passengers flying to Abu Dhabi with Etihad receive complimentary medical travel insurance for visits of up to 15 days between July and December 2026, offered in partnership with Abu Dhabi's Department of Culture and Tourism. Travelers may also qualify for the airline's Abu Dhabi Stopover program, which includes up to two complimentary hotel nights.
Beyond the UAE, Etihad continues to connect French travelers with popular holiday destinations across Asia and the Indian Ocean, including Bali, Phuket, the Maldives, Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur and the Seychelles, destinations that the airline says continue to see particularly strong demand.
"Twenty years of flying to France is a milestone we are proud of, and at its heart are the travelers who have chosen Etihad over two decades," said Antonoaldo Neves, Chief Executive Officer of Etihad Airways.
He added that more passengers are choosing to discover Abu Dhabi alongside the wider global network served by the airline, describing it as a privilege to continue welcoming French travelers on board.