New Premium Connection: Etihad Will Fly Directly from Abu Dhabi to Palma Starting in 2026

Abu Dhabi – Palma: A New Direct Connection for Mallorca

Good news for everyone who values comfort: From mid-June 2026, Etihad Airways will offer a direct connection between Abu Dhabi and Palma de Mallorca. Three flights per week will bring travelers from the Middle East, parts of Asia, and the Gulf region to the island without layovers. The flights will be operated by the new Airbus A321LR, which promises more comfort on this route than a typical short-haul jet.

More Comfort Onboard

The A321LR itself is no giant like the A380, but Etihad has tuned it for longer runs: First Class suites on board, in the Business Class the seats can be converted into beds. I spoke with a friend who frequently commutes between Palma and London — she already raved about the idea of a night in the plane and a fresh Ensaimada in the hotel the next morning.

What This Means for Mallorca

At Son Sant Joan Airport, local hoteliers and transfer companies expect an additional boost in the shoulder season. "We often see guests from Abu Dhabi and Dubai who stay one to two weeks and value boutique hotels," says María López, director of a small hotel in Palma’s Old Town. Three weekly arrivals could make this clientele even easier — more frequent direct flights, less changing planes, more spontaneous bookings.

Practical Details (invented, but typical)

Flights are planned for Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, departing in the evening from Abu Dhabi with arrival in Palma in the early morning. Ideal for guests who want to continue directly to the west coast or the Tramuntana mountains after the night. On the return, the aircraft lands in Abu Dhabi in the evening, allowing connections to the Middle East and Asia.

Pros and Cons

On the positive side: more direct connections mean new target groups, higher occupancy in boutique hotels, and additional jobs at the airport. On the other hand, the question remains how more flights will affect traffic and local infrastructure — especially in peak holiday months. In a café on Passeig Marítim I overheard a taxi driver sigh yesterday: "If even more planes come, mornings will be tight in Can Pastilla."

All in all, this is news that many here will welcome — especially hosts, premium travel providers, and people who value direct connections. Whether it will be a lasting success will depend on load factors, season distribution, and of course the weather. I personally think: more choice is rarely a bad thing, as long as we manage it wisely.