In a surprise move, Etihad Airways, the Abu Dhabi-based carrier, has announced that it plans to commence a new route between its home hub and Palma De Mallorca in the Balearic Islands, Spain. The airline will commence the three-times-weekly service using its new Airbus A321LR fleet in summer 2026.
The Balearic Islands will become the 29th new destination announced by Etihad in 2025 and will mark the only direct connection between Asia and Palma de Mallorca, opening a new gateway to Ibiza and the wider Balearic Islands. Commencing on June 12, 2026, and operating until mid-September 2026, Etihad will operate its new three-weekly flight between Abu Dhabi-Zayed International Airport (AUH) and Palma de Mallorca Airport (PMI).
The new services are scheduled to depart from Abu Dhabi on Tuesdays, Fridays, and Sundays as EY115 at 02:55 and arrive in Palma at 08:55 local time. The return leg (operating on the same days) will depart Palma as EY116 at 10:30, arriving back into Abu Dhabi at 19:00. The route is 3,172 miles (5,076km) in length.
The airline, in a statement, said that the new route “gives travellers the perfect gateway to golden beaches, turquoise waters, and vibrant Spanish culture. The capital of Spain’s Balearic Islands, Palma blends cosmopolitan style with Mediterranean charm.”
“Explore the Gothic grandeur of La Seu Cathedral, wander through the winding streets of the old town, or relax in one of the island’s many luxury resorts. From tapas in hidden plazas to sailing along the turquoise coast, Mallorca is a destination where sun, sea, and style meet,” the statement added.
“Palma de Mallorca is the perfect addition to our summer schedule,” said Antonoaldo Neves, Chief Executive Officer of Etihad Airways. “From marinas and lively nightlife to secluded coves and historic towns, Mallorca has something for every traveller. We can’t wait to connect our guests from Abu Dhabi and across our network to this Balearic gem – the ultimate summer escape aboard our new A321LR.”
More about Etihad’s A321LRs
All flights between Abu Dhabi and Palma will be operated by Etihad’s new Airbus A321LR, the first of which was delivered in July 2025. The airline has since received two more of the narrowbody jets. According to the airline, these aircraft are the first of 30 A321LR airplanes scheduled to be added to its fleet in the coming years.
The aircraft provides Etihad’s widebody experience for short and medium-haul routes, featuring premium cabins typically found only on long-haul flights. In addition, the cabin has larger overhead bins that offer much more luggage space compared to traditional narrowbody aircraft.
Upon the rollout of its first aircraft, Etihad has revealed that the aircraft features its first narrowbody First Suites; private cabins with sliding doors and fully-flat beds. Each suite by the window comes with a 20-inch 4K screen, Bluetooth connectivity, wireless charging, and additional space where a companion can sit.
Meanwhile, the A321LR’s business class cabin has 14 seats that provide widebody-style comfort with a 1-1 herringbone layout, allowing each passenger direct access to the aisle and a window view. These seats are equipped with 17.3-inch 4K screens, Bluetooth pairing, and wireless charging.
“Our A321LR redefines single-aisle travel with the luxury of a widebody experience. Guests in First can retreat to private suites with closing doors, complete with fine dining and elevated comfort,” said an airline statement. “Business offers fully lie-flat beds in an exclusive 1-1 herringbone layout, while Economy provides a spacious, quiet cabin with modern seats, generous legroom, and personal entertainment at every seat.”
