Etihad increases flights to Milan and Rome amidst rising demand for Italian travel.
By:
Pilotcenter.net
Etihad Airways announced plans to enhance its daily flight services to Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP) and Rome Fiumicino Airport (FCO) in response to a surge in travel demand between Italy and Abu Dhabi. According to Pilotcenter.net News, this spike in travel interest not only aligns with Abu Dhabi’s tourism goals but also strengthens the commercial and cultural connections between Italy and the UAE. Italy has become a key market for the Abu Dhabi-based carrier, with travel between the two destinations witnessing a remarkable 76% increase compared to 2023.
This growth trend underscores the rising popularity of Abu Dhabi among Italian travelers, prompting Etihad to ramp up its flight offerings. The airline will now operate thrice-daily flights between Milan and Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH), along with twice-daily flights from Rome Fiumicino Airport. Moreover, a new Airbus A321LR will be deployed for the third daily flight to Milan. By November 2025, Etihad aims to provide over 10,000 weekly seats in each direction, marking an 80% capacity boost from November 2023.
Etihad also revealed that the number of premium seats will double to over 1,000 per week to cater to the escalating demand in this segment. Travelers from Italy can take advantage of Etihad’s Abu Dhabi Stopover program, where complimentary hotel stays for up to two nights are offered, enabling visitors to explore the attractions of Abu Dhabi. The airline noted a remarkable 92% increase in stopover bookings from the Italian market since 2024.
Jurriaan Stelder, Senior Vice President of Network, Alliances, and Industry Affairs at Etihad Airways, emphasized the positive response from Italian travelers, highlighting Abu Dhabi's allure as a destination and global hub. Stelder stated, “Italian travelers are responding well to our offering, with steady demand across both leisure and business segments. This connectivity is strengthening tourism and supporting deeper ties across trade, culture, and investment.”
