Etihad Airways today announced its Abu Dhabi – Madrid route will operate daily with the introduction of three new flights each week, effective June 1, 2017.

The additional frequencies underscore the airline’s commitment to offer guests greater choice and more travel options.

Continuing to operate with a two-class Airbus A330-200 offering 22 Business and 240 Economy Class seats, the daily service will strengthen the air bridge between the two capital cities and appeal more to corporate and leisure travellers.

The extra flights will provide connections to key markets across the Middle East, Africa, Indian subcontinent, Asia and Australia. Popular connecting destinations via Abu Dhabi include Hong Kong, Bangkok, Singapore, Sydney, Melbourne, Mumbai and Delhi.

From Madrid, travellers are able to connect to the network of Etihad Airways’ codeshare partner Air Europa to seven cities in Spain, including Barcelona, Bilbao, Gran Canaria, La Coruna, Palma de Mallorca, Tenerife and Vigo. Guests can connect with Air Europa beyond Madrid to destinations in South America and the Caribbean, including Asuncion, Cancun, Lima and Santo Domingo. Etihad Airways also offers links with codeshare partner Avianca between Madrid and the Colombian capital Bogota.

One of the airline’s 22 European destinations, Madrid has grown in popularity since Etihad Airways launched scheduled passenger services to Spain in March last year.

Kevin Knight, Etihad Aviation Group chief strategy and planning officer, said: “Our expanded Madrid operation is in line with Etihad Airways’ strategy to offer more choice, greater frequency and additional travel options when aircraft availability and market conditions permit.

“The extra flights will cater to the strong demand between the two capital cities, and connect our diverse international network even more with the Spanish capital and destinations across Spain and beyond, through our partners.”

The additional services will provide a further 36 tonnes of freight capacity and boost visitor numbers to the heart of Spain’s tourism industry. They will also drive and support growing trade and cultural ties between the UAE and Spain, with many industries benefitting, including fashion, petrochemicals, construction, education, health care, transportation and tourism. - TradeArabia News Service