Etihad Airways is celebrating 20 years of operations to France, marking two decades since launching its Abu Dhabi–Paris route in June 2006. The airline now operates up to three daily flights to Paris and seasonal services to Nice, reflecting continued growth in the French market.
Etihad launched its first service to Paris with six weekly flights when its network comprised around 34 destinations and a fleet of 17 aircraft. Today, the airline operates a fleet of 124 aircraft serving 118 destinations worldwide.
The carrier now offers up to three daily flights between Abu Dhabi and Paris and seasonal summer services to Nice on the French Riviera, strengthening connectivity between France and the UAE.
The anniversary comes as Etihad continues to expand its European network through new routes, increased frequencies, and codeshare partnerships. The airline also plans to grow its fleet to around 250 aircraft as part of its long-term expansion strategy.
French travellers can access Etihad’s growing global network via Abu Dhabi, including destinations across Southeast Asia, the Indian Ocean, the Middle East, Africa, Australia, and the Americas. Popular leisure destinations include Bali, Phuket, the Maldives, Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, and the Seychelles.
The airline also highlighted its partnership with the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, under which eligible international visitors receive complimentary medical travel insurance for up to 15 days in the UAE. Travellers can also benefit from the Abu Dhabi Stopover programme, which offers eligible guests up to two complimentary hotel nights.
Antonoaldo Neves, Chief Executive Officer, Etihad Airways, said: “Twenty years of flying to France is a milestone we are proud of, and at its heart are the travellers who have chosen Etihad over two decades. More and more of them are discovering Abu Dhabi for themselves, alongside the wider world our network opens up.”
Rahul Bhadana is a digital editor at TravTalk Middle East with experience spanning multiple content niches, with a strong focus on travel trade journalism and digital publishing. A graduate of Delhi University, his work covers editorial writing, content strategy and platform-led storytelling, supporting TravTalk’s digital growth and industry engagement. A technology enthusiast, he enjoys films, poetry and exploring new ideas across media and culture.
