Etihad Opens Direct Summer Routes to Six Mediterranean Cities

Etihad Airways has launched its updated summer 2025 schedule, adding a seasonal service to El Alamein in Egypt and restarting five European routes from Abu Dhabi. The El Alamein connection began on 17 July and runs twice weekly until 28 August. Trips to Nice, Malaga, Antalya, Santorini and Mykonos are running in a steady rhythm. Some finish in early September while others continue into late October. The schedule depends on how many people book and which place they are flying to.

Flights set off from Abu Dhabi and are mostly arranged to loop back within the same day. The number of weekly flights varies, and the choice of aircraft depends on distance. Some destinations require a stop in Athens, while others operate as direct links. The airline opens the tap during busy months and turns it off when the crowds leave, rather than keeping flights running all year no matter what.

Those arriving in El Alamein can unwind at Marassi’s calm seaside or take a walk along the shoreline promenade. If they head inland, the desert opens up with high spots perfect for watching the sun dip into the Mediterranean at the end of the day. In Antalya, popular non-commercial spots include the stone-paved lanes of Kaleiçi old town and the Tünektepe cable car, which offers panoramic views over the harbour, cliffs, and surrounding mountains.

Santorini offers a clifftop path from Fira to Oia, where walkers can look out over the sea and pass through quiet villages. Some also take boats to Nea Kameni to swim near the old volcanic springs. In Mykonos, less crowded places like Agios Sostis beach or the Armenistis Lighthouse give a peaceful view far from the busy center. Both islands offer a slower pace once you step away from the main tourist trails.

Bringing back these summer-only routes lets Etihad offer simpler, no-fuss trips to places that fill up fast when the warm months roll in. These additions support flexible itineraries for both short visits and longer holidays. With fewer stopovers and consistent frequencies, travellers benefit from reduced transit time, especially when visiting areas that are not part of the airline’s permanent route network outside the peak season.