New Etihad Routes Open Direct Access to Krakow and Salalah

Etihad Airways is adding two new summer routes to its 2026 schedule, giving travelers fresh options for seasonal travel beyond the usual choices. Flights from Abu Dhabi to Krakow in Poland and Salalah in Oman will operate between May and September, targeting peak travel demand across the region. The Krakow service will begin on 16 June and run three times a week until 5 September. Salalah flights will launch on 21 May, starting twice weekly and increasing to daily in mid-June as demand rises.

These newly added routes offer a practical alternative to routing through busy international airports and are designed to simplify travel to destinations not commonly served by nonstop flights from the Gulf. If you’re tired of the usual summer spots and looking for something cooler or simply different, these routes open the door to places that might not have been on your radar before. With flights running often during the season, it becomes much simpler to squeeze in a quick getaway or decide on a trip at the last minute without stressing over limited options.

The new connection to Krakow gives passengers direct access to one of Poland’s most historically rich cities. In the heart of the Old Town, the Cloth Hall on the Main Market Square offers the city’s medieval layers with preserved walkways, artefacts, and interactive exhibits. Not far from the center of Krakow, Krakus Mound rises above the rooftops, offering wide views of the city and a peaceful spot that blends local legend with open green space. Some say the city's legendary founder is buried beneath it, but today it's just a calm hilltop where you can clear your head or take in the city view without the crowds.

In Salalah, the summer monsoon known as Khareef changes the climate and scenery dramatically, turning the typically arid region into a lush and green environment. Wadi Darbat becomes a popular escape with seasonal waterfalls, flowing streams, and accessible walking trails. Another spot worth visiting is Al Baleed Archaeological Park, a quiet place by the sea where you can walk among stone remains of an old trading city that once connected Oman with faraway ports through the frankincense trade across the ocean.

These places may not be as famous as capital cities, but they have their own charm and character that make them worth visiting. For travelers, this means being able to visit places that feel real and rooted in local life without having to deal with long layovers or messy travel plans. The decision also aligns with growing demand for more direct and varied travel options from Abu Dhabi during high season.