Mallorca has gained a new direct connection to the Middle East, with Etihad Airways launching a direct service between Palma and Abu Dhabi. The route operates three times a week using an Airbus A321LR, connecting Palma de Mallorca Airport with Abu Dhabi’s Zayed International Airport.
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At first glance, it may seem like simply another new flight for the summer season. But this route is rather more interesting. Abu Dhabi is a major international aviation hub, giving travellers from Mallorca access to Etihad’s wider network across Asia, Australia, the Middle East and beyond with a single connection. The route was initially planned as a seasonal service, but Etihad has since extended it until 18 October 2026, citing strong demand.
More Than Another Holiday Route
Flights operate on Tuesdays, Fridays and Sundays, with the Palma to Abu Dhabi service departing at 10:30 and arriving at 19:00 local time. The return flight leaves Abu Dhabi at 02:55 and arrives in Palma at 08:15.
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For travellers heading to Abu Dhabi, the new service provides a direct connection that previously required a stop elsewhere. But the bigger opportunity is what comes after Abu Dhabi.
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Etihad’s network includes destinations such as Tokyo, Seoul, Bangkok, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Delhi, Manila, Sydney and Melbourne. These aren’t direct flights from Mallorca, but the new route provides another way to reach destinations much further afield with a single connection. For someone living on an island and travelling to the other side of the world, that can make a significant difference. The benefits aren’t limited to holidaymakers either. Residents travelling for business, visiting family overseas or simply looking to travel further afield now have another option. At the same time, travellers from the UAE and beyond gain a new direct gateway into Mallorca.
Could More Long-Haul Routes Follow?
That is perhaps the most interesting question.
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One new route doesn’t turn Palma into a global long-haul hub, and there is no guarantee that other airlines will follow. But Etihad’s decision to extend the service beyond its original summer schedule is worth watching. If the route performs well, it could demonstrate that there is sufficient demand for more direct connections between Mallorca and destinations outside Europe. For now, it is too early to know whether that will happen.
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But Mallorca has added something it didn’t have before: a direct link to Abu Dhabi and, through it, another route into a much wider global network.
For an island that is already exceptionally well connected to Europe, that could prove to be an important step in how Mallorca connects with the rest of the world.
Is there a direct flight from Mallorca to Abu Dhabi?
Yes. Etihad Airways launched a direct Palma de Mallorca to Abu Dhabi service on 12 June 2026. The route operates three times a week and is scheduled to run until 18 October 2026.
Can you fly from Mallorca to Asia via Abu Dhabi?
Yes. The new direct Palma to Abu Dhabi route provides a connection to Etihad’s wider network, allowing travellers from Mallorca to connect onwards to destinations including Tokyo, Seoul, Bangkok, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur and Delhi.
Are there direct long-haul flights from Mallorca?
Palma Airport has an extensive international network, but most direct services are to destinations in Spain and Europe. The new Etihad service adds a direct connection from Mallorca to Abu Dhabi, providing another option for travellers making longer-distance journeys beyond Europe.
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