Luxembourg to get its first intercontinental air link after 26 years

The carrier bringing back an intercontinental connection is Abu Dhabi national carrier Etihad Airways. The airline has announced the launch of flights to Luxembourg, marking a historic milestone. It will be the first airline from the Middle East to serve the wealthiest State of the European Union.

When services commence on 29 October 2026, Etihad will also become the only airline offering nonstop flights between Luxembourg and Abu Dhabi, creating a new direct air link between two important European and Middle Eastern centres.

The new route reflects growing demand from travellers across Luxembourg, the Benelux region, France and Germany for direct access to Abu Dhabi. Services will operate to Luxembourg Airport (LUX), providing guests with direct access to the UAE’s capital and a gateway to Arabian culture, world-class hospitality, and year-round sunshine.

Flights will operate three times weekly on Monday, Thursday and Saturday. They will use Etihad A321LR, offering guests the most premium direct travel option between Luxembourg and the UAE.

The A321LR features the airline’s acclaimed three-class cabin, including First Suites and lie-flat Business seats. The two premium services provide direct aisle access, delivering elevated comfort, privacy and Etihad’s renowned hospitality throughout. Next-generation Economy seats feature generous legroom, 4K touchscreen TVs and Bluetooth pairing; all complemented by high-speed Wi-Fi throughout the aircraft.

The route will enhance connectivity for both business and leisure travellers, while further strengthening economic and cultural ties between the EU and the UAE. With Luxembourg also serving as a gateway for neighbouring France, Germany and Belgium, the new service strengthens Etihad’s presence across a region comprising large cities such as Metz, Nancy in France; Saarbrücken, Trier and Koblenz in Germany.

Antonoaldo Neves, Chief Executive Officer at Etihad Airways, said: “We are delighted to announce this landmark route, made possible by the launch of the A321LR last year. This incredible aircraft brings our guests a truly premium experience while allowing us to cater to markets which may otherwise be unserved. For the first time, Luxembourg will be directly connected to the Middle East, with Etihad as the only airline offering a nonstop link to Abu Dhabi.

“This route is about more than connectivity – it is about building new bridges between Europe and the UAE, unlocking opportunities for business, tourism and cultural exchange. Travelers from Luxembourg can look forward to convenient direct access to Abu Dhabi’s world-class attractions, luxury hotels and authentic Arabian experiences, while benefiting from seamless onward connections across our global network.”

The new service is ideally timed to serve both business and leisure markets. Guests will also benefit from access to Etihad’s expansive global network, with seamless onward connections through Abu Dhabi’s state-of-the-art Zayed International Airport (AUH) to a wide range of countries including popular destinations in Thailand, Singapore, South Korea, Japan, Indonesia and India.

Equally, guests from Abu Dhabi and across Etihad’s network can discover the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, a European gem renowned for its fairy-tale castles, UNESCO World Heritage-listed Old Town, verdant valleys, blending historic charm with modern European sophistication.