In the last couple of weeks, it has been revealed that Etihad Airways will be extending services between Abu Dhabi and Lisbon to the Summer 2024 season.
This comes despite the carrier not launching services to the Portuguese capital this year until June 18.
Information from AeroRoutes.com shows that they have already filed a preliminary timetable for the Summer after this.
The Abu Dhabi-Lisbon Services for 2023…
Etihad Airways initially announced plans to service Lisbon from Abu Dhabi back in February, where it was revealed that services will begin on July 2.
AeroRoutes is now citing a June 18 start date now, which means that there has been substantial demand to the point where they can start services earlier.
In February, Antonoaldo Neves, the CEO of Etihad Airways, had this to say on the route launch:
“We’re excited to introduce flights to Portugal for the first time and provide our guests with convenient travel options to one of the most popular summer destinations for 2023″.
“As one of the oldest cities in Western Europe, the coastal city of Lisbon is a great entry point to exploring the rest of the country, with perfect beaches, historic castles, fantastic nightlife, and a warm and welcoming people.
“Our new direct connection will enhance the trade and tourism ties between the UAE and Portugal, and we are grateful for the support of the Portuguese authorities in establishing our new air link.”
Etihad Airways’ Plans for Summer 2024 in Portugal…
The filing shows that for 2024, Etihad Airways will operate the same three weekly flights that it intends on doing in Summer 2023.
EY063 will depart Abu Dhabi at 0235 local time and arrive in Lisbon at 0750 on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays.
The return, EY064, will depart Lisbon at 0910 and arrive back in Abu Dhabi at 1935 on the same day.
Changes in terms of the days of the week being operated differ from Summer 2024 to Summer 2023, where this year, it will run on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Sundays instead.
What remains clear is a level of confidence from the airline on this route, so much so that they have planned for next year without even inaugurating services yet.
That is clear enough of an indicator of what the success will be this year for the route.
