A new long-haul route connecting Prague and Abu Dhabi officially began this week.

The airline will now operate four weekly flights between the Czech capital and the United Arab Emirates, using a Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner.

The inaugural flight landed at Prague Airport on Monday morning and was greeted with a traditional water cannon salute.

According to Prague Airport’s Deputy Press Officer Jiří Hannich, the new route signals growing demand for direct long-haul connectivity and broader cooperation between Central Europe and the Middle East.

Etihad’s Dreamliner aircraft offers seating for 290 passengers across economy and business class.

Flights will operate on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays, giving travelers convenient access not just to Abu Dhabi but also to Etihad’s extensive global network.

“This route connects the heart of Europe with the Middle East, and from there to Asia, Africa, the Indian subcontinent, and Australia,” said Etihad Airways CEO Antonoaldo Neves. “It’s more than a flight—it’s a gateway to new opportunities for both business and leisure travelers.”

The new service is expected to draw significant interest, with Prague Airport projecting more than 50,000 passengers on the route by the end of the year. Officials believe the flight will benefit not only Czech outbound travelers but also incoming tourism from the Middle East and Asia.

We officially welcomed the new long-haul route Prague – Abu Dhabi. 🇦🇪 With @etihad, you can now fly from Prague four times a week – on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays. The airline operates the route with a Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, offering 290 seats. pic.twitter.com/mh8eU4gaGG

— Prague Airport (@PragueAirport) June 2, 2025

František Reismüller, Director of the Czech Tourism Board, emphasized the strategic value of the new connection: “Direct flights from distant markets are essential for attracting quality tourism. This route opens the Czech Republic to travelers from the UAE, India, and Southeast Asia—segments with high potential for spa tourism, shopping, and family travel.”

Last year, over 379,000 tourists from the Middle East visited the Czech Republic, with Prague and the Karlovy Vary region being the most popular destinations.

Abu Dhabi, the capital of the UAE, offers an attractive mix of modern culture, luxury experiences, and family-friendly attractions. Highlights include the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, which can accommodate up to 41,000 worshippers, the local branch of the Louvre Museum, and the interactive TeamLab Phenomena art installations.

For sports enthusiasts, Formula 1 fans can plan trips to the season finale in December at Yas Marina Circuit. Families can also enjoy Ferrari World, Yas WaterWorld, and Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi, featuring iconic characters like Batman and Superman.

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