Etihad is adding summer routes out of its Abu Dhabi hub, with the airline adding Nice, France to the network.
The new service will operate between Abu Dhabi and Nice twice a week from the 15th June. Ethiad plans to utilise a Boeing 787-9 on this route, connecting the two cities.
Nice is the fifth summer route to be announced by Etihad Airways for 2022 after Crete, Malaga, Santorini and Zanzibar, all set to launch in mid-June. Planned operation for these is as below:
| Destinations | Frequencies | Aircraft | Launch date |
| Crete | 2 flights per week | A320 | 15 June 2022 |
| Malaga | 2 flights per week | B787 | 15 June 2022 |
| Nice | 2 flights per week | B787 | 15 June 2022 |
| Santorini | 3 flights per week | A320 | 16 June 2022 |
| Zanzibar | 3 flights per week | A320 | 17 June 2022 |
In Quotes
Martin Drew, Senior Vice President Global Sales & Cargo said:
“As one of the most popular destinations on the French Riviera, Etihad Airways is delighted to add Nice to its summer network in 2022,”
“This is the first time Etihad will be operating flights to Nice and Etihad is confident it will appeal to a broad range of leisure travellers looking to satisfy their wanderlust this summer.”
A Boutique route for a boutique airline
As Etihad continues to re-invent itself, moving away from the big A380s, it is starting to carve out its own network for itself – with having to look over its should to the big completion down the road,
With a Boeing 787-9 there is both cargo and passenger capacity for the summer, with the minimal risk of using two flights a week operating on the route.
For locals in Nice and the region, it gives an opportunity to connect without going to Paris and travelling onward.
Hopefully, this route should perform for the airline as the recovery continues. Only time will tell.
Welcome to Economy Class and Beyond – Your no-nonsense guide to network news, honest reviews, featuring in-depth coverage, unique research, as well as the humour and madness I only know how to deliver.
Follow me on Twitter at @EconomyBeyond for the latest updates! You can follow me on Instagram too!
Also remember that we are part of the BoardingArea community, bringing you the latest frequent flyer news from around the world.