UAE Airlines Expand Global Reach with a Wave of New Direct Flight Routes in 2026

UAE airlines are continuing to expand their networks as the final months of 2026 approach, with a number of new routes still to launch before the end of the year. Recent tensions in the Middle East have led some carriers to adjust schedules and suspend services, but airlines including Etihad Airways, Emirates, flydubai and Air Arabia have continued to announce new destinations and expand their networks.

From European city breaks and winter escapes to new connections across Asia and the Middle East, here are the new direct routes from the UAE in 2026.

Abu Dhabi to Charlotte, North Carolina, US

Launched: March 20 (Etihad)

Etihad’s sixth US destination is Charlotte, North Carolina, with four weekly flights on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays. Nicknamed the Queen City, Charlotte pairs Southern hospitality with a modern edge. It is home to the Nascar Hall of Fame, diverse neighbourhoods and a thriving food station.

Abu Dhabi to Salalah, Oman

Launched: May 21 (Etihad)

Etihad launched flights to Salalah starting twice weekly, on Sundays and Thursdays, with frequencies increasing during the khareef season. The southern Omani city is a rare summer oasis in the Arabian Peninsula, famous for its monsoon season, when misty mountains and waterfalls transform the landscape into a lush escape.

Abu Dhabi to Damascus, Syria

Launched: June 12 (Etihad)

Etihad has four weekly flights to Damascus, on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays. One of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited cities, Damascus is home to landmarks such as the Umayyad Mosque, the Citadel of Damascus and Al Hamidiyah Souq.

Abu Dhabi to Palma de Mallorca, Spain

Launched: June 12 (Etihad – seasonal)

Etihad is operating three weekly flights to Palma de Mallorca, on Tuesdays, Fridays and Sundays, for the summer season until mid-September. Landmarks include the Gothic Palma Cathedral, the Almudaina Royal Palace and the lively Passeig des Born.

Abu Dhabi to Zanzibar, Tanzania

Launched: June 14 (Etihad – seasonal)

Etihad is operating four weekly flights to Zanzibar with services running on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays. The service has been extended until March 31 next year due to strong demand, offering palm-fringed beaches, turquoise waters and vibrant Swahili culture.

Abu Dhabi to Almaty, Kazakhstan

Launched: June 15 (Etihad)

Ten weekly flights have been launched from Abu Dhabi to Almaty. Surrounded by mountains, it offers access to hiking trails, green spaces, ski resorts in the colder months, and a food and arts scene.

Abu Dhabi to Yerevan, Armenia

Launched: June 15 (Etihad)

Etihad now has 10 weekly flights to Yerevan. Yerevan is celebrated for its grand squares, pink stone buildings and mountain views, with museums, galleries and open-air cafes reflecting Armenia’s rich heritage.

Abu Dhabi to Baku, Azerbaijan

Launched: June 16 (Etihad)

Etihad launched 10 weekly flights to Azerbaijan’s capital. Baku is known for its bold architecture, seaside promenade and dynamic energy, blending centuries-old palaces with futuristic towers.

Dubai to Benghazi, Libya

Launched: June 17 (flydubai)

Flydubai is the first UAE carrier to operate direct flights to Benghazi, with services running three times a week on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Visitors can explore beaches and archaeological sites in Libya’s second-largest city.

Dubai to Bangkok, Thailand

Launched: July 1 (flydubai)

Flydubai launched direct flights from Dubai to Bangkok on July 1, operating twice-daily flights to Bangkok’s Don Mueang International Airport. Thailand’s capital blends ornate temples and bustling markets with modern energy.

Sharjah to Rome, Italy

Launched: July 1 (Air Arabia)

Air Arabia launched daily non-stop flights between Sharjah and Rome, further expanding its European network. Italy’s capital is home to landmarks like the Colosseum, Roman Forum, Vatican City and St Peter’s Basilica.

Sharjah to London Gatwick, UK

Launched: July 4 (Air Arabia)

Air Arabia launched twice-daily non-stop flights to London Gatwick from Sharjah, offering easy access to London’s cultural landmarks and historic neighbourhoods using Airbus A321neo LR aircraft.

Dubai to Aleppo, Syria

Launched: July 20 (flydubai)

Flydubai offers daily non-stop flights to Aleppo, its second destination in Syria alongside Damascus. Visitors can explore landmarks such as the Aleppo Citadel and the Al Madina Souq.

Abu Dhabi to Tashkent, Uzbekistan

Launched: August 10 (Etihad)

Daily flights now connect Abu Dhabi to Tashkent, featuring eye-catching architecture, bustling bazaars and a growing number of cultural institutions.

Dubai to Pokhara, Nepal

Launching: September 23 (flydubai)

Flydubai will launch daily flights to Pokhara, becoming the first carrier to offer direct services between the UAE and Nepal’s second-largest city, nestled near the Annapurna mountain range.

Dubai to Helsinki, Finland

Launching: October 1 (Emirates)

Emirates will launch a daily, non-stop, permanent service to Helsinki, marking its first destination in Finland and offering a balance of design-led urban culture and easy access to nature.

Abu Dhabi to Red Sea, Saudi Arabia

Launching: October 4 (Etihad Airways)

Etihad Airways will launch direct flights from Abu Dhabi to Red Sea International Airport, opening up easier access to Saudi Arabia's newest luxury tourism and diving destination.

Abu Dhabi to Luxembourg

Launching: October 21 (Etihad)

Etihad will become the first Middle Eastern airline to operate flights to Luxembourg, connecting Abu Dhabi to the European financial hub with three weekly services.

Abu Dhabi to Calgary, Canada

Launching: November 3 (Etihad)

Etihad will launch four weekly flights to Calgary, serving as a convenient base for discovering Alberta, the Canadian Rockies, and nearby national parks.

Abu Dhabi to Asmara, Eritrea

Launching: November 7 (Etihad)

Etihad will launch four weekly flights to Asmara, the capital of Eritrea known for its well-preserved modernist architecture and Italian colonial heritage.

Sharjah to Gdansk, Poland

Launches: December 14 (Air Arabia)

Air Arabia will begin flying between Sharjah and Gdansk with five non-stop services a week, offering access to Poland's Baltic coast and colourful historic centre.

Sharjah to Frankfurt, Germany

Launches: December 15 (Air Arabia)

Air Arabia is expanding its German network with daily direct flights from Sharjah to Frankfurt, a major financial centre with a reconstructed medieval old town.

Sharjah to Dusseldorf, Germany

Launches: December 16 (Air Arabia)

Air Arabia will add a second new German route with daily flights between Sharjah and Dusseldorf, a city known for its fashion, arts scene, and traditional breweries.

Abu Dhabi to Gothenburg, Sweden

Launching: December 17 (Etihad)

Etihad's seasonal service will operate four times a week to Gothenburg, Sweden's second-largest city, known for its seafood markets, canals, and the Haga district.

Abu Dhabi to Bucharest, Romania

Launching: December 17 (Etihad)

Etihad will offer four weekly flights to Romania’s capital, Bucharest, which blends elegant architecture, lively streets, and vibrant culture.

Sharjah to Katowice, Poland

Launches: December 17 (Air Arabia)

Air Arabia will launch four weekly flights between Sharjah and Katowice, an industrial-turned-cultural destination in the Silesian region known for music venues and modern architecture.