According to Publituris, which cites Antonoaldo Neves, direct flights will start in time for the summer holidays, in what will be the first time that Etihad Airways will have flights to Portugal.

“We are excited to launch flights to Portugal for the first time and offer our passengers convenient travel options to one of the most popular summer destinations for 2023,” said Antonoaldo Neves, CEO of Etihad Airways.

Antonoaldo Neves presents Lisbon as “one of the oldest cities in Western Europe” and “an excellent gateway to explore the rest of the country”, which offers “perfect beaches, historic castles, fantastic nightlife and a warm and welcoming people”.

“Our new direct connection will reinforce commercial and tourist ties between the United Arab Emirates and Portugal, and we appreciate the support of the Portuguese authorities in establishing our new air connection”, added Antonoaldo Neves.

Etihad Airways flights between Abu Dhabi and Lisbon are part of the expansion of the airline's network in Europe and start on July 2, with three flights a week, on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Sundays.

In addition to the Portuguese capital, the airline from the United Arab Emirates also announced the return to Málaga, in Spain, as well as the opening of a new route to Mykonos, in Greece, for this summer.