Etihad Airways has marked 20 years of operations to France, celebrating two decades since it launched its inaugural Abu Dhabi–Paris route in June 2006.

The airline said its France operations have expanded significantly since the first service, which operated six flights a week when Etihad was less than three years old. At the time, the carrier served about 34 destinations worldwide with a fleet of 17 aircraft.

Today, Etihad operates up to three daily flights between Abu Dhabi and Paris and has expanded its French network to include seasonal summer services to Nice on the French Riviera.

Globally, the airline now flies to 118 destinations across the Middle East, Europe, Africa, Asia, the Americas and Australia with a fleet of 124 aircraft.

The milestone comes as the Abu Dhabi-based carrier continues to expand its international network, particularly across Europe.

The airline said it has increased capacity compared to the previous year through new routes, additional flight frequencies and expanded codeshare partnerships.

Etihad also revealed plans for further long-term growth, with an ambition to increase its fleet to about 250 aircraft and double the size of its operations, a move it said would provide travellers in France and other markets with more travel options.

The airline noted that Abu Dhabi has become an increasingly popular destination for French visitors, highlighting attractions such as the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, the Louvre Abu Dhabi on Saadiyat Island, and the entertainment and leisure facilities on Yas Island.

As part of efforts to boost tourism, Etihad said eligible international passengers travelling to Abu Dhabi now receive complimentary medical travel insurance for stays of up to 15 days in the UAE.

The initiative, offered in partnership with the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, is available from July to December 2026 and is subject to terms and conditions.

The airline also continues to promote its Abu Dhabi Stopover programme, which allows eligible travellers to enjoy up to two complimentary hotel nights in the UAE capital.

Beyond Abu Dhabi, Etihad said it connects French travellers to popular leisure destinations across Asia and the Indian Ocean, including Bali, Phuket, Maldives, Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur and the Seychelles, with Southeast Asia and the Indian Ocean remaining among its strongest-performing markets.

Commenting on the milestone, Antonoaldo Neves said the anniversary reflects the confidence travellers have placed in the airline over the past two decades.

“Twenty years of flying to France is a milestone we are proud of, and at its heart are the travellers who have chosen Etihad over two decades. More and more of them are discovering Abu Dhabi for themselves, alongside the wider world our network opens up, and it is a privilege to keep welcoming them on board,” he said.