ABU DHABI- Etihad Airways (EY) has revised the launch date of its planned Abu Dhabi (AUH) to Bucharest (OTP) service. The route, originally scheduled to begin on August 17, 2026, will now commence operations on December 17, 2026.
The carrier will deploy Airbus A321 aircraft on the new route with four weekly frequencies. In a separate move, Etihad has cancelled its previously announced Abu Dhabi (AUH) to Tbilisi (TBS) service, which was set to operate eight times weekly from August 2026.
Etihad Revised Schedule for Romanian Capital Service
Etihad Airways will now begin commercial flights between its Abu Dhabi hub and Bucharest on December 17, 2026. The four-month delay shifts the launch from late summer into the winter travel period.
The Airbus A321 will handle all rotations on this route. Etihad operates this narrowbody aircraft across its medium-haul European and Middle Eastern network.
Flight Timings and Operating Days
- Flight EY171 departs Abu Dhabi at 08:20 and arrives in Bucharest at 11:30 local time.
- The return service, EY172, leaves Bucharest at 12:35 and lands in Abu Dhabi at 19:30.
The route operates on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. Etihad has no plans to fly this sector on Wednesdays, Fridays, or Sundays at launch, Aeroroutes reported.
Tbilisi Route Withdrawn from Network Plans
Etihad has removed the planned Abu Dhabi to Tbilisi service from its future schedule. The Georgian capital service was scheduled to launch on August 17, 2026, with eight weekly flights.
The airline has not announced any revised launch date for the Tbilisi route.
Passengers seeking travel between Abu Dhabi and Georgia will need to rely on alternative carriers or connecting itineraries.
Network Implications for 2026
Bucharest will join Etihad’s growing list of European destinations once the delayed service begins.
The Romanian capital provides connectivity for passengers travelling between Eastern Europe and the carrier’s onward network across Asia, Africa, and Australia through Abu Dhabi.
The schedule changes reflect Etihad’s continued adjustments to its 2026 expansion plans as the airline refines its route strategy and fleet deployment.
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