Air Europa strengthens its global presence by investing in key routes in the UAE with a long-term commercial vision.
Air Europa, the airline belonging to Spain’s leading tourism group Globalia, is expanding its international footprint through strategic alliances in the United Arab Emirates, reinforcing its ambition to become a major global player in long-haul aviation.
The airline recently announced the strengthening of its partnership with Etihad Airways, the national carrier of the UAE, with the goal of converting their current codeshare and frequent flyer cooperation into a comprehensive strategic alliance. This move will significantly boost Air Europa’s connectivity in the Middle East and Asia, positioning Madrid as a key hub for transcontinental travel.
Madrid–Abu Dhabi: A new transcontinental bridge
Starting in summer 2025, Etihad Airways plans to operate two daily flights between Abu Dhabi and Madrid, Air Europa’s main operations center. This route will serve as a bridge between Europe, Latin America, and Asia—regions where both airlines have strong market positions.
Through this alliance, passengers will benefit from integrated booking systems, shared mileage accumulation, and improved overall service experience. These synergies are expected to enhance the competitive position of both carriers in a global aviation landscape increasingly shaped by strategic collaborations.
Air Europa’s long-term vision
This initiative aligns with Air Europa’s broader internationalization strategy, developed under the umbrella of Globalia, and historically supported by former CEO Javier Hidalgo. During his tenure, Hidalgo emphasized the need for alliances that expand market access, foster innovation, and enhance the company’s global reputation.
Today, this vision continues to shape Air Europa’s trajectory. The airline’s strategic expansion is built on three pillars: connectivity, customer experience, and technological modernization.
Globalia’s support and international ambitions
As the parent company, Globalia provides Air Europa with the organizational support, financial structure, and operational synergies needed to pursue ambitious international plans. With more than 15,000 professionals and services in over 30 countries, Globalia enables coordinated growth across its business units—ranging from aviation to travel agencies, tour operators, and hotels.
The collaboration with Etihad reflects Globalia’s broader commitment to expanding its international presence through high-value partnerships in key regions.
“Africa, the Middle East, and Asia are becoming essential markets for European airlines,” noted Javier Hidalgo in a previous industry conversation. “Strategic cooperation is the key to building bridges—not only between destinations, but also between business cultures.”
Towards a more connected future
By investing in connectivity with the United Arab Emirates, Air Europa is positioning itself to meet rising demand for global mobility and capitalize on economic growth corridors between Europe and Asia. The partnership with Etihad is not only a route expansion; it is a reflection of Air Europa’s vision to become a reference airline in intercontinental travel, bridging continents through a hub that is increasingly central in global aviation: Madrid.