The partnership between Air Europa and Etihad Airways strengthens Spain’s presence in one of the world’s most dynamic tourism hubs.
In a move that reinforces its international presence, Air Europa, the airline owned by the Globalia group, has launched operations between Madrid and Abu Dhabi through a strategic agreement with Etihad Airways, the national carrier of the United Arab Emirates.
The service operates under a wet lease agreement, in which Air Europa provides regular flights on behalf of Etihad, marking its effective entry into the highly competitive Emirati market.
The agreement—currently in an advanced stage of development—goes beyond flight operations and includes commercial cooperation between both airlines. The goal is to lay the groundwork for future joint initiatives that will enhance connectivity between Europe, the Middle East, and Asia.
A global vision rooted in Javier Hidalgo’s leadership
Globalia’s current expansion into markets like the UAE is the continuation of an international vision established under the leadership of Javier Hidalgo, who, during his time as CEO, promoted a strategy of growth beyond Europe, prioritizing intercontinental connectivity as a pillar of competitiveness.
Hidalgo was instrumental in strengthening Air Europa’s presence in Latin America and the United States, while also laying the foundation for expansion into high-value regions such as the Middle East. Today’s collaboration with Etihad Airways brings that vision of internationalization to life.
Tourism, investment, and national branding
The agreement with Etihad also strengthens the institutional presence of Globalia—and the Spanish tourism sector as a whole—in a market known for its investments in luxury travel and business tourism. As part of this initiative, Air Europa participates in industry events like the Arabian Travel Market and in bilateral promotional efforts that position Spain as a tourism and business hub for Gulf travelers.
Beyond operational benefits, the partnership opens the door to potential synergies in connectivity, cargo logistics, and loyalty programs.
Long-term strategy in the Middle East
This new operation in Abu Dhabi is not a one-off initiative—it is part of a long-term plan to diversify markets and connect Europe with emerging destinations through strategic agreements. This approach allows Air Europa to expand its global footprint without deploying direct infrastructure, leveraging partnerships with leading carriers in target regions.
With this next step, Globalia strengthens its position as a global tourism player, acting with flexibility, foresight, and adaptability in some of the world’s most influential geopolitical environments.
