Etihad Airways, the popular airline of the United Arab Emirates, landed for the very first time in Vienna as part of a new flight connection which will now serve the route twice a week starting on July 18, 2021.
Read More: Austrian Airlines detail overview, Austrian Airlines business class review
On July 18, flight EY147 took off from Abu Dhabi International Airport at 7.30 a.m. and landed at Vienna Airport around 11.20 a.m., where it was greeted with a traditional water cannon salute. By plane, Abu Dhabi is 5 hours and 50 minutes away from Vienna.
The twice-weekly service between Abu Dhabi and Vienna will be operated on Thursdays and Sundays, and it will feature Etihad’s renowned E-BOX entertainment systems, in-seat power, and in-flight Wi-Fi connectivity. The Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft will offer 28 seats in Business and 262 seats in Economy and will feature Etihad’s renowned E-BOX entertainment systems, in-seat power, and in-flight Wi-Fi connectivity.
The Embassy of the United Arab Emirates to the Republic of Austria welcomes the first Etihad Airways flight to Vienna ????????????????
— UAE Embassy -Vienna (@uaeinvienna) July 18, 2021
Welcome Etihad Airways @etihadar @etihad @flughafen_wien pic.twitter.com/7oPzLFKwDl
Meanwhile, flights from Abu Dhabi to Vienna do not return to the UAE. Instead, they’ll fly to Milan’s Malpensa Airport before returning to the Middle East. As a result, Etihad is offering three distinct ticket options on this route.
Vienna Airport joint CEO and COO Julian Jäger stated, “We are pleased to welcome Etihad Airways as a new airline operating a new destination at Vienna Airport. Etihad Airways is a strong airline with a broad route network, and we applaud its decision to begin regularly scheduled flights to Vienna. The United Arab Emirates, in particular, is a significant market for Austrian tourism, and the new flight connection is a positive sign that things are gradually improving.”
“We’re excited to launch twice-weekly flights to Vienna as more travelers return to the skies. We are convinced that its timeless imperial majesty and thriving cultural environment will appeal to many travelers as the 65th passenger destination added to Etihad’s global network,” said Tony Douglas, Group Chief Executive Officer of Etihad Aviation Group.
According to Etihad, the aircraft have been scheduled to arrive in Vienna early in the morning, giving travelers a perfect weekend break. According to the airline, Austria is currently open to citizens and residents, as well as inhabitants of Schengen-member states and Switzerland residents, students, and business visitors.
This summer, Etihad has been eager to give services to tourist sites. This month, Vienna joins a slew of other new releases. Etihad has added Vienna as the 65th passenger destination to its network. Travelers from the UAE who got all Covid-19 immunizations, including Pfizer, at least 14 days prior to arrival do not need to be quarantined in Abu Dhabi when Austria or Austria is on the green list.
COVID-19 vaccinations were given to all of the pilots and cabin crew on the aircraft to Vienna. Etihad was the first airline in the world to demand 100% of customers to produce a negative PCR test before departure and to have 100% of all operating flight crew vaccinated against the coronavirus. Like all Etihad flights, the Vienna flight had highly trained Wellness Ambassadors on board as part of a comprehensive program of measures aimed at ensuring passenger comfort during the voyage.
Vienna is one of Europe’s most popular weekend getaway spots. Imperial architecture, historical museums, musical legacy, and world-renowned cuisine are enough to entice visitors to Austria’s largest city. As a result, it’s no surprise that airlines like Etihad are eyeing a foothold at Vienna International Airport as air travel resumes.
Even so, Etihad isn’t the only UAE airline flying to Austria this summer. This week, flydubai began service to Salzburg, Austria. Together with the return of Naples flights later this month, this service will expand the low-cost carrier’s network to nearly 20 countries.