Home UAE Abu Dhabi Etihad Makes Entry Into Spain Spanish capital is now served by all three major Gulf airlines by Dominic Ellis March 30, 2015 Etihad Airways launched four-times weekly flights between Abu Dhabi and Madrid on Monday, marking its first flight to Spain. The inaugural flight – EY075 – departed Abu Dhabi Airport on schedule at 0235 and touched down at Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport at 0845. The return flight, EY076, departs Madrid at 1005 and arrives in Abu Dhabi at 1925. Flights operate on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays. The service is operated by a two-class A330-200, configured to carry 262 passengers, with 22 business class flatbed seats and 240 economy class seats. James Hogan, Etihad Airways’ president and chief executive officer, said the new route meets growing demand from travellers in Spain and the UAE, and “offers convenient onward connections”. Only five years ago, travelling between the Gulf and Spain entailed a transfer, but now with Etihad’s arrival, the Spanish capital is served directly by all three major Gulf airlines, which have expanded rapidly in mainland Europe. Emirates and Qatar Airways also fly to Barcelona. 0 Comments