Etihad Airways has unveiled plans to significantly enhance its Italian operations by introducing a third daily flight between Abu Dhabi and Milan, commencing November 1, 2025. This expansion aims to meet increasing passenger demand, offering greater flexibility and connectivity between Abu Dhabi and Milan, one of Italy’s most vibrant cities and a global hub for fashion and business.
Strengthening Ties with Italy
The new triple-daily service reinforces Etihad’s commitment to the European market, positioning the airline as a key player in connecting Italy with the Middle East, Asia, and Australia. “With our morning, afternoon, and evening departures from Abu Dhabi, paired with exceptional value fares, our triple-daily flights provide the perfect timing for travelers in both directions,” said Arik De, Chief Revenue and Commercial Officer at Etihad Airways.
De emphasised that the enhanced schedule is designed to benefit both corporate and leisure travelers, offering seamless connections through Abu Dhabi’s hub to destinations across Etihad’s expanding global network.
Boosting Capacity on the Abu Dhabi-Milan Route
The additional flight increases Etihad’s capacity on the Abu Dhabi-Milan route to 12,600 weekly seats, representing a 115% increase compared to the previous year. This substantial capacity boost ensures travelers have more options and greater convenience for their journeys.
Modern Fleet and Passenger Experience
The new flights will be operated using Etihad’s Boeing 777-300 and the state-of-the-art Airbus A321LR aircraft. The A321LR, a recent addition to Etihad’s fleet, offers a boutique travel experience with modern cabin architecture and advanced comfort features.
Passengers onboard can enjoy complimentary Wi-Fly chat access for Etihad Guest members, with the option to upgrade to unlimited data packages for the entire flight.
This latest development highlights Etihad Airways’ ongoing commitment to meeting customer needs and fostering stronger connections between Abu Dhabi and major international destinations like Milan.
New flight schedule (effective 1 November 2025)
| Flight Number | Departure Airport | Departure Time | Arrival Airport | Arrival Time | Frequency | Aircraft |
| EY81 | Abu Dhabi | 02:45 | Milan Malpensa | 06:40 | Daily | B777 |
| EY82 | Milan Malpensa | 09:55 | Abu Dhabi | 19:00 | Daily | B777 |
| EY79 | Abu Dhabi | 14:25 | Milan Malpensa | 18:20 | Daily | B777 |
| EY80 | Milan Malpensa | 21:50 | Abu Dhabi | 06:55 (+1) | Daily | B777 |
Additional flight
| Flight Number | Departure Airport | Departure Time | Arrival Airport | Arrival Time | Frequency | Aircraft |
| EY87 | Abu Dhabi | 09:10 | Milan Malpensa | 13:15 | Daily | A321LR |
| EY88 | Milan Malpensa | 15:10 | Abu Dhabi | 00:25 | Daily | A321LR |
