Avianca and Etihad Airways partner for Barcelona–Abu Dhabi route

Avianca, a member of Grupo Abra, has entered the Middle East market through a strategic partnership with Etihad Airways. Under a wet lease (ACMI) agreement, Avianca will operate the Barcelona–Abu Dhabi route using Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft.

The service, which includes aircraft, crew, maintenance, and insurance, is scheduled to run from October 25, 2026, to October 25, 2027. While Avianca will manage the operational aspects and provide flight crews, Etihad Airways will market the flights under its own airline code.

This collaboration follows a Memorandum of Understanding signed in July during the Farnborough Airshow. The partnership aims to enhance intercontinental connectivity between Europe, the Middle East, Latin America, and Asia by integrating the networks of both carriers.