Introduction of the New Direct Service from Berlin to Abu Dhabi
The launch of a direct flight connection between Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER) and Abu Dhabi marks a significant milestone for air connectivity in the German capital region. Operated by the airline Condor, this new service offers travelers an easy way to reach the Gulf region while providing a wide range of onward connections to other international destinations. As part of a codeshare agreement with Etihad Airways, passengers benefit from a seamless travel experience – an attractive option for both leisure and business travelers. The establishment of this long-haul route significantly enriches the network at BER and strengthens the airport’s role as an international hub.


Flugplan und Betrieb der neuen Strecke nach Abu Dhabi
The new daily flights connect BER and Abu Dhabi around the clock, featuring well-coordinated departure and arrival times. Currently, the flight departs from Berlin at 4:40 PM and arrives in Abu Dhabi – after a flight duration of approximately six hours and 20 minutes—early the following morning. The return flights depart from Abu Dhabi at 2:15 AM and land back at BER at 7:15 AM, following a flight time of about seven hours. These timings allow for optimal planning of both business appointments and holiday-related travel. With the shift to winter time in Germany starting in October 2026, the flight schedule will be adjusted: departures from Berlin will move to 10:00 AM, with arrivals in Abu Dhabi taking place in the evening at around 7:20 PM. The return flight will consequently arrive at BER earlier in the morning.
The aircraft type deployed – an Airbus A320neo with 180 seats – offers modern comfort and efficient operation for medium- to long-haul flights. The combination of a passenger-friendly capacity and economical flight technology makes the route attractive from both a commercial and a sustainability perspective. Overall, this new connection significantly improves accessibility to Abu Dhabi, providing travelers from the German-speaking region with direct access to one of the most important transport hubs in the Middle East.
Strategic significance of the codeshare agreement with Etihad Airways
The codeshare agreement between Condor and Etihad Airways provides the foundation for seamless transfer options, making this connection even more attractive. Through this agreement, travelers can plan their entire journey – including connecting flights to destinations in Asia, Australia, and Africa – with a single booking. The Abu Dhabi hub thus serves as a bridge, linking a wide variety of destinations and enabling quick, easy transfers.
The partnership offers significant advantages, particularly for business travelers and tourists heading to destinations such as Bangkok, Hanoi, or Sydney. The ability to book all flights on a single ticket greatly simplifies the travel process, reduces waiting times, and minimizes the risk of missing connecting flights. Furthermore, passengers benefit from flight schedules that have been optimally coordinated. This makes Abu Dhabi an attractive transit hub for travelers from the capital region and fosters economic exchange between Germany and countries across Asia and Australia.
The impact on air travel and mobility in the capital region
The launch of the direct service from Berlin to Abu Dhabi contributes significantly to the further internationalization and traffic growth at BER Airport. The addition of a major destination in the Middle East enhances the diversity of available routes and serves as a welcome expansion to the long-haul flight network. This development not only strengthens Berlin Brandenburg Airport’s position as an international transport hub but also supports tourism, trade, and cultural ties between the regions.
Enhanced connectivity to a global hub also creates new opportunities for companies that rely on fast and efficient travel options. The link to Abu Dhabi – a key business hub and a gateway to further markets in Asia – underscores the role of aviation as a driver of economic development and global connectivity. The introduction of this new flight reflects the growing importance of BER (Berlin Brandenburg Airport) within the competitive landscape of European air travel and strengthens Berlin’s appeal as a location for international business activities.
Conclusion: Significance and Prospects of the New Long-Haul Connection
The newly established flight connection from Berlin to Abu Dhabi represents a significant advancement for air connectivity in the capital region. Through a combination of a codeshare agreement with Etihad Airways and daily flights, it offers an attractive, modern option for travelers looking to reach the Middle East as well as further destinations across Asia, Africa, and Australia. This connection not only enhances accessibility and flexibility but also supports the development of BER Airport into an international hub.
The Airbus A320neo and carefully planned flight schedules ensure a comfortable and efficient journey, while strategic connection options via Abu Dhabi streamline the overall travel experience. Consequently, this route is expected to significantly boost both business travel and tourism. All in all, this new route points to a positive outlook for future development and underscores the importance of modern air travel offerings in an interconnected global world.
The sustainable integration of this service into the BER flight schedule strengthens the region’s mobility in the long term and contributes to positioning Berlin and Brandenburg as a significant hub within international air travel.


