‍ABU DHABI — Etihad Airways (EY) and Greece’s SKY Express (GQ) have kicked off a new codeshare partnership, letting travelers book smoother, one-stop connections from Abu Dhabi (AUH) to over 28 cities across Greece. This already seems like a smart move, especially for people heading to those island spots that usually need a second or even third ticket to reach.

Greece has always been a favorite destination for UAE tourists, and this deal feels like a natural step for Etihad, which has been expanding its European links this year. Now, a flight from Abu Dhabi to Athens (ATH) can easily connect to places like Mykonos, Heraklion, Santorini or even some of the lesser-known towns that don’t see many international flights.

What the Deal Means for Travelers

With this agreement in place, travelers can book their entire journey through Etihad and have their bags checked through to their final destination. That means no more airport chaos trying to re-check in at Athens. Just hop on a SKY Express flight and go. The entire process is managed under a single PNR and boarding pass.

The two airlines say it’ll make holidays to the Greek islands a lot more convenient. And they’re not wrong. Getting from the Gulf to those islands hasn’t always been straightforward. You’d land in Athens and then be on your own. Now it’s all in one booking.

A Bit About SKY Express

SKY Express, or Cretan Aviation officially, isn’t as well-known internationally, but in Greece, it’s big. They’ve been expanding fast in recent years and now run a mix of ATR 72-600s and Airbus A320neo. Their average fleet age is under three years, which is impressive for a regional carrier.

The airline serves more than 30 Greek destinations and operates out of hubs such as Thessaloniki (SKG), Heraklion (HER), and Athens (ATH). With a strong domestic network, they’ve become a go-to choice for Greeks and tourists looking to skip the ferries.

Etihad’s Been Busy With Partnerships

This isn’t the only tie-up Etihad’s done recently. Over the past year, the airline has signed interline or codeshare deals with Kam Air (KMF), Rex Airlines (ZL), Jeju Air (7C), and Myanmar Airways International (8M). It’s clear Etihad’s not trying to fly everywhere on its own anymore. Instead, they’re building smart links that help cover more ground without stretching their fleet too thin. 

The SKY Express deal is just the latest move to help connect passengers beyond major airports. Given that Greece is such a popular seasonal hotspot, it makes sense to secure more access ahead of the peak travel months.

Greece’s Tourism Numbers Speak Volumes

In 2024, Greece welcomed approximately 40.7 million international visitors, generating over €21.59 billion (US$23.6 billion) in travel revenue, according to the Greek Tourism Confederation (source). Tourism’s booming, and with that much demand, better air links are not just nice to have, they’re essential.

And Etihad’s timing couldn’t be better. The codeshare gives them more reach, just as travel to Greece heats up again.

What This Means Going Forward

This move is expected to boost traffic between the UAE and Greece, especially for leisure travellers heading to the islands. For Etihad, it’s a low-risk way to offer more destinations. For SKY Express, it brings in a new wave of international passengers who may not have considered flying with them before.

Other European markets, such as Italy or Spain, where local routes are highly valued, could be next. If this one works well, more regional deals might pop up soon.

Ultimately, it’s a practical solution that makes travel easier. Passengers get more choice without the headache of juggling multiple airlines. Etihad adds value to its Athens route, and SKY Express gains global exposure.

For anyone planning a Greek island escape from the Gulf or beyond, this might just make the journey a whole lot smoother.

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