Etihad Just Swapped Its Plan for Brussels This Winter

Etihad Airways has changed the aircraft it plans to use on a winter capacity boost between Abu Dhabi and Brussels. According to filings published by AeroRoutes on 12 October, the carrier still intends to raise service from seven to eleven weekly flights from 15 December 2026, but the extra flying will now use a Boeing 787-9 rather than the Airbus A321XLR that was previously planned.

The larger aircraft applies from 15 December through 31 January 2027, a six-week window that covers the holiday travel peak and the weeks that follow. A 787-9 carries substantially more passengers than the narrowbody A321XLR, which means the capacity added for the Belgian capital is bigger than the frequency numbers alone suggest.

The schedule shows a daily night service and a second daytime service on most days. EY057 leaves Abu Dhabi at 02:15 and arrives in Brussels at 06:30 every day, while EY055 departs at 14:25 and lands at 19:00 on days one, three and five of the week. Return flights EY058 and EY056 leave Brussels at 09:55 and 20:50 respectively, arriving back in Abu Dhabi that evening and early the next morning.

Winter is a strong season for Gulf carriers connecting Europe with Asia and the Middle East, and Brussels is a convenient gateway for travelers in Belgium and nearby regions. As ever with filed schedules, times and aircraft may change, so passengers booking holiday trips should confirm details with the airline before departure.

Sources: AeroRoutes