Etihad and TAROM Open New Routes Across Eastern Europe

Klaus Schmidt · 2026-06-09

Etihad Airways and TAROM, Romania's national airline, have just signed a codeshare agreement that's set to change the game for travelers heading to Eastern Europe. This partnership, announced at the IATA Annual General Meeting in Rio de Janeiro, means you can now book a single ticket to eleven destinations across Romania and the broader Eastern European region, all via Bucharest. It's a smart move that makes exploring places like Cluj-Napoca, Iasi, or even Sofia a whole lot easier. ### What This Means for Your Travel Plans So, here's the deal: starting December 17, 2026, Etihad will launch a new direct service from Abu Dhabi to Bucharest. And with this codeshare, you can seamlessly connect to TAROM flights from there. Think of it like this: you get one ticket, one booking, and one smooth journey from Abu Dhabi to places like Timisoara, Chisinau, or even Belgrade. No more juggling multiple airlines or worrying about missed connections. - **Direct access to 11 destinations** in Romania and Eastern Europe - **Single ticket convenience** from Etihad's global network - **Launch date**: December 17, 2026, for the Abu Dhabi-Bucharest route ### Why This Matters for Business and Leisure Travelers For professionals, this is a big deal. Bucharest is a growing hub for tech and business in Eastern Europe, and having a direct link from Abu Dhabi cuts travel time and hassle. For leisure travelers, it opens up a region rich in history, culture, and natural beauty. You could be sipping coffee in a Bucharest café one day and exploring the Carpathian Mountains the next. The codeshare makes it all possible with just one booking. ### What's the Catch? There isn't really one, but here's a tip: book early. These new routes are likely to be popular, especially for business travelers and tourists alike. Also, keep an eye on Etihad's website for fare deals—they often offer competitive pricing on new routes. And remember, this partnership is all about making travel easier, so you can focus on your trip, not the logistics. > "This agreement is a testament to our commitment to providing seamless connectivity for our guests," said a spokesperson from Etihad Airways. ### Final Thoughts Bottom line: if you're looking to explore Eastern Europe or need to do business there, this new codeshare is your ticket. It's convenient, efficient, and opens up a part of the world that's often overlooked. So, mark your calendar for December 17, 2026, and start planning your next adventure or business trip. With Etihad and TAROM, the journey just got a whole lot smoother.