Key Takeaways
• Etihad Airways and SKY express launched a codeshare on July 14, 2025 connecting Abu Dhabi to 24 Greek islands.
• Passengers book one ticket, check in once, and have baggage through-checked to their final Greek island destination.
• The partnership aims to boost Greek tourism, simplify travel, and expand Etihad’s European route network.
Travelers flying between the United Arab Emirates 🇦🇪 and Greece 🇬🇷 now have a much easier way to reach the famous Greek islands. On July 10, 2025, Etihad Airways and SKY express signed a new codeshare agreement, which took effect on July 14, 2025. This partnership allows passengers to book a single ticket from Abu Dhabi to 24 Greek islands and three cities in the Eastern Mediterranean, all through Athens. The move aims to make travel smoother, boost tourism, and connect more people to Greece’s beautiful destinations.
What Does the Codeshare Agreement Mean for Travelers?
The new codeshare agreement between Etihad Airways and SKY express brings several important changes for people traveling between the United Arab Emirates 🇦🇪 and Greece 🇬🇷. Before this agreement, travelers often had to book separate tickets for each airline, check in twice, and collect their luggage in Athens before boarding another flight to the islands. Now, with the codeshare, passengers can:
- Book a single ticket for the entire journey, from Abu Dhabi to their final Greek island destination.
- Check in only once at their starting airport, receiving all boarding passes for the trip.
- Have their baggage checked through to the final destination, with automatic transfer in Athens.
- Enjoy a smoother travel experience with less stress and fewer steps.
This change is especially helpful for families, older travelers, and anyone who wants a simple, worry-free trip to the Greek islands.
Which Destinations Are Included?
SKY express operates the largest network of Greek domestic flights, serving 33 destinations across the country. Under the new codeshare agreement, Etihad Airways passengers can now reach 24 of these Greek islands directly from Abu Dhabi, including:
- Crete
- Rhodes
- Mykonos
- Santorini
- Kos
- Corfu
- Paros
- Thessaloniki
In addition to these islands, the agreement covers three more cities in the Eastern Mediterranean, giving travelers even more options for their holidays or business trips.
How Can Passengers Book These Flights?
Booking a codeshare flight is simple. Passengers can use:
- The Etihad Airways website (www.etihad.com)
- The Etihad mobile app
- Travel agencies that work with Etihad Airways
When booking, travelers select their starting point (for example, Abu Dhabi) and their final destination (such as Santorini). The booking system automatically combines Etihad’s flight to Athens with a SKY express flight to the island, all under one reservation.
What Happens at the Airport?
The travel process under the codeshare agreement is designed to be as easy as possible:
- Check-in: Passengers check in at their original airport (such as Abu Dhabi International Airport). They receive all boarding passes for their journey, including the connecting flight to the Greek island.
- Baggage: Luggage is tagged to the final destination. Passengers do not need to collect their bags in Athens; the bags are automatically transferred to the connecting SKY express flight.
- Travel Experience: The entire trip is managed under a single Passenger Name Record (PNR), which means all details are linked together, making it easier for both travelers and airline staff to handle any changes or issues.
Why Is This Partnership Important?
The codeshare agreement between Etihad Airways and SKY express is more than just a business deal. It has real benefits for travelers, airlines, and the Greek tourism industry.
- For Travelers: The main benefit is convenience. With a single booking and baggage transfer, the travel experience is much easier. This is especially important for people who may not speak Greek or are unfamiliar with Athens airport.
- For Airlines: Etihad Airways can now offer its customers many more destinations in Greece without having to operate its own flights to the islands. This makes its Athens route more attractive and helps fill more seats. SKY express, on the other hand, gains international exposure and more passengers from Etihad’s global network.
- For Greece: The agreement supports the country’s tourism sector by making it easier for visitors from the Gulf region and beyond to reach not just Athens, but also the islands and smaller cities. This helps spread tourism income to more parts of Greece, not just the capital.
Official Statements from the Airlines
Both airlines have expressed strong support for the new partnership.
Arik De, Chief Revenue and Commercial Officer at Etihad Airways, said:
“This partnership with SKY express opens exciting new possibilities for our customers to discover Greece beyond Athens. SKY express’s comprehensive island network perfectly complements our Athens service, giving travellers seamless access to some of the Mediterranean’s most beautiful destinations through a single booking.”
Gerasimos Skaltsas, Chief Commercial Officer at SKY express, added:
“The collaboration with Etihad is a strong vote of confidence in SKY express, reinforcing our position as a reliable partner and significantly enhancing our connectivity. Passengers can now enjoy seamless access to the largest network of Greek destinations, served by the youngest fleet in Greece. Together, we are dedicated to making Greece a sought-after, year-round destination for visitors from around the world.”
Background: How Did This Partnership Come About?
Etihad Airways and SKY express have worked together before. They previously had an “interline agreement,” which allowed passengers to buy tickets that included both airlines, but the process was not fully integrated. Travelers still had to check in again and handle their own baggage in Athens.
The new codeshare agreement goes much further. It fully connects the two airlines’ schedules and systems, making the travel process much smoother for passengers. This kind of partnership is becoming more common as airlines look for ways to expand their networks without adding new flights.
The timing of the agreement is also important. In 2024, Greece welcomed 40.7 million international visitors, bringing in over €21.59 billion (about US$23.6 billion) in travel revenue. Tourism is a major part of the Greek economy, and making it easier for people to visit the islands supports jobs and local businesses.
How Does the Codeshare Work in Practice?
Let’s look at a typical journey under the new agreement:
- A family in Abu Dhabi wants to visit Mykonos for their summer holiday.
- They go to the Etihad Airways website and book a ticket from Abu Dhabi to Mykonos.
- The booking includes an Etihad flight from Abu Dhabi to Athens, and a SKY express flight from Athens to Mykonos.
- At Abu Dhabi airport, they check in for the whole journey and receive both boarding passes.
- Their luggage is tagged to Mykonos, so they do not need to collect it in Athens.
- When they arrive in Athens, they simply go to the gate for their connecting flight.
- On arrival in Mykonos, they collect their bags and start their holiday.
This process saves time and reduces stress, especially for travelers who may not be familiar with Athens airport or the Greek language.
What Are the Broader Impacts?
The codeshare agreement has several wider effects:
- Boosting Tourism: By making it easier to reach the islands, the agreement encourages more people to visit Greece, especially from the Gulf region. This helps local economies on the islands, not just in Athens.
- Supporting Year-Round Travel: Many people visit Greece in the summer, but the codeshare makes it easier to travel at other times of the year. This can help spread tourism income more evenly and support jobs in the off-season.
- Encouraging Similar Partnerships: If the agreement is successful, other airlines may look to create similar codeshare deals in the Mediterranean and beyond. This could lead to even more travel options for passengers.
Expert Opinions
Aviation experts see the codeshare as a smart move for both airlines. For Etihad Airways, it’s a “low-risk, high-reward” way to offer more destinations without the cost of new flights. For SKY express, it brings more international passengers and strengthens its position as a leading Greek airline.
Tourism experts expect the agreement to increase the number of visitors to Greece, especially to the islands. This is good news for hotels, restaurants, and local businesses.
Industry observers also point out that the partnership could be a model for other airlines looking to expand their networks through regional partnerships.
What About Immigration and Entry Requirements?
Travelers should remember that while the codeshare makes booking and baggage handling easier, they still need to meet all immigration and entry requirements for Greece 🇬🇷 and the European Union. This includes having a valid passport, any required visas, and meeting health or vaccination rules.
For the most up-to-date information on entry requirements for Greece and the Schengen Area, travelers can visit the official European Union immigration portal.
Fleet and Service Quality
SKY express operates the youngest fleet in Greece, with 29 modern aircraft. This means passengers can expect newer planes and a comfortable travel experience on their flights to the islands. The airline’s focus on safety and service quality has helped it become a trusted partner for Etihad Airways.
Athens as a Strategic Hub
The codeshare agreement also strengthens the role of Athens International Airport as a key hub for travel between the Middle East and Europe. Passengers flying with Etihad Airways can now connect easily to many parts of Greece and the Eastern Mediterranean, making Athens an important gateway for both business and leisure travelers.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for the Partnership?
Both airlines have said they are open to expanding the partnership in the future. This could include:
- Adding more destinations to the codeshare agreement
- Deeper integration of loyalty programs, so frequent flyers can earn and use points on both airlines
- More coordinated schedules to reduce layover times in Athens
As reported by VisaVerge.com, the partnership is expected to increase passenger traffic between the United Arab Emirates 🇦🇪 and Greece 🇬🇷, especially to the islands. If the codeshare proves successful, it may serve as a model for similar agreements in other regions.
Key Facts at a Glance
- Effective Date: July 14, 2025
- Destinations Covered: 24 Greek islands, 3 Eastern Mediterranean cities
- Booking Channels: etihad.com, Etihad app, travel agencies
- Major Hubs: Abu Dhabi (AUH), Athens (ATH)
- Baggage Handling: Through-checked to final destination
- SKY express Fleet Size: 29 aircraft (youngest in Greece)
- Strategic Impact: Boosts tourism, expands Etihad’s European reach
Practical Tips for Travelers
- Book Early: Popular island destinations can fill up quickly, especially in summer.
- Check Entry Requirements: Make sure your passport and any required visas are valid before you travel.
- Use Official Channels: Book through the Etihad Airways website, app, or trusted travel agents to ensure you get the benefits of the codeshare.
- Ask for Help: If you have questions about your booking or baggage, contact the airline’s customer service for assistance.
Conclusion
The new codeshare agreement between Etihad Airways and SKY express marks a big step forward for travel between the United Arab Emirates 🇦🇪 and Greece 🇬🇷. By making it easier to reach the Greek islands and other destinations, the partnership supports tourism, helps local economies, and gives travelers a smoother, more enjoyable journey. As more people discover the beauty of Greece, this agreement is set to play a key role in connecting cultures and creating new opportunities for both countries.
Learn Today
Codeshare Agreement → A partnership where two airlines share flights under one booking to offer smoother travel connections.
Etihad Airways → United Arab Emirates-based airline operating international flights, including routes to Europe and the Middle East.
SKY express → Greek airline operating domestic flights connecting 33 destinations, including many Greek islands.
Passenger Name Record (PNR) → A digital file containing a passenger’s travel itinerary and booking details shared by airlines.
Through-checked Baggage → Luggage tagged and transferred automatically between connecting flights without passenger intervention.
This Article in a Nutshell
Etihad Airways and SKY express began a codeshare agreement in July 2025, simplifying travel from Abu Dhabi to 24 Greek islands. This partnership improves convenience with single-ticket booking and transfer baggage handling, boosting tourism and strengthening Athens as a hub connecting the Middle East to Europe.
— By VisaVerge.com
