Copyright majorcadailybulletin
Soltour has revealed plans to introduce direct flights linking Palma with both Egypt and Latvia as part of its Easter 2026 travel schedule. Flights to Latvia are set to commence on 2 April, followed by the Egypt service starting on 4 April, the tour operator confirmed in a recent announcement. These new direct links follow a number of other destinations set to connect directly with Palma next year. Etihad Airways is adding a touch of Mediterranean sunshine to its 2026 summer programme with the launch of seasonal services between Abu Dhabi and Mallorca. The route will make Palma the 29th destination in the airline’s expanding global network and, notably, the only direct air link between Asia and Mallorca. From 12 June to mid-September 2026, Etihad will operate three weekly flights — on Tuesdays, Fridays and Sundays — using its state-of-the-art Airbus A321LR aircraft. Departures from Abu Dhabi are scheduled for 02:55, touching down in Palma at 08:15, with return flights leaving Mallorca at 10:30 and arriving in the UAE at 19:00. The A321LR promises a premium onboard experience, featuring private suites in First Class, lie-flat Business seating, and a refined Economy cabin with modern comforts and personal entertainment screens. Etihad’s CEO, Antonoaldo Neves, described the new route as a natural fit for the carrier’s expanding summer offering, highlighting Mallorca’s mix of beaches, nightlife, and historic charm. He noted that the island’s appeal makes it an ideal getaway for travellers across Etihad’s global network, with the new aircraft providing a sophisticated yet comfortable way to reach the Balearic Islands. Meanwhile, Air Canada also announced plans to launch direct flights between Montreal and Palma from June 2026, operating until October. These services will be the first-ever non-stop link between Canada and Mallorca, flown by the airline’s upcoming Airbus A321XLR — a long-range narrow-body aircraft designed to deliver a wide-body travel experience. Configured with 182 seats (including 14 lie-flat Signature Class suites), the new jet will introduce a refreshed cabin design that marks a new era for Air Canada’s onboard product. The airline sees the launch of Palma as a symbolic first step in its next phase of international expansion, unlocking new destinations made possible by the advanced capabilities of the A321XLR. Could Mallorca get direct flights to South Africa? Air Europa is reportedly exploring the possibility of launching a direct route between Spain and South Africa, with discussions still in the preliminary phase, according to sources cited by Europa Press last month. The move follows recent approval from South Africa’s Ministry of Transport, which granted the airline permission to operate three weekly flights out of nine available slots. While the authorisation has sparked speculation about Air Europa’s plans for expanding its global reach, the airline is said to be carefully evaluating key factors such as passenger demand, airport infrastructure, and long-haul fleet capabilities before committing to the new route. If successful, this connection would be a significant step in the airline’s efforts to extend its network to the African continent for the first time.
