Abu Dhabi Airports Company has announced during the 18th World Route Development Forum in Abu Dhabi that it is finalising its preparations to welcome Alitalia, the national airline of Italy.

The carrier will offer direct flights between Abu Dhabi International Airport and Rome International Airport from December 1st.

Alitalia will operate four flights a week through a codeshare agreement with Etihad Airways, the national airline of the UAE, on an A330 aircraft with a seating capacity of 230 passengers.

This route will provide travellers from Abu Dhabi International Airport with Rome as a new destination, as well as further connecting flights from Rome to Venice and Zurich, Switzerland.

Currently, Etihad Airways and Alitalia codeshare on five other routes within Italy, and various detonations in the Middle East, South Africa, Thailand and Australia.

Ahmad Al Haddabi, chief operating officer at ADAC, commented: “ADAC is looking forward to welcoming this new partnership between Alitalia and Etihad Airways as a new airline will be joining ADAC’s airport family while adding another destination in the airport’s network. 

“Furthermore it demonstrates the attractiveness Abu Dhabi enjoys as a destination as well as a key connecting hub for the region.”

Flights from Abu Dhabi will depart at 08:15 on Thursday and Sunday mornings, and at 02:25 on Mondays and Wednesdays. 

Flights from Rome will depart at 21:45 on Wednesdays and Saturdays and at 11:15 on Tuesdays and Sundays mornings. 

This schedule will maximize the connection opportunities for passengers at Abu Dhabi International Airport, Etihad Airline’s hub, and with Alitalia’s domestic and European services originating from Rome International Airport.