Dhaka: Etihad Airways has marked a milestone by becoming the first airline to operate a departure from Frankfurt Airport’s newly inaugurated Terminal Three. The historic flight, EY 122 to Abu Dhabi, took off at 10:30 am local time on April 23.

The flight was operated by Captain Majed Al Marzouqi, the airline’s Chief Operations and Guest Officer, who personally took command in the cockpit for the occasion.

Prior to departure, Captain Majed joined Fraport’s Chief Technical Officer, Dr Pierre Dominique Prümm, in a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the gate. The event also featured a special gesture for a couple from Limburg travelling to Singapore, who were surprised with a Business Class upgrade for the Abu Dhabi leg.

Passengers departing from Terminal 3 can expect a refreshed airport experience. The terminal features spacious, naturally lit check-in and security areas, along with a 6,000-square-meter central marketplace offering dining, retail, and lounge spaces overlooking the apron. Additional amenities include children’s play zones and dedicated workspaces for business travelers. A new Skyline rail system now connects all three terminals at Frankfurt Airport.

Speaking on the occasion, Captain Majed noted that Etihad has been serving the Frankfurt–Abu Dhabi route since 2005 and welcomed the opening of a terminal designed to enhance the overall passenger journey. He added that the airline is pleased to be the first to operate from the new facility.

Dr Prümm highlighted the long-standing partnership between Fraport and Etihad, describing Frankfurt as a key destination within the airline’s European network and expressing appreciation for Etihad’s role in inaugurating Terminal Three operations.

Etihad currently runs two daily flights between Abu Dhabi and Frankfurt using its Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft.