New Direct Flights to Mallorca 2026: Montreal & Abu Dhabi Routes
The announcement of direct routes connecting Palma to Montreal and Abu Dhabi marks a pivotal moment for Mallorca. We analyze how this global connectivity transforms the island from a European holiday hub into a prime residential destination for international investors, and what it means for your real estate portfolio.
By Mallorca Select
8 December 2025
Reading Time: 6 minutes
Mallorca Select is a boutique Luxury Real Estate Agency in Mallorca.
After fifteen years of guiding discerning clients toward the finest properties on this island, I can tell you that certain moments genuinely change everything.
The announcements of direct seasonal flights from Montreal (Air Canada, starting 17 June 2026) and Abu Dhabi (Etihad Airways, starting 12 June 2026) represent one of those moments.
The announcement of direct routes connecting Palma to Montreal (Air Canada) and Abu Dhabi (Etihad Airways) is not merely a tourism update; it is a geopolitical signal. It marks the moment Mallorca transitions from a European holiday hub to a globally connected residential destination.
For those of us who have lived and worked within Mallorca’s real estate and lifestyle landscape for more than a decade, this evolution has been long in the making, and the implications are far-reaching.
In many ways, this is the beginning of a new chapter for the island.
For the high-net-worth investor, connectivity is often the precursor to value appreciation. As local experts with over 15 years on the island, we are analyzing what this "long-haul era" means for your real estate portfolio.
Why Long-Haul Connectivity Changes Everything
When a destination becomes accessible via direct, long-haul flights, the profile of the buyer changes. We can think about this as "weekend commuter" vs "seasonal resident.”
Travelers arriving from the Gulf or North America do not come for a prolonged weekend. They come for months. This shift drives demand for a specific asset class: larger, self-sustained estates (Fincas) and luxury sea-view villas that offer amenities for long-term living, home offices, extensive grounds, and absolute privacy.
Air Canada’s Montreal–Palma Service (June–October 2026)
Aircraft → Airbus A321XLR (the most efficient narrow-body transatlantic jet in service)
Frequency → 4× weekly (Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday)
Flight time → ≈ 7 hours 45 minutes non-stop
Season → 17 June – 23 October 2026
If you were waiting for a direct flights Montreal-Palma, now you have it.
The Palma 365 Tourism Foundation’s new strategy places deliberate focus on the Canadian and Gulf markets as long-haul connectivity expands.
This is the very first scheduled transatlantic route operated by a narrow-body aircraft from Canada. For Montrealers (and the rest of Eastern Canada connecting via YUL), Mallorca will suddenly be closer than Costa Rica or Puerto Vallarta in winter flying time.
Air Canada’s Montreal to Palma route, launching in June 2026, signals a cultural bridge between two cities with strong artistic and creative energy.
Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi–Palma Service (June–September 2026)
Aircraft → Airbus A321LR with full lie-flat Business Class
Frequency → 3× weekly
Flight time → ≈ 6 hours 50 minutes
Season → 12 June – mid-September 2026
Etihad Airways will begin flying from Abu Dhabi days earlier, shaping a new Mediterranean gateway for travellers from the Middle East, where premium experiential travel continues to surge.
For Gulf residents, this is the first direct link to the Balearics outside charter operations. Combined with existing services from Doha, Dubai and Riyadh, the entire GCC region now has realistic same-day connections to Palma.
What This Means for the Luxury Property Market in 2026–2028
Average price growth in the €5 m+ segment is running at 5-6% year-on-year based on our internal reports, and we expect these new routes to add another 4–6 % on top in 2026–2027.
The launch of these flights is the starting gun for a new cycle of international investment. For HNWI buyer, the window to acquire prime assets before this global exposure fully matures is now.
Mallorca is no longer a hidden gem; it is a global contender. To navigate this market requires more than a search engine; it requires a partner who knows the terrain.
If you are ready to move beyond browsing and start a serious conversation about your investment in Mallorca, we invite you to register with us. Let’s discuss how we can turn your requirements into a legacy asset.
Where to Stay in 2026 – Our Current Mallorca Select Recommendations for Long-Haul Guests
All of the following properties are exclusive to Mallorca Select, off-market or quietly available, and perfectly configured for 8–14 week winter/spring/summer seasons.
Every one of these homes has been personally visited and vetted by our team. We know the neighbours, the best private chefs, the most reliable maintenance companies and, crucially, the realistic rental yield if you ever decide to place the property into a discreet rental programme.
The properties shown above are only a small, carefully curated selection from our private portfolio.
→ For extended seasons or long-term rentals (minimum 8 weeks), our dedicated Long-Term Rentals portfolio is available here
If you are seriously considering a purchase above €3 million, or a verified long-stay rental for 2026–2027, you can sign up and unlock 500+ properties.
We work only with decisive clients who value absolute discretion and genuine expertise, and for them, we deliver our very best, without exception.
Why Mallorca is winning the "Authenticity" Race
The global luxury real estate market is currently distinguishing between manufactured luxury (like Dubai or Miami) and authentic luxury.
Mallorca is entering the same league as Kyoto or the Cyclades, places where value is derived from heritage and strict preservation laws.
In a decade of operating here, we have seen zoning laws become stricter, not looser. While this frustrates developers, it protects the investor.
It ensures that the view you buy today is the view you keep tomorrow. Scarcity is the ultimate driver of value, and Mallorca’s land protection policies ensure that high-end inventory remains exclusive.
Market Insight: Inventory for turnkey luxury homes in the Southwest and Son Vida is currently at a historical low relative to demand. The influx of new markets in 2026 will likely accelerate price growth in the €3M–€8M bracket.
Looking for your next home?
Have dreams to move to Mallorca? Get the most insightful advices on a discovery call with our top agents.
