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Etihad Doubles Down on U.S. Market with New Charlotte Route and Major Boeing Deal

New nonstop flights to North Carolina start in 2026 as Abu Dhabi carrier deepens U.S. ties

by George Gomez

May 20, 2025

Photo: Courtesy of Etihad

Etihad Airways is betting big on America’s Southeast. The Abu Dhabi-based carrier will launch nonstop flights to Charlotte, North Carolina, beginning May 4, 2026—its sixth U.S. destination and the first time a Middle Eastern airline has served the city directly.

The move, announced with little notice even to local officials, highlights Etihad’s ambitions to grow in the U.S. and deepen economic links between the UAE and secondary U.S. markets.

Charlotte Skyline / Photo: Courtesy of Cody Hughes/CRVA

The new flights will run four times a week on the airline’s Boeing 787 Dreamliner, offering business and economy service with onward connections across the Middle East and Asia via Abu Dhabi.

“Charlotte represents a strategic addition to our U.S. network, unlocking direct access to one of the country’s most dynamic and fast-growing regions,” said Antonoaldo Neves, CEO of Etihad. “We’re excited to be the first airline from our region to serve this market, and we look forward to connecting more travelers to Abu Dhabi and beyond.”

A Strategic Market for Etihad—and for Abu Dhabi

Charlotte, home to banking giants like Bank of America and Truist, as well as a growing tech and motorsports scene, is an increasingly important U.S. business hub. Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) ranks sixth in the world for aircraft movements and saw international traffic rise 13 percent last year alone.

“Etihad’s arrival is a milestone for CLT as we continue expanding our global reach,” said Haley Gentry, CEO of Charlotte Douglas International Airport. “This new route opens the door to the Middle East and beyond, providing our passengers with greater access to international destinations and strengthening Charlotte’s role as a key gateway for global travel.”

City leaders were quick to champion the news. “The addition of a direct flight to Abu Dhabi reinforces Charlotte as a world-class city,” said Charlotte Mayor Vi Lyles. “These new, nonstop flights will be sure to welcome both increased tourism and new business to our region.”

Photo: Courtesy of Charlotte Douglas International Airport

With U.S. Customs and Border Protection Preclearance in Abu Dhabi, Charlotte-bound passengers will arrive as domestic travelers—a major perk for frequent flyers.

Skepticism Amid the Celebration

Despite the fanfare, the announcement caught local officials off guard. As pointed out by industry watchdog @xJonNYC on X, The Charlotte Ledger said that airport staff only learned of the new route two days before it was made public. Kaitlin Price, CLT’s airline affairs manager, was first contacted by Etihad on Wednesday. By Friday morning, the press release was out, and tickets were already on sale.

Photo: Charlotte. Courtesy of Etihad

The surprise rollout raises questions about long-term demand. Charlotte has no significant UAE expatriate population, and some analysts are skeptical that the route can sustain itself without strong connecting traffic.

Etihad is banking on both leisure and business travelers from across the Southeast and the appeal of one-stop access to markets in the Gulf, South Asia, and Southeast Asia.

Boeing Order Reflects Bigger Ambitions

The Charlotte launch comes alongside a major fleet announcement. Etihad confirmed an order for 28 wide-body Boeing aircraft, including 787s and the next-generation 777X, to be delivered from 2028. The aircraft will be powered by U.S.-made GE engines and bundled with a service package to enhance performance and reliability.

“This commitment reflects our approach of carefully managing our fleet and expanding in line with demand and our long-term network plans,” said Neves.

Photo: Etihad, Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner. Courtesy of Etihad Airways

Currently, the Abu Dhabi-based carrier operates a fleet of 100 aircraft, averaging 9 years of age. With this order, Etihad aims to double its size by 2030 with a network that supports both global connectivity and long-haul efficiency. The new order is part of a broader strategy that will guide the airline through 2035.

“Etihad’s continued growth supports broader economic opportunity in the UAE and beyond,” Neves added. “This latest step ensures we continue to meet our future requirements.”

A U.S. Growth Strategy That’s Gaining Altitude

With its Atlanta service launching this summer and Charlotte now on deck, Etihad’s U.S. expansion strategy is moving beyond the traditional gateway cities. The carrier is positioning itself as a premium option not only for travelers to Abu Dhabi, but also for one-stop connections to India, Pakistan, Southeast Asia, and Africa.

For business travelers based in the Southeast or connecting through CLT, the new route offers a time-saving alternative to transiting via New York (JFK) or Europe—especially with preclearance and a modern fleet.

Photo: Courtesy of Etihad

Etihad’s surprise Charlotte entry is a bold move in a market with uncertain demand. But it’s also a signal: the UAE’s national airline is intent on becoming a more prominent player in America’s global travel landscape—and it’s willing to act quickly to stake its claim.