Etihad Expands A350 Service to Toronto and Boosts Boston Flights to Daily

Etihad Airways is expanding its reach and upgrading its onboard experience by introducing daily flights to Boston, debuting its new Airbus A350 in Toronto, and bringing Diwali festivities to the skies with authentic Indian cuisine.

On October 27, Etihad launched the Airbus A350 on its daily route between Abu Dhabi and Toronto Pearson Airport, offering a modern and luxurious interior with 44 seats in Etihad’s newest Business Cabin to the Canadian market.

Photo: Courtesy of Etihad

“We have seen significant demand on our Boston and Toronto routes,” says Arik De, Etihad’s Chief Revenue and Commercial Officer. “This expanding capacity gives our North American corporate and leisure travelers greater choice and flexibility when planning trips to the UAE and beyond to the Gulf region and the Indian subcontinent.”

With 42 weekly flights across North America—including twice daily to New York JFK and daily to Boston, Chicago, Toronto, and Washington DC—Etihad is ramping up services in response to growing demand.

Photo: Courtesy of Etihad

Passengers flying from Abu Dhabi to the U.S. can also take advantage of the U.S. Customs and Border Protection pre-clearance facility in Abu Dhabi, simplifying entry into the United States.

Boston Route Now Daily

Responding to growing interest, Etihad has increased its Boston route frequency to daily flights as of November 1, just six months after launching service to Massachusetts. According to De, this boost represents the airline’s “ambitious growth plans for 2024.”

Photo: Courtesy of Etihad Airways

In addition, Etihad is enticing travelers with its complimentary stopover program in Abu Dhabi, where guests can turn a layover into a short stay at premium hotels, experiencing the city’s unique blend of cultural heritage and modern attractions.

The program allows up to two free nights for passengers, making the airline’s hub an inviting destination in itself.

A Culinary Celebration of Diwali

This week, as travelers celebrate Diwali, Etihad is bringing the festive spirit to the skies with a delightful spread of traditional sweets.

On October 31 and November 1, guests flying to and from India and selected routes to the U.K., U.S., Canada, and Sri Lanka will enjoy an assortment of beloved Indian treats. The selection includes Laddu, Gulab Jamun, Jalebi, and other festive favorites.

“Food is deeply personal and connects us to our culture and traditions,” noted Turky Al Hammadi, Etihad’s Director of Product and Hospitality. “Working with local culinary experts across our network allows us to bring authentic dishes to our guests, ensuring they experience genuine flavors that remind them of home.”

Photo: Courtesy of Etihad

Marking 20 years of service to India, Etihad has partnered with regional catering providers to deliver a dining experience that showcases authentic Indian flavors on its routes to 11 Indian cities.

From Maharashtrian delicacies on Mumbai flights to rich Mughlai fare from New Delhi, each meal recalls the local culture of the departure city, bringing a taste of home to passengers across all cabin classes.

The airline has introduced an enticing selection of traditional Diwali sweets to celebrate the festive season. Passengers can look forward to enjoying delectable treats such as the rich and sweet Laddu, the creamy and delightful milk-based Barfi, the aromatic cardamom-spiced Peda, the fragrant rose-scented Gulab Jamun, and the crispy, syrup-soaked golden Jalebi.

Photo: Etihad, Airbus A350-1000, Business Class. Courtesy of Anosh Tamboowala

In addition, beloved festive favorites like the crumbly Kalakhand, the sweet and flaky Gujhia, and the unique honeycomb-textured Ghewar will also be available.

Etihad says these special desserts will be served across all cabins on flights to and from India. Furthermore, they will be offered on flights to key international destinations, including London and Manchester in the U.K., Boston, Chicago, New York, and Washington, D.C. in the U.S., as well as to Toronto in Canada and Colombo in Sri Lanka.

Looking Ahead: New Destinations on the Horizon

With the A350 raising the level of Etihad’s North American routes and the daily Boston service already underway, the airline is preparing to announce additional destinations by year-end.

Photo: Etihad, Airbus A350-1000. Courtesy of Anosh Tamboowala

“The introduction of our A350 to Toronto and expanding to daily services to Boston reflect our ambitious growth plans in 2024,” said De, hinting at further developments in Etihad’s global network.

As Etihad continues to elevate its in-flight experience with enhanced seating, tailored cuisine, and cultural celebrations, it solidifies its position as a global leader in both passenger satisfaction and cultural connection, reflecting the diverse and welcoming ethos of Abu Dhabi.