Etihad Unveils Bold Network Expansion: 7 New Destinations Set to Take Off!
The U.A.E. flag carrier is adding seven new destinations to its global network over the next few months and increasing frequencies on several other key routes
The new lighting system on Etihad’s A350 / Photo: Courtesy of Etihad Airways
Etihad Airways has unveiled an expansive network expansion strategy, introducing routes to seven new destinations that are set to commence later this year and continue into the following year.
The airline’s first new route will commence on September 28, linking Abu Dhabi (AUH) with Düsseldorf (DUS) in Germany. This route will offer travelers a convenient connection with free weekly flights.
Photo: Etihad, Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner. Courtesy of Etihad Airways
The expansion continues on September 29, launching a four-times-weekly service between Abu Dhabi and Copenhagen (CPH). Subsequently, on October 1, Etihad will inaugurate a five-times-weekly service to Osaka (ITM) in Japan, further broadening its global reach.
Continuing the trend, starting October 29, Etihad will establish a route connecting Abu Dhabi and St Petersburg (LED) in Russia. This new service will offer passengers three weekly flights between these cities, contributing to the airline’s growing network.
Building on its ambitious plans, Etihad has also unveiled its upcoming route additions for the following year. Commencing on January 1, 2024, the airline will introduce a notable expansion of connectivity between Abu Dhabi and India. Flights to Kozhikode (CCJ) and Thiruvananthapuram (TRV) are set to take off with a frequency of seven flights per week, enhancing travel options for passengers between the UAE and India.
Boston Harbor and Financial District / Photo: Marcio Jose Bastos Silva/Shutterstock
Etihad’s network expansion continues beyond there. On March 31, 2024, the airline is set to embark on another new journey, connecting Abu Dhabi with Boston Logan International (BOS). This route will offer travelers the convenience of four weekly flights, further strengthening Etihad’s presence in North America.
With these strategic additions to its network, Etihad Airways aims to provide enhanced travel options, increased connectivity, and seamless experiences for passengers traveling to and from diverse destinations across the globe.
Boosting Capacity on Existing Routes
In addition to introducing new destinations to Etihad’s already extensive global network, the flag carrier of the United Arab Emirates is also increasing capacity and frequencies on several existing routes as it attempts to attract even more customers as it makes a strong recovery from the effects of the pandemic as well as providing a boost to the economic growth of Abu Dhabi.
From September 15, 2023, Etihad is adding seven weekly flights to its Abu Dhabi to Chennai (MAA) route, taking the total frequency to 21 weekly flights. Then, on October 29, it will increase the number of flights to Frankfurt (FRA) to 11 per week, up from seven. Etihad’s 3x weekly service to Lisbon (LIS) will be extended to a year-round service on the same day.
Photo: Courtesy of Etihad Airways
On November 4, the airline will add four weekly flights to Rome, taking the total frequency to 11 weekly flights. Then, on November 21, it will increase frequency on five existing routes, with an additional three weekly services to Madrid (MAD), Milan (MXP), and Munich (MUC), seven more weekly flights to Phuket (HKT), and an additional eight weekly flights to Kochi (COK).
Finally, on January 1, 2024, Etihad will add two flights per week to Islamabad (ISB) and seven to Male (MLE) in the Maldives, taking the total frequencies on both routes to 14 per week, while it is also increasing flights to Cairo (CAI) from 16 to 21 per week.
“As we embark on Etihad’s next chapter targeting growth, our ambitious network and improved connectivity allows us to better serve Abu Dhabi and our valued guests, forming the basis of our future expansion while providing flexibility and freedom to adapt to new opportunities and markets,” said Antonoaldo Neves, CEO of Etihad Airways.
“By offering more travel options and seamless connections, we aim to attract an increasing number of visitors to Abu Dhabi, propelling economic growth for the city while enriching the travel experience for our passengers.”
