Etihad Upgrades Atlanta Route to Daily as Bookings Exceed Expectations

Etihad is doubling down on its U.S. expansion, increasing its soon-to-launch service between Abu Dhabi and Atlanta to a daily frequency starting November 1.

Originally announced as a four-times-weekly route beginning July 2, the decision to boost service evidences the strong demand for the airline’s newest U.S. destination.

Atlanta, Georgia / Photo: ibuki Tsubo / Unsplash

“Since announcing our flights to Atlanta in November, we’ve seen great interest from guests, and that’s why we have decided to step up to daily flights on this already very popular route,” says Jurriaan Stelder, Etihad’s Senior Vice President of Network and Alliances.

The Abu Dhabi-based carrier will operate the flights with its 371-seat Airbus A350-1000, featuring 44 business class seats and 327 in economy.

Atlanta’s Second UAE Link, Years After Delta

The new link between the Middle East and the world’s busiest airport will be one of Etihad’s longest routes, surpassing its current Abu Dhabi-Sydney route in distance.

The last time Atlanta had direct service to the UAE was in 2016, when Delta ended its Dubai route amid ongoing disputes between U.S. and Gulf carriers over alleged government subsidies.

Photo: Abu Dhabi. Courtesy of Kamil Rogalinski / Unsplash

But with Etihad’s entrance into Atlanta, it reintroduces direct Middle East connectivity, positioning itself as an alternative for travelers heading to South Asia and beyond.

In fact, according to Stelder, the Atlanta route will facilitate seamless one-stop connections to key South Asian destinations such as Bengaluru, Chennai, Mumbai, and Karachi.

Etihad’s Growing U.S. Presence

The addition of Atlanta brings Etihad’s U.S. network to five destinations, joining New York (JFK), Washington Dulles (IAD), Chicago (ORD), and Boston (BOS).

Once the Atlanta flights become daily in November, the airline will operate six daily departures to the U.S.—a return to a more robust schedule not seen since before the airline’s network restructuring in the late 2010s.

Photo: First Class, Airbus A380. Courtesy of Etihad

According to the airline’s timetables, as of November 2024, Etihad will operate daily flights from Abu Dhabi to Atlanta and Chicago O’Hare on the A350-1000, while Boston and Washington Dulles will be operated with the Boeing 787-9.

Additionally, there are twice-daily flights to JFK, operated by the airline’s Airbus A380 and 787-9.

U.S. Preclearance and a New Lounge in Abu Dhabi

With the addition of Atlanta to its network, Etihad will put to better use its U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Preclearance facility in Abu Dhabi, which allows passengers to complete American immigration and customs checks before departure, arriving in the U.S. as domestic travelers—significantly reducing wait times upon landing.

To enhance the experience for precleared travelers, Etihad recently unveiled a dedicated U.S. Preclearance Lounge at Zayed International Airport. Located just steps from the CBP facility, the lounge provides a space for premium passengers to relax after clearing formalities.

Photo: Courtesy of Etihad Airways

Eligible travelers include those flying in Etihad’s First or Business Class cabins, passengers booked in The Residence on the A380, and top-tier members of the airline’s frequent flyer program.

John Wright, Etihad’s Chief Operations & Guest Officer, emphasized the strategic significance of the new lounge. “By combining our premium lounge service with the convenience of U.S. Preclearance, we’re offering our guests an elevated journey through Abu Dhabi before they even board their flight.”

Abu Dhabi’s Global Vision

According to Etihad, its expansion into Atlanta is part of a larger global growth strategy. The airline recently announced ten new destinations, including its return to the U.S. Southeast, as well as new routes to Taipei, Medan, Phnom Penh, Krabi, Tunis, Chiang Mai, Hanoi, Hong Kong, and Algiers.

Antonoaldo Neves, Etihad’s CEO, framed the expansion as a major step toward solidifying Abu Dhabi’s role as a global aviation hub. “Launching ten new destinations in a single day underscores our unwavering commitment to growing our airline with a fantastic route network and world-class, customer-focused service.”

Photo: Courtesy of Etihad

Neves noted that by 2025, Etihad expects to operate a fleet of more than 110 aircraft, welcome over 20 million passengers annually, and bring more than a million visitors to Abu Dhabi as part of the UAE capital’s tourism strategy.

With the addition of Atlanta, Etihad is making a calculated move into one of the country’s largest air travel markets. As demand for international travel continues to grow, the airline’s daily service is set to provide business and leisure travelers with a crucial new link between the Middle East and the southeastern United States.