Etihad Airways adds seven new destinations as it strengthens Abu Dhabi hub

UAE – Etihad Airways, the United Arab Emirates’ national carrier, has revealed plans to introduce seven additional destinations to its expanding global network.

This initiative forms part of Etihad’s ongoing strategy to increase direct point-to-point air traffic through its Abu Dhabi hub, reinforcing the city’s status as a key centre for tourism, culture, and international business.

The new routes announced include Almaty in Kazakhstan, Baku in Azerbaijan, Bucharest in Romania, Medina in Saudi Arabia, Tbilisi in Georgia, Tashkent in Uzbekistan, and Yerevan in Armenia.

These destinations add significant geographic diversity to Etihad’s portfolio, linking Abu Dhabi with key cities across the Caucasus, Central Asia, and Eastern Europe regions.

Etihad plans to launch services to Medina in Saudi Arabia starting November 2025, catering to religious and leisure travelers alike.

The remaining six destinations will commence from March 2026, with ticket sales expected to open in the coming days.

By targeting these growing markets, Etihad aims to tap into increasing demand for direct connections and offer seamless travel options for both business and leisure passengers.

With the addition of these seven cities, Etihad’s tally of new destinations for 2025 reaches 29.

This milestone follows earlier announcements that included both year-round flights and seasonal services, reflecting Etihad’s commitment to agile route management and strategic network growth.

Abu Dhabi benefits from these expansions by further solidifying its role as a dynamic aviation hub linking Asia, Europe, and the Middle East.

The new connections underscore the emirate’s appeal as a business centre and tourism gateway, attracting visitors from a range of emerging markets.

Etihad’s approach supports Abu Dhabi’s broader economic vision of diversification and enhanced global integration.

Etihad’s expanding network not only enriches travel options for customers but also strengthens partnerships across the aviation industry.

The carrier continues to focus on delivering world-class service, extensive connectivity, and innovative travel experiences, aligning with rising traveler expectations.

As global air travel recovers and grows, these latest additions demonstrate Etihad Airways’ proactive efforts to optimize its hub and provide meaningful, direct routes.

The airline is poised to continue playing a central role in connecting Abu Dhabi with the wider world throughout 2025 and beyond.

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