Etihad Airways launches direct flights from Abu Dhabi to Medina, strengthening connections to Saudi Arabia’s Holy City

UAE/SAUDI ARABIA – Etihad Airways has begun direct flights from Abu Dhabi to Medina this week, enhancing its growing presence in Saudi Arabia.

The new route aims to serve religious, business, and leisure travelers seeking seamless travel options.

The airline operates five weekly flights with its Airbus A321 aircraft, which will increase to six later this year.

The route links Abu Dhabi with Medina, a city of deep religious and cultural significance.

The flights support increasing demand from pilgrims and tourists seeking easy access to the Kingdom’s sacred sites.

The launch marks a strategic expansion and complements Etihad’s existing network of 93 weekly flights to five Saudi cities.

These include Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam, and Al Qassim.

The airline’s CEO, Antonoaldo Neves, expressed pride in expanding connectivity. He said, “The Medina route reflects our commitment to strengthening Abu Dhabi’s role as a major travel hub in the region.”

The new service offers both Business and Economy cabins designed for comfort.

Etihad also promotes Abu Dhabi’s hospitality through its Stopover Programme, which grants travelers two free nights at select hotels.

This initiative encourages visitors to experience Abu Dhabi’s cultural and entertainment attractions en route to Medina.

The new route further aligns with Saudi Arabia’s tourism expansion plans, aiming to attract 150 million visitors by 2030.

With Medina’s spiritual importance attracting millions annually, the route supports religious tourism, helping meet future traveler demand.

This expansion underscores Etihad’s strategy to solidify its presence in key Middle East markets and promote regional connectivity.

Etihad Airways has recently embarked on a significant expansion of its network, adding multiple new destinations across the Middle East and Africa in 2025.

Notable new routes launched include flights to Tunis, Hanoi, Chiang Mai, Hong Kong, Algiers, and Medina, highlighting the airline’s commitment to expanding connectivity and supporting inbound tourism and trade.

The carrier has also doubled its flights to Nairobi, Kenya, increasing to 14 weekly services by December 2025, and expanded service to the Seychelles, Johannesburg, Casablanca, Addis Ababa, and Algiers with increased frequencies.

These expansions support Etihad’s broader strategy of unlocking underserved medium-haul markets using fuel-efficient Airbus A321LR aircraft, enhancing connections between the UAE, Africa, and Asia.

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