Etihad Airways Launches 10 New Routes for 2025

Etihad Airways has announced the addition of 10 new destinations to its network for 2025, including major cities such as Atlanta, Hong Kong, and Taipei. This strategic expansion aims to enhance connectivity from its hub at Zayed International Airport (AUH) in Abu Dhabi and attract more visitors to the United Arab Emirates.

The Abu Dhabi-based carrier revealed that seven of the new routes will be operated using the Airbus A321LR, which Etihad plans to start receiving next year. Arik De, Etihad Airways’ Chief Revenue and Commercial Officer, highlighted at the recent Routes World conference in Bahrain that the narrowbody A321LR will enable the airline to serve new destinations that are not feasible with widebody aircraft like the Boeing 787 and Airbus A350.

One of the standout additions is the AUH to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) route, which will commence on July 5, 2025. This route will be operated four times weekly using an Airbus A350, connecting to the world’s busiest passenger airport. Additionally, from September 7, Etihad will launch daily flights between AUH and Taipei with a Boeing 787, followed by three-times-weekly A321LR flights to Medan, Indonesia, starting October 2.

Further expanding its Southeast Asian footprint, Etihad will introduce flights between AUH and Phnom Penh, Cambodia, on October 3, operating five times weekly with an A321LR. On October 9, daily services to Krabi, Thailand, will begin using the A321LR, and from November 1, three-times-weekly flights to Tunis, Tunisia, will be available. Starting November 3, Etihad will add four-times-weekly flights to Chiang Mai, Thailand, and daily flights to Hanoi, Vietnam, both operated with the A321LR. The same day, five-times-weekly Boeing 787 flights to Hong Kong will launch, followed by four-times-weekly A321LR services to Algiers, Algeria, on November 7.

In addition to these ten new routes, Etihad Airways previously announced plans to add Al Alamein, Egypt; Prague, Czech Republic; and Warsaw, Poland to its 2025 network. These routes are scheduled to begin in June and July 2025, with Al Alamein served twice weekly and Prague and Warsaw each served four times weekly.

Vincent Hodder, Etihad Airways’ CEO, emphasized that these new routes are part of the airline’s effort to create an “omni-directional” network leveraging AUH’s strategic location. He stated, “Announcing 10 new destinations in a single day underscores our unwavering commitment to growing our airline with a fantastic route network. AUH has ample space to accommodate our rapid growth.”

Etihad Airways is also planning to introduce additional routes in early 2025, further expanding its global footprint. The airline’s fleet is set to grow significantly, from 73 aircraft at the end of 2023 to 96 aircraft by the end of this year, and more than 110 aircraft by 2025. CEO Antonoaldo Neves highlighted that 2025 is expected to be a pivotal year for Etihad, with the airline aiming to carry 20 million passengers.

Passenger numbers have been on the rise, with Etihad carrying 13.6 million passengers for the nine months ending September 30, 2024, a 35% increase year-over-year. For the 12 months ending September 30, the airline transported 17.5 million passengers, marking a 75% increase from the 10 million passengers carried in the same period in 2022. This growth reflects Etihad’s strong recovery and rebound post-COVID-19.

The introduction of the Airbus A321LR and the expansion of the fleet are crucial to Etihad’s strategy to enhance connectivity and offer more direct flights to key global destinations. The new routes are expected to not only increase passenger traffic but also boost tourism and business travel to and from the United Arab Emirates.

Etihad Airways’ expansion plans underscore its commitment to providing enhanced connectivity and superior travel experiences. By adding these 10 new routes in 2025, Etihad aims to strengthen its position as a leading global airline, offering extensive options for both leisure and business travelers.

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