Etihad Expands Abu Dhabi-London Service with New Daily Slot
Etihad Airways is expanding its services between Abu Dhabi and London Heathrow Airport (LHR) for the summer 2025 season by leasing an additional daily slot from American Airlines. Effective from March 30 to October 25, 2025, this new arrangement will enable Etihad to introduce a fifth daily flight on the 3,426-mile (2,977-nautical mile) route, marking a significant enhancement to its network in one of the world’s most competitive markets.
According to documents published by slot coordinator Airport Coordination Ltd., the additional slot was previously held by American Airlines for flights between LHR and U.S. destinations such as Philadelphia and Dallas/Fort Worth. Now, Etihad will use this slot to bolster its already robust network from Abu Dhabi’s Zayed International Airport (AUH) to London Heathrow. The new service, designated EY703/704, will be operated using an Airbus A321 aircraft, which will become the farthest route in the airline’s network for this type of jet. This expansion pushes the boundaries of the A321’s operational capabilities beyond the current longest route from Abu Dhabi to Phnom Penh, Cambodia.
Etihad’s fleet and network strength are further reinforced by the carrier’s growing investment in the Airbus A321neo family. According to data from CAPA – Centre for Aviation, Etihad currently operates nine A321s along with six A321neos, which were previously operated by Vietnamese airline Bamboo Airways. The addition of the first A321neo to Etihad’s fleet in May 2024 has already provided the airline with enhanced fuel efficiency, improved passenger comfort, and operational flexibility. The new A321 flight on the Abu Dhabi-London route is set to build on these benefits, offering a more cost-effective yet competitive product on a high-profile long-haul route.
Currently, Etihad offers four daily flights between Abu Dhabi and London Heathrow, using a mix of Airbus A380-800, Boeing 787-9, and 787-10 aircraft. According to OAG Schedules Analyser data, these combined services deliver approximately 21,000 two-way weekly seats between the two destinations. With the addition of the new daily slot, Etihad is well-positioned to capture a larger share of the lucrative London market while providing passengers with increased flight frequencies and greater scheduling flexibility.
This strategic expansion is also timed to capitalize on market dynamics in Europe. British Airways, one of the key competitors operating on the same route, is set to suspend its LHR-AUH flights from late March through October 25, 2025, due to supply chain issues linked to Rolls-Royce Trent 1000 engines for its Boeing 787 fleet. With British Airways pausing operations on this route temporarily, Etihad’s enhanced schedule provides the airline with an excellent opportunity to attract more passengers seeking reliable and convenient travel between Abu Dhabi and London.
By adding an extra daily flight, Etihad not only addresses growing demand but also strengthens its position in the increasingly competitive transcontinental market. The airline’s innovative approach, combined with fleet modernization and strategic slot acquisitions, demonstrates a long-term commitment to expanding its global network and delivering an exceptional passenger experience.
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