Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, has undergone a remarkable transformation since its inception in 2003.
From its hub in Abu Dhabi, Etihad now serves over 80 destinations across six continents, offering a blend of luxury, connectivity, and cultural experiences.
Etihad destinations, The airline has embarked on an ambitious expansion strategy, introducing 29 new routes to cities in Europe, Asia, Africa, and North America.
Etihad’s Global Reach:
1. Middle East & Central Asia
Etihad’s Middle Eastern network is robust, connecting Abu Dhabi to major cities such as Cairo, Amman, Beirut, Kuwait City, and Riyadh. In 2025, the airline launched direct flights to Kabul, Afghanistan, with three weekly services starting in December AP News. Additionally, new routes to Almaty (Kazakhstan), Baku (Azerbaijan), Bucharest (Romania), Medina (Saudi Arabia), Tbilisi (Georgia), Tashkent (Uzbekistan), and Yerevan (Armenia) are set to commence between November 2025 and March 2026 Etihad Global.
2. Europe
Etihad continues to strengthen its European presence with new destinations such as Prague, Warsaw, and Sochi. The airline has also deepened its partnership with Air Europa, increasing its flights to Madrid and enhancing connectivity to Latin America Cinco Días. Seasonal services to Santorini, Málaga, and Palma de Mallorca cater to leisure travelers seeking Mediterranean escapes.
3. North America
In North America, Etihad has expanded its reach with new routes to Boston, Charlotte, and Atlanta. The airline’s Charlotte service, starting in May 2026, will be the city’s first direct flight to the Middle East, operated by a Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner Axios. These additions complement existing services to New York, Washington, D.C., and Toronto.
4. Africa
Etihad’s African network includes destinations like Nairobi, Addis Ababa, and Casablanca. The airline commenced flights to Addis Ababa in October 2025 under a joint venture with Ethiopian Airlines, enhancing connectivity between the UAE and Ethiopia Reuters.
5. Asia & Australia
In Asia, Etihad serves cities such as Bangkok, Beijing, Jakarta, Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, and Seoul. The airline has introduced seasonal services to Chiang Mai and Krabi in Thailand, and to Hanoi in Vietnam. In Australia, Etihad continues to operate flights to Melbourne and Sydney, providing connections to and from Abu Dhabi.
Fleet and Service Enhancements:
Etihad’s fleet includes a mix of wide-body aircraft like the Airbus A380 and Boeing 787, and narrow-body planes such as the Airbus A321. In September 2025, the airline launched its new Airbus A321LR on the Abu Dhabi–Kolkata route, offering a wide-body cabin experience on a narrow-body aircraft The Times of India.
This move reflects Etihad’s commitment to enhancing passenger comfort and operational efficiency.
1. Strategic Alliances
Etihad has strengthened its global network through strategic partnerships. The expanded alliance with Air Europa enhances connectivity between the Middle East and Latin America, offering passengers more travel options and seamless connections Cinco Días. These collaborations complement Etihad’s existing codeshare agreements and joint ventures, broadening its reach and service offerings.
Recommended: Etihad Destinations | Top Places You Can Fly
2. Notable New Destinations
-
Kabul, Afghanistan: Direct flights commenced in December 2025, enhancing connectivity between the UAE and Afghanistan AP News.
-
Charlotte, USA: New service starting May 2026, marking the city’s first direct flight to the Middle East Axios.
-
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia: Launched in October 2025 under a joint venture with Ethiopian Airlines Reuters.
-
Santorini, Greece: Seasonal service introduced for summer 2026, catering to leisure travelers Etihad Global.
-
Tbilisi, Georgia: Scheduled to begin in March 2026, expanding Etihad’s presence in the Caucasus region Etihad Global.
Visualizing Etihad’s Network:
For an interactive exploration of Etihad Airways’ destinations, you can refer to their interactive route map. This tool allows travelers to plan their journeys and discover new destinations within Etihad’s extensive network.
Note: Etihad Airways’ 2025 expansion underscores its commitment to connecting Abu Dhabi with the world. By introducing new routes, enhancing fleet capabilities, and forming strategic alliances, Etihad continues to offer passengers a gateway to diverse cultures and destinations. Whether for business or leisure, Etihad’s growing network provides ample opportunities for travelers to explore the globe.
