Etihad's route expansion: What's behind the 7 new destinations?

Gulf Business

18 hours ago

Image credit: WAM/Website
Etihad Airways, the national airline of the UAE, has announced seven new destinations as part of its continuing strategy to expand point-to-point connectivity and bring more travellers directly to Abu Dhabi.
The new routes include Almaty (Kazakhstan), Baku (Azerbaijan), Bucharest (Romania), Madinah (Saudi Arabia), Tbilisi (Georgia), Tashkent (Uzbekistan), and Yerevan (Armenia)—each chosen for its cultural significance, tourism potential, and growing demand for travel.
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Flights to these destinations will go on sale in the coming days, with services beginning in March 2026. However, Madinah will launch earlier, in November 2025.
Strengthening Abu Dhabi as a global hub
These additions bring
'Our goal is clear—we want to bring more people directly to Abu Dhabi,' said Antonoaldo Neves, Chief Executive Officer of Etihad Airways. 'These new routes connect us to fast-growing, culturally rich regions and will help stimulate demand for tourism and trade in the UAE's capital.
'From the spiritual significance of Madinah to the historic charm of Tbilisi and Yerevan, and the modern vibrancy of cities like Baku and Almaty, each destination adds depth to our growing network and attracts travellers with diverse interests.'
Neves added that launching 29 new routes in one year marks a 'remarkable milestone' and showcases the airline's commitment to supporting Abu Dhabi's growth.
'Whether for business or leisure, guests can expect a seamless journey and world-class hospitality that reflects Etihad's elevated service. These connections make it easier than ever to experience everything Abu Dhabi has to offer.'
Ongoing route expansion in 2025
So far in 2025,
This announcement also follows Etihad's recent reveal of three new seasonal summer destinations for 2026: Krakow (Poland), Salalah (Oman), and Kazan (Russia), which will operate during peak travel months.
Destination Highlights
Each new city on Etihad's network offers unique cultural, historical, and leisure appeal:
Madinah, Saudi Arabia:
One of Islam's holiest cities, Madinah welcomes travellers with its serene atmosphere, striking architecture, and the revered Prophet's Mosque, a major pilgrimage site. The city's expanding infrastructure offers comfort and convenience for spiritual and leisure visitors alike.
Bucharest, Romania:
Romania's capital combines elegant architecture, vibrant culture, and bustling streets, making it a stylish and energetic destination with distinct Central European charm.
Tbilisi, Georgia:
A city full of old-world charm and modern flair, Tbilisi sits along the Kura River and features colourful balconies, historic sulphur baths, and a thriving arts scene that reflects Georgia's rich identity.
Yerevan, Armenia:
One of the world's oldest continuously inhabited cities, Yerevan is known for its pink stone buildings, wide squares, and dramatic mountain views. Its museums and open-air cafes celebrate Armenian culture and creativity.
Baku, Azerbaijan:
Located on the Caspian Sea, Baku offers an eclectic mix of tradition and innovation—from centuries-old palaces to futuristic skyscrapers. Its seaside promenade and vibrant nightlife are popular with tourists and business travellers alike.
Almaty, Kazakhstan:
A city framed by the Tian Shan mountains, Almaty features tree-lined boulevards, green parks, and access to nearby ski resorts. It blends natural beauty with a modern, cosmopolitan lifestyle.
Tashkent, Uzbekistan:
Uzbekistan's capital is a city of contrasts, with historic architecture, lively bazaars, and a rapidly modernizing skyline. Tashkent offers a window into Central Asia's rich heritage and evolving future.
Further Expansion Announced in July
In an earlier announcement on July 2, 2025, Etihad revealed plans for seasonal flights to Kazan, Krakow, and Salalah, expanding its presence in Russia, Poland, and Oman, respectively.
These routes
10.2 million passengers in first half of 2025
Etihad's network expansion aligns with its strong performance in 2025. The airline transported 1.8 million passengers in June, a 16 per cent increase compared to June 2024. Its load factor rose to 88 per cent, up from 86 per cent the previous year, showing the airline's ability to match capacity with growing demand.
Etihad's current fleet of 101 aircraft supports this expansion and allows it to enhance service reliability across its network,
In total, 10.2 million passengers flew with Etihad in the first half of 2025, reflecting a 17 per cent increase year-on-year. The average load factor during this period was 87 per cent, reinforcing the airline's momentum and operational efficiency.
'We are pleased to see continued momentum in our growth,' said Neves. 'Our year-to-date figures show that more than 10 million guests have flown with us in 2025, and our rolling 12-month total has almost reached 20 million as our customers continue to place their trust in our service.'
Etihad's June growth also included inaugural flights to Prague and Warsaw, and the resumption of seasonal routes to summer destinations such as Nice, Malaga, Mykonos, Santorini, and Antalya.