Latest news with #EtihadCEO
Arabian Business
a day ago
- Business
- Arabian Business
Etihad Airways adds seven new destinations including in major expansion
Etihad Airways has unveiled seven new destinations as part of its strategy to increase point-to-point traffic to Abu Dhabi. The airline will launch services to Almaty in Kazakhstan, Baku in Azerbaijan, Bucharest in Romania, Medina in Saudi Arabia, Tbilisi in Georgia, Tashkent in Uzbekistan, and Yerevan in Armenia. The new routes will strengthen Abu Dhabi's position as a hub for tourism, culture, and commerce. Flight bookings will open over the next few days, with services beginning in March 2026. Medina will begin operations in November 2025. These destinations bring Etihad's total number of new routes for 2025 to 27, following earlier announcements of year-round routes and seasonal services. 'Our goal is clear, we want to bring more people directly to Abu Dhabi. 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,' Antonoaldo Neves, Etihad's Chief Executive Officer said. The expansion forms part of Etihad's ongoing network development strategy to establish Abu Dhabi as a destination rather than merely a transit point for passengers.
Emirates 24/7
a day ago
- Business
- Emirates 24/7
Etihad announces seven new destinations
Etihad Airways has announced seven additional new destinations to further expand its network as part of its ongoing strategy to bring more point-to-point traffic directly to Abu Dhabi. The new destinations - Almaty, Kazakhstan; Baku, Azerbaijan; Bucharest, Romania; Medina, Saudi Arabia; Tbilisi, Georgia; Tashkent, Uzbekistan; and Yerevan, Armenia - will further strengthen Abu Dhabi's position as a thriving hub for tourism, culture, and commerce. The flights are set to go on sale over the next few days, and services will begin in March 2026, with Medina to start operating in November 2025. These latest additions bring Etihad's total number of new destinations for 2025 to 27, following earlier announcements of year-round routes and seasonal services. Antonoaldo Neves, Etihad's Chief Executive Officer, said, 'Our goal is clear, we want to bring more people directly to Abu Dhabi. 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." Follow Emirates 24|7 on Google News.
Khaleej Times
a day ago
- Business
- Khaleej Times
Etihad Airways announces 7 new routes across GCC, Asia, Caucasus regions
Abu Dhabi-based Etihad Airways on Tuesday announced seven new destinations across the Gulf, Europe, the Caucasus and Central Asia regions to further expand its network as part of its strategy to bring more point-to-point traffic directly to Abu Dhabi. The new destinations are Almaty, Kazakhstan; Baku, Azerbaijan; Bucharest, Romania; Madina, Saudi Arabia; Tbilisi, Georgia; Tashkent, Uzbekistan; and Yerevan, Armenia. The flight tickets are set to go on sale over the next few days, and services will begin in March 2026, with Madina to start operating in November 2025. These latest additions bring Etihad's total number of new destinations for 2025 to 27, following earlier announcements of year-round routes and seasonal services. 'Our goal is clear: we want to bring more people directly to Abu Dhabi. 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,' said Antonoaldo Neves, Etihad's chief executive officer. 'With these seven additions, Etihad will have launched 27 new routes in a single year – a remarkable milestone that reflects our ambition and commitment to Abu Dhabi's growth,' he said. Etihad has launched inaugural flights to four new destinations this year – Prague, Warsaw, Sochi and Atlanta - and is set to add another 13 routes before the year closes. The announcement comes just days after Etihad unveiled three new seasonal summer destinations for 2026: Kraków in Poland, Salalah in Oman, and Kazan in Russia, all set to operate during the peak travel months.
Gulf Business
a day ago
- Business
- Gulf Business
Etihad's route expansion: What's behind the 7 new destinations?
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. Read- 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.
