Etihad Airways, the national carrier of the United Arab Emirates, has added seven new destinations to its ever-expanding international network, reinforcing its strategy to bring more point-to-point traffic directly into Abu Dhabi.
The Etihad Airways’ newly announced routes are to Almaty (Kazakhstan), Baku (Azerbaijan), Bucharest (Romania), Medina (Saudi Arabia), Tbilisi (Georgia), Tashkent (Uzbekistan), and Yerevan (Armenia). This will bolster Abu Dhabi’s reputation as a growing destination for tourism, culture, business, and global commerce.
Flight tickets are expected to go on sale in the coming days, with most services scheduled to begin in March 2026. However, the Medina route will precede that, launching in November 2025. These seven additions bring Etihad’s total number of new routes for 2025 to 29, building on earlier announcements of both year-round and seasonal services.
Antonoaldo Neves, Chief Executive Officer at Etihad Airways, outlined that the airline’s clear objective is to increase direct inbound traffic to Abu Dhabi by connecting the airline to culturally rich, fast-developing regions. Neves emphasized that each new route adds depth to Etihad’s global network and supports tourism and trade growth in the UAE capital.
Antonoaldo Neves Chief Executive Officer- Etihad Airways
“With these seven additions, Etihad will have launched 29 new routes in a single year, a remarkable milestone that reflects our ambition and commitment to Abu Dhabi’s growth. From the spiritual significance of Medina 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 travelers with diverse interests. With these seven additions, Etihad will have launched 29 new routes in a single year, a remarkable milestone that reflects our ambition and commitment to 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.”
This network expansion follows earlier inaugural flights this year to Prague, Warsaw, Sochi, and Atlanta, with the airline also planning up to 13 additional routes before year-end. Recently, Etihad Airways had announced three more seasonal summer destinations for 2026: Krakow in Poland, Salalah in Oman, and Kazan in Russia, to operate during the summer season.
By expanding its network across these strategic markets, Etihad aims to enhance cultural and business links, attract tourists and business travelers, and offer diverse travel options. The move further establishes Abu Dhabi as a global hub, adding to its credentials as a destination of choice for international visitors and investors.
With these latest additions, Etihad Airways reinforces its position as a dynamic global carrier, contributing to the ongoing development of the UAE’s capital. The airline’s continuous route expansion emphasizes Abu Dhabi’s emerging status as a world-class travel hub and showcases the city’s readiness to welcome visitors from diverse parts of the world with increased connectivity and seamless access.
