Etihad Adds Sixth U.S. Destination

The airline is planning a new route.

An Etihad Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner (Photo: AirlineGeeks | Katie Zera)

[ Routes ]May 16, 2025 9:10 am ET

By Ryan Ewing

Etihad Airways will introduce new nonstop flights between Abu Dhabi and the U.S. next year.

Starting on May 4, 2026, the carrier will link its Abu Dhabi hub and Charlotte, North Carolina. This new service will operate four times a week using its Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner.

Charlotte will become the airline’s sixth destination in the U.S., joining New York, Chicago, Washington Dulles, Boston, and Atlanta, with the latter service set to begin on July 2.

The flight schedule is designed with early morning departures from Abu Dhabi and midday returns from Charlotte, the carrier shared. Flights are already available for sale.

“Charlotte represents a strategic addition to our U.S. network, unlocking direct access to one of the country’s most dynamic and fast-growing regions,” said Antonoaldo Neves, chief executive officer, Etihad Airways, in a news release. “We’re excited to be the first airline from our region to serve this market, and we look forward to connecting more travellers to Abu Dhabi and beyond.”

While Charlotte is a hub for American, it only sees service from a handful of international airlines. Air Canada and Volaris serve the market year-round, while Lufthansa offers long-haul flights to Munich.

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Ryan Ewing

Ryan founded AirlineGeeks.com back in February 2013 and has amassed considerable experience in the aviation sector. His work has been featured in several publications and news outlets, including CNN, WJLA, CNET, and Business Insider. During his time in the industry, he's worked in roles pertaining to airport/airline operations while holding a B.S. in Air Transportation Management from Arizona State University along with an MBA. Ryan has experience in several facets of the industry from behind the yoke of a Cessna 172 to interviewing airline industry executives. Ryan works for AirlineGeeks' owner FLYING Media, spearheading coverage in the commercial aviation space.

Follow Ryan

Author

Ryan Ewing

Ryan founded AirlineGeeks.com back in February 2013 and has amassed considerable experience in the aviation sector. His work has been featured in several publications and news outlets, including CNN, WJLA, CNET, and Business Insider. During his time in the industry, he's worked in roles pertaining to airport/airline operations while holding a B.S. in Air Transportation Management from Arizona State University along with an MBA. Ryan has experience in several facets of the industry from behind the yoke of a Cessna 172 to interviewing airline industry executives. Ryan works for AirlineGeeks' owner FLYING Media, spearheading coverage in the commercial aviation space.
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