Etihad Airways has announced the launch of 10 new destinations in 2025, further connecting Abu Dhabi to key cities in the Asia-Pacific, Africa, and the United States. These routes aim to cater to the increasing number of tourists and expatriates from these regions living in the UAE.
Starting in July 2025, Etihad will begin flights to Taipei, Medan, Phnom Penh, Krabi, Chiang Mai, Hong Kong, Hanoi, Tunis, Algiers, and Atlanta. According to Arik De Chief, Revenue and Commercial Officer at Etihad, the airline will be the only non-stop carrier from the UAE to many of these cities, such as Medan in North Sumatra.
The airline has also optimized its routes to improve connectivity between Asia and Europe. For example, travelers flying from Hanoi to Paris will find faster connections with Etihad than with other airlines in the region, thanks to its enhanced route network.
Etihad’s plans include addressing the demand from residents of Tunisian and Algerian origin in Abu Dhabi. Flights to Tunis will begin with three weekly services on November 1, followed by four weekly flights to Algiers on November 7. Over 25,000 Algerians and 47,000 Tunisians currently living in the UAE will benefit from these new connections, which will reduce their reliance on other carriers.
Another significant addition is Atlanta, which will see four weekly flights starting July 2. This will be Etihad’s fifth direct destination in the United States, joining New York, Washington, Chicago, and Boston. Arik highlighted Atlanta’s importance as a major American city and the lack of direct flights from the UAE, which gives Etihad a competitive advantage.
Etihad forecasts 2025 as its “biggest year,” with plans to operate 115 aircraft and serve over 18 million passengers, a significant jump from the 10 million passengers it carried in 2022. CEO Antonaldo Neves emphasized that the airline’s growth has been sustainable, with profits rising steadily.
The airline is also heavily investing in its European network, having increased flight capacity to Europe by 40% this year and planning a 36% increase next year. Major European cities like London, Paris, Munich, and Rome now see two daily flights, enhancing connectivity and positioning Abu Dhabi as a key hub for global travelers.
With these ambitious plans, Etihad continues to strengthen its global network while ensuring profitability and sustainability.
