by Mia Taylor
Last updated: 1:10 PM ET, Fri May 16, 2025
As part of the ongoing growth of its U.S. network, Etihad Airways is launching non-stop flights from Abu Dhabi to Charlotte, North Carolina.
The new route, slated to begin May 2026, marks Etihad’s sixth destination in the United States, joining New York, Chicago, Washington, Boston, and Atlanta, which is set to launch July 2. Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, is also the first airline from the Middle East region to fly directly to Charlotte.
The airline's new route will operate four times weekly on Etihad’s
flagship Boeing 787 Dreamliner, which features both Business and Economy
cabins.
“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,” Antonoaldo Neves, Chief Executive Officer, Etihad Airways, said in a. statement.
“We’re excited to be the first airline from our region to serve this market, and we look forward to connecting more travelers to Abu Dhabi and beyond,” Neves added.
In late 2024, Etihad unveiled an ambitious expansion plan for the future that included 10
destinations across three continents. The Gulf
carrier has promised to
provide guests with a route map filled with the most sought-after
destinations.
Charlotte Douglas International Airport is one of the busiest airports in the world, ranking sixth globally for aircraft movements in 2024. The city of Charlotte is home to major U.S. corporations and draws millions of visitors annually for both business and leisure.
With early morning departures from Abu Dhabi and midday returns, the new Etihad Airways route has been designed to provide convenient onward connections via Etihad’s global network.
Tickets for the new route are now on sale on etihad.com.
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