MUMBAI- Etihad Airways (EY) GM of the Indian subcontinent, while speaking with DH, stated that London Heathrow (LHR) and the United States (especially New York JFK) stand out as the top preferences for their Indian passengers.
The travel demand between the UAE and India is rapidly recovering and demonstrating continuous growth. Indian travelers are increasingly drawn to luxury experiences, cultural exploration, and international destinations.
Etihad New York and London Flights
The consistent popularity of routes to JFK facilitated by the introduction of the Airbus A380 and Abu Dhabi’s US pre-clearance services has contributed to the sustained appeal of these destinations throughout the year.
In an era marked by significant growth in India’s air traffic, with domestic airlines expanding to international destinations and global carriers extending their presence in the country, Etihad Airways, the national carrier of the UAE, is poised to initiate direct flights from its hub in Abu Dhabi to Kozhikode and Thiruvananthapuram starting January 1, 2024.
This move will increase its total number of destinations in India to 10. In a conversation with Deccan Herald leading up to this launch, Salil Nath, General Manager – Indian Subcontinent, Etihad Airways, provided insights into the airline’s key priorities in India, the latest travel trends, expansion plans, and the dynamics of the global aviation market.
Equipped with a fleet comprising 82 aircraft, we are thrilled to unveil the much-anticipated return of the A380 this year.
This significant addition will contribute additional capacity to key destinations like London Heathrow (LHR) and New York (JFK), ultimately enhancing our connectivity to various parts of India.
Etihad is actively strengthening its network, expanding routes, and optimizing its fleet. Our efforts include increasing capacity to international destinations and introducing new ones, such as Nice on the Cote d’Azur.
India is an Important Market
India stands out as one of the largest and most influential markets for Etihad globally. This year’s celebration of our two-decade anniversary underscores the tremendous potential inherent in this market.
Etihad is crucial in facilitating travel and trade between the UAE and India. Our approach to network planning has been pragmatic, concentrating on seizing new opportunities in response to growth and demand.
Consequently, our network has steadily expanded, currently encompassing 10 major cities, including Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Chennai, Mumbai, New Delhi, Hyderabad, Kochi, Kolkata, and now, Kozhikode and Thiruvananthapuram.
The aviation market in India is highly competitive, featuring a multitude of airlines operating both domestically and internationally.
Consequently, airlines and the entire industry must diligently observe and adjust to the dynamic demand, striving to maintain its strength and accessibility for a diverse range of travelers.
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