ABU DHABI- Etihad Airways (EY) unveils ten (10) new destinations for 2025, marking a significant expansion of its global network.
The UAE national carrier advances its strategic growth plan to enhance Abu Dhabi’s (AUH) position as a global tourism and business center.
Etihad 10 New Destinations
CEO Antonoaldo Neves emphasizes the expansion’s direct response to customer demand. “We select destinations that align with our passengers’ diverse needs, from scenic landscapes to business opportunities,” states Neves.
The network expansion strengthens Abu Dhabi’s accessibility as a destination. The city offers year-round sunshine, international cuisine, cultural attractions, theme parks, and pristine beaches, positioning itself as a versatile destination for global travelers.
The announcement demonstrates Etihad’s largest single-day route expansion, showcasing the airline’s operational capabilities and service commitment. This development builds upon previously announced 2025 routes to Prague, Warsaw, and Al Alamein.
Enhanced Abu Dhabi Tourism Focus
The expansion plan projects tens of thousands of new visitors to Abu Dhabi, strengthening its position as a global tourism hub. Abu Dhabi strategically positions itself to attract international travelers through enhanced connectivity and hospitality services.
CEO Antonoaldo Neves highlights Zayed International Airport’s crucial role: “Our hub provides extensive capacity for growth while maintaining superior guest experiences.”
Etihad enhances its stopover program partnership with the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi. Travelers receive complimentary one or two-night hotel stays at premium Abu Dhabi hotels during their journey.
The airline projects significant operational milestones for 2025:
- Network expansion to 90+ destinations across 50+ countries
- Fleet growth exceeding 110 aircraft, including new A321LRs
- Passenger volume surpassing 20 million
- Target of one million visitors to Abu Dhabi
Etihad Guest loyalty program expands its benefits structure, offering enhanced mile earning and redemption opportunities. Members gain access to exclusive rewards across the expanded network.
Global Destinations for 2025
AFRICA
Etihad Airways launches routes to two key African destinations. Algiers, Algeria’s capital, combines French colonial architecture with Islamic heritage, featuring the historic Casbah district and Mediterranean coastline. Tunis, Tunisia’s capital, presents its UNESCO-listed medina and the archaeological site of ancient Carthage.
NORTH AMERICA
Atlanta marks Etihad’s strategic entry into the southeastern United States. The Georgia capital serves as a major business hub, featuring technology centers, professional sports venues, and diverse cultural attractions. The destination provides access to Georgia’s historical sites and agricultural regions.
ASIA
The airline strengthens its Asian network with seven new destinations. Hong Kong delivers its iconic skyline, financial district, and Victoria Peak viewpoints. Taipei presents modern architecture through Taipei 101, traditional night markets, and cultural temples.
Southeast Asian expansion includes Vietnam’s capital Hanoi, showcasing French-colonial architecture and the historic Old Quarter. Cambodia’s Phnom Penh features the Royal Palace, Silver Pagoda, and historical museums.
Thailand receives dual destination coverage. Chiang Mai, the northern cultural center, offers ancient temples and night markets. Southern Krabi provides limestone cliffs, beaches, and water sports opportunities at Railay and Ao Nang.
Indonesian expansion includes Medan, Sumatra’s gateway city. The destination combines colonial architecture with local cuisine, providing access to Lake Toba and Bukit Lawang’s orangutan habitats.
Etihad New Destinations Flight Schedule
| Route | Start Date | Frequency | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Flight Duration | Aircraft |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Abu Dhabi – Atlanta | 2-Jul-25 | Mon, Wed, Fri, Sun | 09:30 | 16:30 | 16h00m | A350 |
| Atlanta – Abu Dhabi | 2-Jul-25 | Mon, Wed, Fri, Sun | 22:00 | 19:30 (+1) | 14h30m | A350 |
| Abu Dhabi – Taipei | 7-Sep-25 | Daily | 21:45 | 09:50 (+1) | 12h05m | 787 |
| Taipei – Abu Dhabi | 8-Sep-25 | Daily | 19:35 | 00:15 (+1) | 11h40m | 787 |
| Abu Dhabi – Medan | 2-Oct-25 | Tue, Thu, Sat | 21:10 | 07:10 (+1) | 10h00m | A321LR |
| Medan – Abu Dhabi | 3-Oct-25 | Wed, Fri, Sun | 09:05 | 13:00 | 6h55m | A321LR |
| Abu Dhabi – Phnom Penh | 3-Oct-25 | Mon, Wed, Thu*, Fri, Sun | 21:10 | 07:20 (+1) | 10h10m | A321LR |
| Phnom Penh – Abu Dhabi | 4-Oct-25 | Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri*, Sat | 08:40 | 13:00 | 7h20m | A321LR |
| Abu Dhabi – Krabi | 9-Oct-25 | Daily | 08:50 | 18:40 | 9h50m | A321LR |
| Krabi – Abu Dhabi | 9-Oct-25 | Daily | 20:40 | 00:30 (+1) | 6h50m | A321LR |
| Abu Dhabi – Tunis | 1-Nov-25 | Tue, Thu, Sat | 02:50 | 06:50 | 7h00m | A321LR |
| Tunis – Abu Dhabi | 1-Nov-25 | Tue, Thu, Sat | 10:20 | 19:10 | 5h50m | A321LR |
| Abu Dhabi – Chiang Mai | 3-Nov-25 | Mon, Wed, Fri, Sun | 21:10 | 05:55 (+1) | 8h45m | A321LR |
| Chiang Mai – Abu Dhabi | 4-Nov-25 | Mon, Tue, Thu, Sat | 08:45 | 13:00 | 7h15m | A321LR |
| Abu Dhabi – Hanoi | 3-Nov-25 | Daily | 08:50 | 18:10 | 9h20m | A321LR |
| Hanoi – Abu Dhabi | 3-Nov-25 | Daily | 19:25 | 00:30 (+1) | 8h05m | A321LR |
| Abu Dhabi – Hong Kong | 3-Nov-25 | Daily except Tue, Sat | 21:45 | 08:40 (+1) | 10h55m | 787 |
| Hong Kong – Abu Dhabi | 4-Nov-25 | Daily except Wed, Sun | 19:25 | 00:15 (+1) | 9h50m | 787 |
| Abu Dhabi – Algiers | 7-Nov-25 | Mon, Wed, Fri, Sun | 02:50 | 07:40 | 7h50m | A321LR |
| Algiers – Abu Dhabi | 7-Nov-25 | Mon, Wed, Fri, Sun | 09:40 | 19:10 | 6h30m | A321LR |
Notes:
- The times shown are local to each airport
- (+1) indicates arrival the next day
- * indicates specific day variations in the schedule
- Flight durations are calculated based on local times and may be affected by timezone differences
Feature Image by Clément Alloing | Flickr
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